South Korea Car Hire

Budget-Friendly Car Hire in South Korea

Enjoy Travel offers budget-friendly, low-cost car hire for when you’d rather drive than have to rely on public transport. Being able to explore the wonders that South Korea offers by car is one of the best ways to explore the country. It is imperative to be well-organised with car hire in South Korea, especially during the peak travel seasons (March to May and September to November), when lots of tourists flock to the country to see the cherry blossom in the spring and the cultural festivals in the autumn.

Securing the Best Deals

We recommend booking car hire in South Korea at least one month in advance to secure the very best deals.

Understanding South Korea’s Driving Regulations

Rules of the Road for Renters

● Drivers must be at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience before being eligible to hire a car in South Korea.
● Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle when it is in motion, and the driver is held responsible for this.
● Drive on the right and overtake on the left. This is the opposite of the UK, but the same as the majority of Europe and the US.
● Pedestrians have the right of way at road crossings, and you must give way to them.
● Drivers will need an International Driving Permit to be used in conjunction with their international driving licence.
● Speed limits are displayed in km/h (kilometres per hour), not mph (miles per hour).
● The legal limit for alcohol while driving in South Korea is 0.03%, less than half of that in England. South Korea has very strict laws against drink driving, so it is best not to drive at all after you have had any alcohol, no matter how little.

Parking in South Korea: A Guide

Parking in South Korea can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. There are generally designated zones and a few rules which should be followed. All of these will be explained below.

Finding Convenient Parking Spots in South Korea

The majority of tourist attractions and supermarkets have dedicated car parks. However, on-street parking is more common in residential areas, and these parking zones are marked with diagonal white lines on the side of the road. You can park here without a permit most of the time. In most urban areas, you will need to pay to park. This can be done via an on-street machine (which accepts cash or cards) or via specific parking apps on your smartphone.

Top Attractions in South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace: A former royal palace in Seoul, built in 1395 under the Joseon Dynasty. This can be visited, and you can learn all about the royal, dynastic and cultural history of South Korea.

DMZ Tour: Mainly operating from Seoul and other nearby towns, tourists can partake in a DMZ tour, where they can visit the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone), which forms the border between South Korea and North Korea. You can learn about the history of the two nations and the ongoing conflict between them.

Gyeongju: Around 30 minutes from Busan is Gyeongju, known as “the museum without walls”. This complex is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bulguska Temple and Yangdong Village, and is a great place to visit to escape the bustling cities.

Discovering South Korea’s Highlights

Where you choose to stay in the country generally depends on which attractions you can see during your visit. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a good place to stay because there is so much going on there, although Busan and Daegu are also excellent places where you can experience a more authentic South Korean culture. Either way, if you opt to hire a car, it is possible to visit many more places than if you have to rely on public transport.

Transport Options in South Korea

Metro Services: Quick and Extensive Coverage

All of South Korea’s major cities have extensive metro networks. These are a great way to get around the city without being stuck on the roads in rush hour traffic.

Buses: An Extensive Network Across the Country

The bus network in South Korea is ideal if you plan on staying in a rural town or village, as they are almost all connected to the country’s major cities. The bus can be a good way to get around if you don’t want to drive.

Trams: Scenic Routes and Historic Charm

Trams were once the most common form of public transport in South Korea, and while they have largely disappeared in cities like Seoul and Busan, they are still common in other smaller cities and large towns.

Taxis: Convenient for Direct Routes

Taxis are available in all South Korean cities and offer a convenient way to get around. They are especially ideal for direct routes to places such as popular tourist attractions and airports.

Best Day Trips from Seoul

The DMZ: Reaching the Demilitarised Zone and seeing the border between South Korea and North Korea is a truly humbling experience. You can learn about the history of the two nations and garner a better understanding of both countries and their cultures.

Nami Island: A beautiful natural island just a short boat ride away from Seoul. Escape the bustling city centre and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of Nami Island, perfect for a day of photography and nature-themed activities.

Everland: For those into extreme activities, pay a visit to Everland, South Korea’s largest theme park, which isn’t very far from Seoul. Experience thrilling rollercoasters for an adrenaline-fuelled day full of fun and laughter.

Planning Your Adventure

The roads in South Korea can be very busy, especially in the major cities during rush hour. Plan your route in advance by using a sat-nav or a GPS on your smartphone, such as Apple Maps or Google Maps.

Optimal Driving Times in South Korea

Avoiding Congestion and Maximising Enjoyment

In the major cities, rush hour falls between 07:30 and 09:30 and 17:00 and 20:00 during the week. Avoid driving at these times for a better experience of driving in South Korea.

Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in South Korea

Pros: Advantages of Personal Mobility

Travelling around South Korea by car is the best way to see the country. Not only do you not have to worry about missing the bus or not having enough room even to stand on a crowded subway train, but you have the flexibility to go and explore areas much further afield that may not have been possible without your own personal form of transport.

Cons: Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Car

Of course, hiring a car in South Korea isn’t for everyone. City centre roads are known for being very busy, and if you’re not comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road in a busy city, this can be quite overwhelming. There are plenty of public transport options, as well as taxis in major cities that are generally reliable. You also save money on fuel if you opt not to hire a car.

Variety of Rental Vehicles in South Korea

There are lots of vehicles available for hire in South Korea, ranging from small and compact cars such as the Kia Ray and Hyundai Avante to larger cars like the Hyundai Grandeur and Hyundai Palisade.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

Partnering with South Korea’s Premier Car Hire Providers

Enjoy Travel provides reliable and low-cost vehicles from reputable suppliers in South Korea, including Alamo, Avis and Enterprise.

Selecting a Reputable Company

Check out car rental companies online, and pay particular attention to their customer reviews. Those with more positive reviews will likely be a more reliable company. Additionally, make sure that they align with your needs and values.