Can a South Korean Drive in Finland on a Korean Licence? — IDP Advised, and Winter Is the Real Test

Finland is one of the most relaxing countries in Europe to drive — orderly traffic, quiet roads and excellent surfaces — but for a South Korean visitor the season makes all the difference. Summer is effortless; winter rewards a little planning. The licence part is the easy bit.

The verdict for a South Korean licence holder

You can drive in Finland on your Korean licence, and an International Driving Permit is recommended to carry with it. Finland accepts the IDP as a recognised translation, which keeps rental desks and any police stop straightforward; carry Korean licence, IDP and passport together. Your licence is valid for stays of up to 12 months, comfortably covering any normal trip. Sort the IDP before you fly — you cannot get one in Finland.

Helpfully, Finland drives on the right, the same as South Korea, so there is no side switch to relearn.

The rule a Korean driver must not miss: winter tyres

This is the one that genuinely differs from home. In the cold months winter tyres are mandatory in Finland — a season-long legal requirement, not a suggestion. Any car you rent in winter will already be fitted with them, but if you bring or borrow a vehicle, this is non-negotiable. Beyond the tyres, daylight is short and surfaces can be icy, so leave extra distance and slow right down on untreated rural roads.

Speeds, alcohol and the wildlife

Town limits are 50 km/h, rural roads 80 km/h and motorways up to 120 km/h — slightly faster than the Korean 110, so set your cruise accordingly. Speed cameras are widespread, fixed and mobile, and a typical missing-equipment or minor penalty runs around EUR 200. The alcohol limit is 0.05, a little above Korea’s 0.03 but strictly enforced, so keep it at zero.

The genuinely Finnish hazard is wildlife: reindeer in the north and elk further south wander onto roads, especially at dawn and dusk, and an elk collision is serious. Watch the verges and brake early. Fuel is pricey at around $1.98 a litre, and the emergency number is 112.

Read the wider rules on our Finland driving guide, confirm your paperwork with the Driving Permit Checker, and estimate any penalty with the Speeding Fine Calculator.