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Driving in South Korea: A Guide to Rental Cars, IDPs, and Section Cameras

· 2 min read
Kai Miller
Kai Miller
Cultural Explorer & Photographer

While Seoul is connected by an infinite web of subways, the rest of Korea is best explored on four wheels. To reach the coastal drives of Namhae, the mountains of Gangwon-do, or the hidden cafes of Jeju, you need a rental car.

But Korea is not a place where you can "wing it." One wrong document, and you will be turned away at the counter.

Driving in South Korea: A Guide to Rental Cars, IDPs, and Section Cameras

1. The Paperwork: IDP 1949 (Crucial)​

This is where 50% of tourists fail. To rent a car, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • The Rule: It MUST be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
  • The Warning: If your country issues IDPs under the 1968 Vienna Convention (e.g., some European countries), it might not be accepted (though rules are relaxing, stick to 1949 to be safe).
  • The Documents: Bring your Passport, Home License (Physical), IDP (Physical Booklet), and a Credit Card.

2. Booking a Car​

  • The Companies: Stick to Lotte Rent-a-Car or SK Rent-a-Car. They are the largest, provide English GPS, and offer full insurance coverage.
  • Insurance: Always select "Zero Excess" (CDW). Korean parking lots are tight, and scratches happen.

3. Rules of the Road​

  • Right Turn on Red: You can turn right on red, but you MUST COME TO A FULL STOP first. If a pedestrian is crossing, you wait.
  • School Zones: The speed limit is 30km/h. Fines are double. Cameras are everywhere.
  • The Blue Lane: On highways (like the Gyeongbu Expressway), the blue lane is for buses only. Stay out of it from 7 AM to 9 PM.

4. The "Section Enforcement" Camera​

You will see a camera that says "Interval Control" or "Section Enforcement." It doesn't just check your speed at one point. It measures your average speed over a 5km-10km zone. Your GPS will tell you your average speed. Keep it under the limit.

5. Navigation Hacks​

  • Naver Map: Use this. It works with Apple Carplay/Android Auto.
  • Phone Number Search: In the built-in car GPS, enter the phone number of your destination (e.g., "064-123-4567") instead of typing the address. It is faster and more accurate.

Driving in Korea is not chaos; it is a system. Follow the system, and you will see a side of the country that train travelers miss.