Can I drive in South Korea with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “To drive, you'll need either: a valid local licence, or; an International Driver's Permit (IDP) and a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)” (Smartraveller advice for South Korea, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for South Korea: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
To drive, you'll need either:
- a valid local licence, or
- an International Driver's Permit (IDP) and a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
You need a South Korean driver's licence to drive if you intend to stay in South Korea for 90 days or more.
You will need a certified copy of your Australian licence to apply for a South Korean driver's licence.
When issuing you with a South Korean driver's licence, the local authorities will generally ask to keep your Australian driver's licence. They will return your Australian licence in exchange for your Korean driver's licence before you depart South Korea.
Holders of South Korean driver's licences should be aware that they can be fined for not renewing their licences before the expiry date, even if they do not intend to drive. Foreigners intending to be absent for long periods beyond the expiry date should consider officially surrendering their licences or face fines on return.
Source: Smartraveller: South Korea (Republic of Korea), page updated 12 October 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in South Korea
IDP needed in South Korea: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with an Australian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in South Korea? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
Compare car hire in South Korea
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Other licences in South Korea
| Licence | In South Korea | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to South Korea
- British passport: South Korea entry requirements
- Canadian passport: South Korea
- Australian passport: South Korea
- Italian citizens: Corea del Sud
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for South Korea with an Australian driver's licence?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “To drive, you'll need either: a valid local licence, or; an International Driver's Permit (IDP) and a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)” (Smartraveller advice for South Korea, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in South Korea with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “To drive, you'll need either: a valid local licence, or; an International Driver's Permit (IDP) and a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)”
Which international driving permit do I need for South Korea?
The Smartraveller advice for South Korea does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
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