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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in South Korea
South Korea
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
South Korea
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
South Korea
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
South Korea
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in South Korea?
South Korea, a land of dynamic cities, ancient temples, and breathtaking natural landscapes, offers a unique travel experience. While the country boasts an efficient public transportation system, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore its hidden gems. Discover why a car rental is the ideal way to experience South Korea.
Unmatched Freedom & Flexibility. Escape the constraints of public transport schedules and venture off the beaten path. A rental car allows you to explore at your own pace, discovering hidden villages, scenic coastal routes, and remote mountain temples.
Access to Remote Locations. South Korea's most stunning locations, such as the mountainous regions of Gangwon-do or the serene islands of Jeju-do, are best accessed by car. Public transport may be limited in these areas, making a rental car essential for an immersive experience.
Comfort & Convenience. Enjoy the comfort of travelling in your own private space, especially beneficial for families or groups. A rental car eliminates the hassle of navigating public transport with luggage, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable journey.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, renting a car can often be more economical than purchasing multiple train or bus tickets. Splitting fuel costs and parking fees makes road trips a budget-friendly option.
Driving in South Korea: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50-60 km/h (31-37 mph)
Languages
Korean
Average petrol price
₩1600 per litre (approximately €1.15 or $1.25)
Speed limit outside the city
80-100 km/h (50-62 mph)
Currency
South Korean Won (₩)
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.03%
Score
8.5/10
Dialling Code
+82
Driving in South Korea can be a rewarding experience, but understanding local rules and regulations is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip. Here's what you need to know before hitting the road.
1. General Driving Rules Always drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
- Traffic Laws
- Safety
2. Speed Limits Speed limits vary depending on the type of road and location. Pay attention to posted signs.
- Urban Areas
- Highways
3. Parking Parking regulations are strictly enforced. Look for designated parking areas and avoid parking in prohibited zones.
- Designated Areas
- Fines
4. Toll Roads Many highways in South Korea are toll roads. You can pay with cash or use a T-money card.
- Payment Methods
- T-money Card
5. Expressways Expressways typically have higher speed limits and require tolls. They provide efficient transportation between cities.
- Speed
- Efficiency
Top drives in South Korea:
South Korea offers a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal roads to mountainous terrains, making it ideal for road trips.
Discover the beauty of the country by exploring its scenic routes by car.
Car Rental Prices in South Korea – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $30 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $20 / €18
Executive:
from £35 / $45 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $55 / €50
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in South Korea
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (July to August, October): Prices start at approximately £50-£60 / $63-$75 / €61-€73 per day. Increased demand due to summer vacations and autumn foliage viewing.
Low season (January to March): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €37 per day. Lower demand due to colder weather and fewer tourists.
Shoulder season (April to June, September to November): Prices range from £40-£50 / $50-$63 / €49-€61 per day. Moderate demand with pleasant weather and various festivals.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in South Korea
Renting a car in South Korea offers unparalleled freedom to explore the country, but it's essential to manage costs effectively. Here are some tips to save money on your car rental.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Car rental prices tend to increase closer to the pick-up date. Booking well in advance ensures you get better rates and a wider choice of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Use online comparison platforms to find the most affordable car rental options. Look for discounts offered by rental companies for early bookings, long-term rentals, or partnerships with travel programmes.
3. Choose a Smaller Car.: Opting for a compact or economy car can significantly reduce fuel consumption and rental costs. Smaller cars are also easier to navigate in urban areas.
4. Decline Unnecessary Insurance.: Assess your existing insurance coverage to avoid purchasing redundant insurance options from the rental company. Check if your credit card or travel insurance already provides adequate coverage.
5. Avoid Airport Rentals.: Renting a car at the airport can often be more expensive due to convenience fees. Consider renting from an off-airport location, which may offer lower rates.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Rental companies often charge exorbitant rates for refuelling. Always fill up the petrol tank before returning the car to avoid these charges.
7. Check for Toll Road Passes.: If you plan to use toll roads frequently, enquire about toll road passes offered by the rental company. This can be more cost-effective than paying individual tolls.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in South Korea?
Renting a car in South Korea is generally straightforward, but it's essential to meet certain requirements before you can drive off. Here’s what you'll need:
Valid Driver's Licence. You'll need a valid driver's licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your licence is not in English or Korean.
Passport. A valid passport is required for identification purposes.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the primary driver's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some rental companies may accept debit cards, but credit cards are generally preferred.
Minimum Age. The minimum age to rent a car in South Korea is typically 21 years old. Some companies may have higher age restrictions or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
Car Rental Voucher. If you've booked your car rental online, bring a printed or digital copy of your car rental voucher.
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This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as South Korea as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, yeah.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 16.03.2025
South Korea was a fantastic spontaneous weekend trip! Having a car made exploring so easy, and the countryside was stunning. I'll definitely be back.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 10.12.2024
South Korea's beauty unfolded effortlessly during our road trip. Having a car was perfect!
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 09.10.2024
Pretty good, actually.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 04.04.2025
Exploring South Korea by car was fantastic! So convenient, and the landscapes were stunning.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Kai Lee
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Such a whirlwind weekend in South Korea! Getting around was easy, but the food portions were surprisingly small.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 15.03.2025
Absolutely loved exploring South Korea! Driving made it so easy to see everything, and I'd happily go back.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Cruising through South Korea was amazing! The scenery was breathtaking, and having a car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 24.09.2024