China licence South Korea

Driving in South Korea with a China license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in South Korea on an China licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your China licence. South Korea expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisSouth Korea recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental desk1949 Geneva IDP required at all rental desks.

CarryCarry BOTH your China national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1949 Geneva Convention

Get my IDP for South Korea Full South Korea guide

Mainland China is not party to the IDP conventions, so Chinese drivers typically obtain a temporary local licence in the destination country. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in South Korea

Extensive speed and red-light camera network.
0.03% alcohol limit; licence revoked above 0.08%.
Bus lanes restricted during set hours.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in South Korea with a China license?

Yes — to drive in South Korea on an China licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your China licence. South Korea expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

What IDP format does South Korea accept?

South Korea recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my China license?

Carry BOTH your China national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.