South Korea posts 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h rural and 100 km/h on motorways. But check which band you land in — past 20 km/h over it is ₩100,000-130,000 and 30-60 points.
South Korea Speed Limits 2026: 100 km/h, ₩130,000 Fine
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5 min readSouth Korea drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The motorway speed limit is 100 km/h. The general emergency number is 112. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03% BAC. Visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence.
Using a mobile phone behind the wheel in South Korea costs EUR 48 — often more than a speeding fine. The rule covers handling the device even at traffic lights, which surprises many visitors.
Driving Difficulty: South Korea
Aggressive city driving, good motorways, hangeul signage
3.1/5 · Moderate (TyreMap difficulty index)
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South Korea’s speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways (120 where a route is designated), with anything over 3.5 tonnes held to 50/60/80 km/h on those same roads. Go more than 20 km/h over and the fine is ₩100,000-130,000 with 30-60 licence points and a possible suspension; the first band, up to 10 km/h over, is ₩30,000.
Your case: The posted number is the same for everyone, but the tyres under your car are not — studded tyres are restricted here and the legal tread floor is 1.6 mm, so check the South Korean tyre rules before you take a rental into the mountains.
The blood alcohol limit is 0.03% BAC, stricter than most of Europe. You must be at least 18 to drive, and mobile-phone use behind the wheel costs ₩70,000 plus 15 points.
South Korea drives on the right. If you are arriving from Japan (which drives on the left), be especially careful during your first hours on the road.
Emergency Numbers in South Korea
General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112 | Ambulance: 119 | Fire: 119
Save these numbers before you start driving. In South Korea, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in South Korea
The default speed limits for passenger cars in South Korea are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways; designated expressways allow up to 120 km/h.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 60 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.
For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Japan (100 km/h), China (120 km/h).
Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.
Speeding Fines and Penalties
Speeding fines in South Korea escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: KRW 30,000 (approx. EUR 20). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: KRW 60,000-80,000 (approx. EUR 40-55) + 15 points. Over 20 km/h: KRW 100,000-130,000 (approx. EUR 70-90) + 30-60 points + possible licence suspension or more.
Other common fines:
- Mobile phone use while driving: KRW 70,000 (approx. EUR 48) + 15 points
- Running a red light: KRW 60,000 (approx. EUR 42) + 15 points
- Seatbelt violation: KRW 30,000 (approx. EUR 20)
Traffic Rules and Regulations
Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is KRW 70,000 (approx. EUR 48) + 15 points. Use hands-free devices only.
Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.
At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
The legal blood alcohol limit in South Korea is 0.03% BAC. This is higher than China (0.02% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.
The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.
Tyre Requirements and Regulations
Check local requirements for tyre regulations in South Korea. At minimum, tyres must be in good condition and suitable for the road surface.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3.0 mm for adequate grip.
Studded tyres: restricted.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in South Korea guide.
Mandatory Vehicle Equipment
Vehicles in South Korea must carry the following:
Required:
- Warning triangle
Recommended:
- Reflective vest (high-visibility)
Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.
Driving License Requirements
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in South Korea. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 12 months.
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
IDP required (1949 Geneva Convention). Valid for 1 year from entry.
Parking and Fuel
Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.
We do not hold a verified, dated fuel price for South Korea, so check a local price app or the board at the station before you budget.
Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.
Seasonal Driving Conditions
South Korea has seasonal climate with monsoons. Check weather forecasts before long journeys and adjust your driving to conditions. Road surfaces and visibility can change quickly with weather.
Useful Driving Phrases in Korean
Knowing a few phrases in Korean helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest petrol station? | 가장 가까운 주유소가 어디인가요? |
| I need help | 도움이 필요합니다 |
| I had an accident | 사고가 났습니다 |
| Speed limit | 속도 제한 |
Download the Korean language pack in your translation app for offline use.
Practical Driving Tips for South Korea
- Download offline maps of South Korea before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
- Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
- Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.
Speed Limits in South Korea
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural | 60 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Motorway | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
Quick Fine Estimate
How fast were you going in South Korea?
