FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

***UPDATE: all 50cc scooters must have license plates AND insurance by July 1st.  I initially thought only license plates were required but insurance is now also required.  Again, failure to do so is a 500,000 won fine.

 

Since I'm on my fourth motorcycle now in Korea, I was hoping this topic could help some of you out concerning scooters and/or motorcycles in Korea.  This is up to date as of March/April, 2012.

I am fluent in Korean so all information is accurate and comes from the Korean Department of Motor Vehicles.  I've kind of gotten annoyed of other foreigners telling me what you can and can't do so I thought this thread could help some people.  So whatever you're hearing from other foreigners contrary to this thread, is wrong.

 

Q: I heard that under 50cc/100cc scooters don't require a Korean license?

A: A Korean license is required for ALL two wheeled vehicles exceeding 25km/h which includes 50cc scooters.  So yes, you do need a Korean driver's license to legally operate a 50cc scooter.  Failure to do so is a 1,000,000 fine and a one year suspension of operating a motor vehicle in Korea.

 

Q: Do I need to wear a helmet?

A: Yes, I've been pulled over (that's right, I got pulled over!) for not wearing one once.  He saw whitey spoke no Korean (so he thought) and he let me go.  40,000 won fine for those who don't AND they will check to see if you have a license.

 

Q: I heard that a 50cc scooter doesn't need to be registerd or insurance is not needed.

A: Insurance will be needed!  Starting Jan 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012, all 50cc scooters must be registered at your 구청 (district office).  These 50cc scooters will also require license plates.  All those who fail to do this by July 1 will be fined 500,000 won. 

It will now be easy for police to spot you as ALL scooters will have license plates.  Before it was tough to judge which bikes were over 50cc so they just didn't bother.  Please see the photo attached below for information.

 

Q: Ok.  So I would like to legally ride a scooter/motorcycle in Korea, what steps should I take?

A:

1. You need to get your Korean driver's license.  For Canadians this is as simple as swapping your home license out for a Korean one.  For Americans, you must visit the Embassy post to receive a stamp(apostille) showing your license from home to be valid (50,000 won).  Then take this form to the DMV where you swap this form and your home license for a valid Korean one.  Brits/Aussies/etc. I don't know how it works for you guys, but I'm sure you can find it on google.

2. After obtaining your license, make sure your scooter comes with all appropriate papers to transfer ownership.  50cc and under may not have papers, which is OK.  Anything above 50cc needs papers to register.  If the seller does not provide these, it means the bike is either stolen, was in an accident or could have simply been lost.  Either way, you need the papers.

NOTE:  If you buy a NEW bike or one that was never registered, you must pay 2% tax on the original cost of the bike.  So, although I bought a used bike, it was never registered by the original owner (cuz he was too cheap to pay tax) so I had to pay 2% on the cost (2.8 million).  I lied and said it was only worth 1 million new.  They have no idea about what bike is worth what new so they accepted it and I paid 20,000 for the tax.  Your results may vary.

3.  Get an insurance quote for your bike.  This can be done at any scooter/motorcycle shop. My 125cc 2008 Daelim costs me 294,000 won per year (the days of 100,000 won per year are over as motorcycle accidents/deaths are at an all time high).  This covers medical and auto for whoever I hit as well as myself.  If you do not have this and you hit someone J walking or someone hits you, regardless of if its your fault or not, you will pay.  It's the same back home and it's the same in Korea.  Don't be foolish to think if it's not your fault, you're off free.  Purchase insurance! 

4. After you pick your insurance plan,take your insurance certificate and bike registration papers to your district office.  Here they will ready your documents (3,000 won) and issue you your license plate (4,900 won).  Takes about 45 minutes.

5. Get a bike shop (the one you got the insurance from) to install the license plate and keep your registration papers with you at all times. 

6. Have fun riding.

 

Summary:

Get License > Buy scooter/bike WITH papers > Purchase insurance > Take bike papers and insurance certificate to your district office > Receive license plate and new ownership papers

(for 50cc you don't need the papers, but they're nice to have)

 

Q: I have a friend who has a bike and he never registered it nor has a valid Korean license and he said it's a waste of time and money to get that stuff done.

A: Ok, well I have a friend who did that and hit an adjumma illegally J-walking.  He paid her 2,000,000 won and can now never drive in Korea.  I also had a friend T-Bone an EQUUS of which is was not his fault either.  He paid 8,000,000 in car damages.  So make your own educated decision.

