Can I drive in South Korea with a Canadian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. The Government of Canada says: “You must carry an International Driving Permit or a South Korean driver’s licence.” (Government of Canada travel advice for South Korea, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 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
Government of Canada travel advice for South Korea: “Laws and culture” › “Driving”
You must carry an International Driving Permit or a South Korean driver’s licence.
Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. If the police suspect you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver’s licence on the spot. If you’re convicted, you can expect heavy fines and a jail sentence.
Source: travel.gc.ca: South Korea, page updated 15 October 2026, checked on 28 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
The Government of Canada says:
Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.
The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.
Your IDP will only allow you to operate a vehicle in the same class as your Canadian driver’s licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca, International Driving Permit, page modified 28 May 2026, checked on 28 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 a Canadian 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 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 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 a Canadian driver's licence?
Yes. The Government of Canada says: “You must carry an International Driving Permit or a South Korean driver’s licence.” (Government of Canada travel advice for South Korea, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in South Korea with my Canadian licence?
The Government of Canada says: “You must carry an International Driving Permit or a South Korean driver’s licence.”
Which international driving permit do I need for South Korea?
The Government of Canada 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 Canada?
The Government of Canada says: “Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.” “The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of the Government of Canada, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
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