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Writer's pictureZion Lee

How to get a driver’s license as a foreigner in Korea (#4 GETTING THE LICENSE)


I DID IT!!!! I GOT MY KOREAN DRIVER'S LICENSE!!!! Here's a quick run-down of the cost of the whole process (운전면허 비용 정리):

  1. Health (vision) Check ₩6,000

  2. Written Test ₩10,000

  3. Course Driving Test ₩22,000

  4. Temporary License ₩4,000

  5. On-road Driving Test ₩25,000

  6. License (differs based on the different options -- english ver, mobile, etc) ₩10,000

TOTAL: ₩77,000 *Driving Academy ₩110,000 + ₩30,000 = ₩140,000 I spent in total ₩217,000 for my Korean driver's license, which is about $164 USD!!


 

Last time in Part 3 (the on-road driving test), I wasn't able to get my actual license because I didn't have the picture I wanted for the card. I had scheduled a family picture for a week after my test so I waited until the photoshoot..


ALL PROFESSIONAL PICTURES SHOULD BE TAKEN AT THIS STUDIO THAT I WENT TO:


 

FINAL STEP OF GETTING YOUR LICENSE:

At this point you know the drill -- visit the second floor but this time you have to wait!! So get your number from the cute lil' machine and wait 1.5hrs like me :)

You need:

-Your ID

-A picture (3.5cm x 4.5cm) taken within the past 6 months

-Your application

Just hand them everything and they'll confirm with you whether you want:

-English version on the back for international use (attaching a picture so you can see which countries you can use the license in!!)

-Mobile version (apparently doesn't work well with foreigners tho :/


And then you wait again!

It only takes about 10~ish minutes and they'll call you to give you your license :)

I felt like I was hearing *drumroll* and my heart was so 두근두근 the whole time LOL


 

TA-DA


I DON'T HAVE TO COME BACK HERE FOR A WHILE NOW

THANK GOD

THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME ON THIS JOURNEY :)


Comment below and follow for more random things I'll do in my motherland that won't print my Korean name on IDs because I've switched to an American citizenship!! :D


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