Officially named the Republic of Korea, South Korea is a country located in East Asia, occupying the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It shares a land border with North Korea to the north and is surrounded by the Yellow Sea to the west, the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east, and the Korea Strait to the south. The country is known for its mountainous terrain, scenic coastlines, and four distinct seasons, as well as having a highly developed economy and is a global leader in technology, electronics, automobiles, and entertainment, including K-pop and Korean cinema. Its culture blends deep-rooted traditions, such as Confucianism, with modern urban lifestyles. The nation is democratic, with a President as the head of state.
Its capital, Seoul, is the largest city in the county. Located in the northwest – near the border with North Korea, the city is a vibrant metropolis and a major economic, political, and cultural hub, renowned for its mix of cutting-edge skyscrapers, high-tech infrastructure, and historic palaces, temples, and traditional neighbourhoods. Seoul is also a global centre for technology, business, fashion, and entertainment, and it has an extensive public transportation system, including one of the world’s busiest subway networks, and serves as a gateway to South Korea’s rich cultural heritage and modern innovation.
UTC+9.
Typhoons, heavy rains, flooding, landslides (especially in summer monsoon season), earthquakes, tsunamis, and occasional snowstorms and forest fires.
For traffic violations;
South Korea uses a demerit point system for traffic violations. If a driver gains 40 points or more, their licence can get suspended, with the duration depending on the severity and frequency of offences, and possible requirements to appear at a police station or to take safety courses. Even tourists with foreign licences can have points recorded, which can affect your ability to drive or rent vehicles.
Other offences to keep in mind are:
The official language of South Korea is Korean, along with the Korean Sign Language, but English (or 'Konglish'), Mandarin and Japanese are also spoken.
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and most main road signs include Korean and English. The minimum driving age is 18, but the minimum renting age is 21 (with at least one year of have held a valid licence), though some rental companies would require 25+ drivers or charge a 'young driver fee', and would apply surcharges to drivers at least 65 years old. UK drivers do need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally in South Korea, along with a valid UK licence.
South Korea has excellent road infrastructure, with highways and expressways being modern, smooth, and well-maintained. Urban roads are generally high quality, though can be narrow in local neighbourhoods and congestion can be heavy at peak hours. And rural roads re generally good, but may be narrower, more windy, and have poorer visibility during rain/foggy seasons, and at night (poor lighting).
Urban parking can be limited and pricey in South Korea. So, use designated lots or garages, and avoid illegal parking. Also, the country has many toll expressways that generally uses a electric toll system called Hi-Pass. It allows drivers to pass through toll gates without stopping. Most rental cars might have it installed; otherwise you can pay tolls manually at booths (cash or card).
South Korean stations generally offer petrol (휘발유), diesel (경유) and EV charging (전기차 충전). Most stations are self-service (셀프), but others are full-service (일반) — though can be more expensive than self. Most stations accept card, but all typically accept cash. And lastly, stations are widespread including on highways, with rural roads sometimes having fewer stations. So, it is recommended to top-up before long drives.
Limits can vary — always follow posted signs.
BAC limit: 0.03%.
Mandatory for all passengers.
Children under are legally required to use an approved child safety seat.