A Jeju rental reservation is not enough to confirm you can collect the car. Check driving-document rules and the rental company’s conditions before paying, especially if your license was issued outside Korea.
Quick facts
- Short-term tourist visitors may rent with an international driving permit
- VISITKOREA: drivers must be over 21 and have been in Korea for less than one year
- Bring your passport; pay by credit card in the named driver’s own name; some companies also want your home licence
- Permit class B covers vehicles of nine seats or fewer; class D covers 11–12 seats
- Google Maps driving navigation does not work in Korea — use Naver Map or Kakao Map
- Last checked: October 25, 2026
Sources checked October 10, 2026. Eligibility depends on applicable rules and the rental company.
Check the international permit requirement
VISITKOREA’s driving guide says short-term tourist visitors may rent a car with an international driving permit, subject to age and stay conditions. Its general guidance says drivers must be over 21 and have been in Korea for less than one year. Verify current wording and your provider’s exact document and vehicle-class requirements.
The guide also says to present a passport or alien registration card; some companies require the home-country driver’s licence, and payment must be by credit card in the named driver’s own name. Before paying, ask your chosen company to confirm original documents, permit vehicle class, minimum driving experience, age rules for your car, accepted card, and insurance/excess in writing.
The permit class matters: VISITKOREA lists class B for vehicles of nine seats or fewer and class D for 11–12 seats. If your group needs a large van, check that your permit covers it before booking.
Navigation and insurance
Google Maps driving navigation does not work in Korea, according to VISITKOREA; use Naver Map (English available) or Kakao Map. Rental prices typically include cover for injuries and third-party property, while damage to the rental car itself may be included or sold as an option. Ask which applies and what the excess is.
Ask the rental company
- Does it accept the permit issued in your country, and must you show the original?
- Which license class and driving experience are required?
- What passport, payment card, and booking-name match is required?
- What insurance, excess, and exclusions apply?
- What are pickup, return, fuel, and late-return rules?
Compare driving with a bus plan
A car can help with scattered or remote stops. If your route follows the coast and a few towns, buses and taxis may work. Compare rental, fuel, parking, insurance, and pickup time with your itinerary. See our Jeju first-visit guide.
Get written confirmation from your rental company before traveling. This article does not guarantee a booking will be accepted.
Official source: VISITKOREA, Driving in Korea (last updated October 2, 2025). Checked October 25, 2026. Individual rental-company policies were not tested.