Driving in Korea offers a level of freedom that public transport can’t always provide—especially if you’re planning weekend trips to Jeju Island or the hidden mountains of Gangwon-do. But did you know you don't necessarily have to take a driving test from scratch? If you hold a valid driver’s license from your home country, you can often exchange it for a Korean Class 2 Ordinary License. Here is everything you need to know about the process, requirements, and the "Recognized Countries" list. 1. Can You Exchange Your License? (Recognized vs. Non-Recognized) The difficulty of the exchange depends on whether your home country’s license is "Recognized" (Acknowledged) by the Korean government. Recognized Countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Germany, etc.): You can exchange your license by submitting documents and passing a simple Physical Examination (eyesight/hearing). No written or driving test is required! Non-Recognized Countries: You must pass a Written Exam ...
I am a professional with over 3 years of experience working in South Korea. I created this blog to provide practical and reliable information for expats navigating the Korean workplace.