Can I use an international driver's license in Korea ?
Can I use an international driver's license in Korea ?
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Not long ago, Mr. T (C-3), a Mongolian , inquired about using an international driver's license ( hereinafter referred to as international driver's license ) . Mr. T , who came to Korea to purchase used cars in Korea , said that he had received an international driver's license in Mongolia and wanted to know if he could use it in Korea . Accordingly, Korea is a member of the Geneva Convention, but an international license from a Vienna Convention country also allows driving in the country. Therefore, they informed that they could drive with an international license from Mongolia, a Vienna Convention country , and that they must carry their own driver's license and passport together . |
Regarding this case, I will provide more information about international driver's licenses .
Simply put, an international driver's license is a driver's license that can be used when temporarily going abroad . One thing to note is that it cannot be used in just any country , but only within the member countries of the agreement .
Additionally, the validity period of an international driver's license is usually one year from the date of issuance . Therefore, if you want to drive a car while staying abroad for more than one year, you must obtain a driver's license from that country . Also, please note that even if your international driver's license is still valid , it will not be valid after one year after entering the foreign country .
※ Precautions when using an international driver’s license
- The English name on your international driver’s license must match the English name on your passport .
- If you do not have your home country license and passport together, you may be punished for driving without a license .
- Driving with an invalid international license can also be punished as driving without a license .
- If you cause a traffic accident while driving intentionally or through negligence , you may be banned from driving for up to one year .
International driving licenses are not valid during this period .
※ In principle, international driver's licenses are recognized only among member countries that have concluded international conventions ( Geneva Convention , Vienna Convention, etc. ) . Korea is a member of the Geneva Convention . However, since 2002 , Korea has allowed international driving issued by Vienna Convention countries to drive in the country . If you would like to know more about the status of the Geneva Convention countries and the Vienna Convention countries, please click here ☞ .