 

Q: I want a motorcycle above 125cc.  Is it the same process?

A: No, anything above 125cc requires a Korean MOTORCYCLE license.  Anything below 125cc just requires a regular driver's license.  Also, to get a motorcycle license in Korea, you must take xx hours of classes as well as pass a written and driving test.  I've heard the course is pretty easy but taking the classes is a pain since it's time consuming and costs a few hundred thousand won. 

 

 

So please, do the right thing.  I'm getting tired of foreigners not taking responsibility for their actions.  The foreigner card is being played out and the locals are getting sick of it.  You see it on the news everyday and you see it at KSU every weekend. Take responsibility and don't be another reason that Koreans despise us.

 

Hope this helps.  Any questions, please feel free to ask.  I will answer the best I can.  Drive safe!

 

 

 

Re: FAQ for scooters and motorcycles in Korea

"I've heard the course is pretty easy but taking the classes is a pain since it's time consuming and costs a few hundred thousand won."

The course isn't difficult (lots of low-speed tight turns and maneuvers) if you're skilled at riding a cruiser-style motorcycle. The riding test is done on a Hyosung 250 Mirage. If you're accustomed to riding a standard or a sport bike, the course is very difficult because the low-speed balance of the bike is completely different than what you're used to. Borrow a friend's cruiser for a few weeks before wasting your time on the test.

Re: FAQ for scooters and motorcycles in Korea

for americans you mentioned going to the embassy post.  i have never needed to go there so i have no idea where that might even be.  and i know busan doesnt have its own US embassy.  can you hint to where the post might be?

Re: FAQ for scooters and motorcycles in Korea

Cool, thanks for posting this.

I wanted to do something similar in more detail but was lazy :(

Anyway, I hope more people can contribute, especially positive or helpful things.

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

 

2. After obtaining your license, make sure your scooter comes with all appropriate papers to transfer ownership.  50cc and under may not have papers, which is OK.  Anything above 50cc needs papers to register.  If the seller does not provide these, it means the bike is either stolen, was in an accident or could have simply been lost.  Either way, you need the papers.

Can you be a bit more specific than "all appropriate papers"?

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

He probably means these:

Get the following paperwork when buying your bike or scooter (not necessary for new bikes or scooters under 50cc). 1. Certificate of Ownership (ingam jeungyeongso), 2. Title Transfer Form (yangdo jeungyeongso) and 3. Release of Ownership Letter (sayong peji jeungyeongso).

 
What happens if you buy a bike and it doesn't come with these?  Is there any way to register it or get new papers?

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Yes, you need the 폐지증 (it shows that the previous owner has cancelled his registration to the bike) which is most important.  The other papers aren't always needed but I found when I purchased a second hand bike that this was the most important document. 

Original ownership document in itself is a different thing because it just shows that the person paid taxes due on the bike.

If you don't have these, it's really difficult to get them again.  Because it could be a stolen bike and your district office doesn't want to be responsible giving you a title if the former owner shows up and says "hey, that's my bike!" and now it's in your possession.

Word of advice. Don't buy one without the papers BUT if you do, have the seller's driver's license and their national ID card photocopied and take that to the district office.  They should have on file who the most recent owner was.

Hope this helps.

Good luck!

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Maybe this was written already, but I didn't see it. I have a 50cc scooter with no papers. I know that now all scooters need to get a license plate on them, but how do I do that without any papers? Do they just forgo the paperwork now since so many scooters don't have papers, or do I need to go somewhere and get some paperwork made for my vehicle? Please help, someone!

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Maybe this was written already, but I didn't see it. I have a 50cc scooter with no papers. I know that now all scooters need to get a license plate on them, but how do I do that without any papers? Do they just forgo the paperwork now since so many scooters don't have papers, or do I need to go somewhere and get some paperwork made for my vehicle? Please help, someone!

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Sorry for the late response.... didn't know anyone actually read my thread.

If you don't have papers, don't worry.  Most of these 50cc secondhand scooters around Busan don't.  Just take a Korean friend to your 구청 (district office) and tell them you want to register it but never got papers.  Most likely they'll just give you the license plate (~5,000won) and ask for your insurance certificate which you need to prep beforehand.

Good news is that the insurance on these 50cc bikes should be very cheap.

 

Good luck 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Has anyone gone through getting a Korean driver's licence without trading it in? At first glance (at the US reqs), it seems easier and quicker just getting the Korean DL rather than trading it in

PS since my bike's only 125cc, I'd only need to get a standard DL

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Just kind of a rant. I try to be positive most of the time but.....

