Renting a car in Korea: EVERYTHING you need to know!
Requirements:
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Essential for foreign drivers.
- Passport: For identification purposes.
- Credit Card: For payment and deposit.
- Age: Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and have one year of driving experience.
Car Rental Service:
https://www.koreaetour.com/product/car-rental-service/
Car type: Kia K5
Price: $200/day
Capacity: 5 PAX (For more than 6 PAX, please contact us by email.)
This service allows you to tour on your own with a comfortable car.
Understanding Korean traffic signs:
Korean traffic signs are quite similar to those in many Western countries, with a few exceptions:
- Regulatory signs: Typically circular with red borders indicating prohibitions (e.g., speed limits, no U-turn).
- Warning signs: Usually triangular with red borders, warning about potential hazards (e.g., curves, pedestrian crossings).
- Guide signs: Rectangular and blue or green, providing directions and distances.
- Information signs: Often rectangular and blue, providing useful information like road conditions.
Navigation:
- GPS systems: Most rental cars come with a GPS system. You can switch the language to English.
- Mobile apps: Google Maps is useful, but Naver Map and KakaoMap are more accurate and widely used locally.
- Destination input: Enter destinations using Korean addresses or phone numbers for better accuracy.
Fueling your car:
- Types of fuel: Gasoline (휘발유), Diesel (경유), and LPG.
- Self-service stations: Increasingly common, follow instructions on the screen which often have an English option.
- Full-service stations: Attendants will fill up for you.
- Payment: Most stations accept cash, credit cards, and sometimes mobile payments.
Hi-Pass system (Electronic toll collection):
- Hi-Pass device: Available in most rental cars. It automatically deducts toll fees.
- Charging: Make sure the device is charged with sufficient balance. Rental companies usually provide this service.
- Manual toll payment: If you don’t have Hi-Pass, use cash or card at toll gates.
Tolls:
- Expressways: Most major highways in Korea are toll roads.
- Payment methods: Hi-Pass for automated tolls or manual payment with cash/card.
- Toll booths: Clearly marked with separate lanes for Hi-Pass users and cash/card payments.
Parking:
- Types of parking: Public parking lots:
Found near tourist attractions, shopping centers, and train stations.
Street parking: Available but often limited. Look for marked spaces and ensure you pay at the nearby parking meter.
Underground oarking: Common in urban areas and malls.
- Payment: Varies from hourly to daily rates. Pay at automated machines or to attendants. Credit cards and cash are generally accepted.
- Parking apps: Apps like iParking and Park Here can help you find available parking spaces and rates.
Driving Tips:
- Speed limits: Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph) Residential areas: 30 km/h (19 mph) Highways: 100-110 km/h (62-68 mph) Expressways: 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph)
- Traffic lights: Follow the standard red, yellow, and green lights. Be cautious of flashing lights indicating different rules.
- Pedestrian crossings: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Driving in South Korea can be a delightful experience if you are well-prepared. By understanding the local traffic rules, using reliable navigation tools, and being aware of toll and parking systems, you can explore this beautiful country comfortably and conveniently. Safe travels!