Driving licence check · GBR → KOR
Can you drive in South Korea with a British licence?
Yes, with an IDP — carry a 1949 permit alongside your British licence in South Korea.
South Korea recognizes foreign drivers under the Geneva Convention (1949): your licence plus a 1949 international driving permit (issued at home, typically same-day) is the treaty-backed combination.
Local exception
South Korea accepts the 1949 IDP for up to one year. Some foreign licences can be exchanged; driving without IDP or Korean licence is not permitted.
What to carry
- Your national driving licence (physical card)
- International driving permit, 1949 type
- Passport / entry stamp (rental companies ask)
Common questions
Do I need an international driving permit (IDP) in South Korea?
Yes — carry the 1949 IDP alongside your British licence. It is issued in your home country, usually same-day.
How long can I drive in South Korea as a visitor?
Visit validity is typically limited (commonly 3–12 months) and always ends when you become a resident — residence triggers local exchange or testing rules.
Does this apply to rentals?
Rental companies apply their own paperwork on top of the law and frequently ask for an IDP plus a passport — bring both.
Sources
Other licences in South Korea
Type case, not legal advice: rules change and enforcement varies. Verify with the local transport authority or your embassy before driving. Treaty facts are curated from the UN treaty register and re-verified twice a year. — Fiatmap