Cross-border route
South Korea North Korea
South Korea 
North KoreaDriving across the border
Yes — you can drive from South Korea into North Korea, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. An IDP is recommended in North Korea and required if your licence is not in the Roman alphabet, in the Local rules format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.
Last reviewed June 2026
Route at a glance
FromSouth Korea
ToNorth Korea
IDP in North KoreaRecommended
Accepted formatLocal rules
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in North KoreaKPW
South Korea → North Korea
Crossing the border
South Korea and North Korea share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.
Driving rules in North Korea
- Drive on the right (not applicable to tourists).
- Independent driving is prohibited.
- All movement is guided.
- Roads outside Pyongyang are sparse.
Common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from South Korea to North Korea?
An IDP is strongly recommended for North Korea and required if your national licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. North Korea recognises the Local rules format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between South Korea and North Korea?
No. Both South Korea and North Korea drive on the right.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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