Obtaining a Korean Driver's License
in Areas I, II and III

The LostNomad.org web site (which has since closed down) has provided important information to those retirees (and others) who work as contractors. "For my readers who are contractors here in Korea, you probably know by now that we're all required to get a Korean driver's license — something that has always been a requirement but is only now being enforced. My wife and I went up to Suwon today to get mine and I have to say that it was a relatively painless process. BUT: If and when you go, be sure to take a Korean or someone fluent in reading and writing Korean with you to both help you find the driver's license office and to help you fill out the paperwork."

For those living in Areas I and II, instructions from a Yongsan area retiree are provided as follows: "I went to the DMV by using the subway, line 4, and taking it to the World Cup Stadium stop. Go to exit no. 2 when going out the exit turn to your left and go up the escalator. At the top of the escalator turn to your left again and cross the walk bridge. When you reach the road on the other side of the walk bridge you will see a bus stop. Get on the local bus No. 8, this bus will take you to the DMV. The DMV is about 2 kilometers down the road, you will pass some new apartment construction on your right and the bus will turn right just past this construction and stop, you're there."

For those living in Area III, driving instructions are provided by Lost Nomad as follows: "Get off the expressway in Suwon and take the Singal exit when you get to the tollgate; get into one of the lanes toward the right because you'll need to make a right turn as soon as you exit the tollgate. Once you make the right turn, make your way over to the left lane and about 1/2 a mile down, you'll come to an intersection that has 2 left-turn lanes, and there'll be a big green sign. The sign has in English "Everland" pointing to the right, and there's also a big brown sign on the right of the road pointing to Everland. If I remember right, there's also a Lotteria on the far left corner but don't hold me to that. Make a left turn there, and continue on for about 2 kilometers. You'll go under an over pass and start going up a hill. About halfway up the hill, there'll be an intersection with a sign pointing to the left for the driver's license place (in English). Make the left and you're there...find a place to park and head into the large 2-story building to the right and you'll see the International desk."

Updated 03-16-08 I'm sorry to report that the more detailed LostNomad web site information was not retained after the site closed down.