Speeding Fines in South Korea
| Offence | Fine (₩) |
|---|---|
| 1-20 km/h over | ₩30,000-40,000 |
| 21-40 km/h over | ₩60,000-70,000 |
| 41-60 km/h over | ₩100,000-130,000 |
| Over 60 km/h | ₩130,000+ |
Fines may vary by road type and jurisdiction. Always check local regulations.
True Cost of Speeding in South Korea
What a fine really costs including fees
Example: 21-40 km/h over over the limit
Traffic Fines in South Korea
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone use while driving | KRW 70,000 (approx. EUR 48) + 15 points |
| No seatbelt | KRW 30,000 (approx. EUR 20) |
| Running a red light | KRW 60,000 (approx. EUR 42) + 15 points |
| Speeding (1-10 km/h over) | KRW 30,000 (approx. EUR 20) |
| Speeding (11-20 km/h over) | KRW 60,000-80,000 (approx. EUR 40-55) + 15 points |
| Speeding (21-30+ km/h over) | KRW 100,000-130,000 (approx. EUR 70-90) + 30-60 points + possible licence suspension |
Penalties may vary by region and circumstances. Always check current local regulations.
Useful Driving Phrases in Korean
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest petrol station? | 가장 가까운 주유소가 어디인가요? |
| I need help | 도움이 필요합니다 |
| I had an accident | 사고가 났습니다 |
| Speed limit | 속도 제한 |
Mandatory Equipment in South Korea
Licence Requirements for Foreign Drivers
IDP under the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna convention (or a bilaterally recognised licence), valid 1 year from entry (Road Traffic Act art. 96)
Emergency Numbers in South Korea
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in South Korea
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in South Korea
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in South Korea on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
Renting a Car in South Korea?
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Recent changes to this page
- Undated, unsourced fuel price estimate removed.
- Motorway limit corrected: South Korea's expressways default to 100 km/h, with up to 120 only on routes designated for it; the page had said 110.
- Opened with the speed-limit answer readers actually search for and pointed them to the tyre rules that vary by car.
- Title and description tightened to the page's own data (title 50-60, description 140-155 characters).
- Title, description and introduction rewritten from this page's own data (no shared template wording).
- Rewrote the title around the fact the search results page cannot show, based on the queries this page actually receives.
- Rewrote title and description around the verified figure this page carries.
Frequently Asked Questions
In South Korea, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph), rural roads 80 km/h (50 mph), and motorways 100 km/h (62 mph), or up to 120 km/h on designated expressways. Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In South Korea, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
Foreign visitors to South Korea should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of South Korea for the most current requirements.
The general emergency number in South Korea is 112. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Speeding fines in South Korea depend on how much you exceed the limit. Minor violations (1-10 km/h over) may result in fines of ₩30,000-40,000, while serious violations can lead to fines of ₩130,000+ or more, plus potential license points or driving bans.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in South Korea. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines — in South Korea, the fine is KRW 70,000 (approx. EUR 48) + 15 points. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in South Korea, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
The minimum age to drive a car in South Korea is 18 years old. Some categories of vehicles (such as motorcycles or heavy vehicles) may have different age requirements. Novice drivers may face additional restrictions during their first years of driving.
Driving in South Korea is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
A typical speeding fine in South Korea (21-40 km/h over) is officially ₩60,000-70,000. Late payment may add a surcharge of up to 50%. Always pay promptly to avoid escalation.
Key fines in South Korea that catch tourists: mobile phone use while driving (KRW 70,000 (approx. EUR 48) + 15 points), not wearing a seatbelt (KRW 30,000 (approx. EUR 20)). Police in some countries can demand immediate payment from foreign drivers. Always carry local currency or a credit card for potential fines.
For South Korea: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for non-EU licence holders. Your licence is valid for up to 12 months. Always carry your original licence alongside the IDP.
Get Driving Law Updates
Speed limits, fines and tyre laws change frequently. Get monthly updates for the countries you drive in.
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