The prices that foreigners THINK they should pay for a bike is kind of silly.  I know I know, your buddy has a Hyosung Mirage or a Daelim Daystar or some 125cc scoot that is basically at the end of its life and they paid something like 500,000 - 800,000 so then a lot of foreigners think that if a bike is more than this, it's too much.

Mirages, Delfinos, Beavers and Daystars can be found on passo.co.kr CHEAPER than what other foreigners are selling them for AND they come with papers. 

So when you actually see a good quality scooter or bike and it's selling for over 1 or sometimes 2 million won, it is not because it's overpriced.  You're paying for what you get. So, please, if you're in the market to buy a bike, don't let this whole bit influence your buying decisions.  If you find a clean, low mileage and well maintained 50cc bike and it's more than what you expected to pay (because of what other foreigners said), do your own research.  If you want to only spend 400,000 you're gonna get a bike or scooter whose value is around just that. 

Advice: Don't listen to Joe "I know it all" Smith who has been in Korea for 5 years and doesn't speak a lick of Korean.  Again, I cannot stress this enough do your OWN research. 

/rant ^^

stay positive.

 

 

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Hi, Chonga.

Great work on writting this it is very helpful. I am looking to buy a bike at the moment preferably a 125cc, I have my Korean license and I just wanted to make sure that I won't have to get a heavy motorcycle license. 125 cc falls under a normal Korean license,yes? 

Thanks.

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Yea, I agree with your rant...

But it goes both ways. there is a guy who is advertising a 2008(4 years old)bike for 500,000 won less than a new one. 

So as you said, people do your homework, learn some Korean if you are going to do something like drive or ride a scooter/bike.

 

Good on ya for your info... 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

I bought a 400cc bike about three years ago with no papers. I have a Korean drivers license but no bike license. What are my options?? Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

I can't give up my drivers license as I am constantly in places where my U.S. license is required as well as that it is a requirement to have it for the company I work for.

I am only here for a few months a year but need a scooter/motorcycle. (Which I will transport with me). When I was in Pusan a lot it didn't matter but now I am in Gwangyang, Yeosu & Chinhae a lot & Pusan on the weekends.

Is there anyway that  I can get the Korean Motorcycle licence without turning in a licence from somewhere else that I will have to again get i a couple of months. This seems to be another idiotic, knee jerk reaction to a problem in which the simple solution is either: Honor liceses from some elsewhere's but not others, for the others, require a local test and license or just require alocal license. Of course, since I show up on a ship and leave on a ship, my ship is my address, which gives the Legendary Beauraucrats a fit no matter where I am at. I live on ships year round but can aquire a local address (as I did for Costco).

Suggestions, anyone?

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Your only option seems to be:

A) Take and pass the Korean driver's license/motorcycle exam and receive the license which is separate from the process of handing in your license and swapping it for a Korean one.

B) Pull the foreigner card if you happen to get checked

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

You can use your home license plus an International License. I don't really know why Koreans want that as it is not printed in Korean and the average cop on the street can't read English.

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Lot of good info here, but I need a clarification:

1) I have a 49cc Daelim Cordi. I have had insurance since I bought it new last summer.

2) Will I need to take the riders course to register the scooter?

3) Is my stateside license with international drivers license adequate to ride this scooter (I will not be getting a larger bike).

4) Is my US military ID card good in lieu of a resident foreigner card?

Thank you for your time.

You can contact me directly at [email protected]

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Question: I have a 125cc scooter that I bought almost 2 years ago from a scooter shop in Pohang. I do not have papers for it. 1. Can I still register and insure it? 2. Is there any possible way to get papers?

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

It's going to be tough to register it without any papers.  First, the district office you go to register it as has no idea if it's a stolen bike or if it belongs to someone other than you, so they'll need some proof.

So the best way to get papers is to contact the previous owner or the shop that you purchased it at.  If that doesn't work, you can take it to your district office to see if they can get any info on it.  

The difficult part is that to become owner of it, you need the 폐지증 which cancels ownership of the previous owner.  Without it, technically, the person on the registry is still the owner.

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

**** Just a word of warning to all those peeping this thread****

There are various checkpoints setup around Busan checking for licenses and license plates.  I've been through 2 in the past 2 months.  They just wave me over with their orange sticks to the side and ask for license and check that I have plates.  They have officers who speak English.....one guy was being kind of a turdface and made me wait until he took down all my info and radio'd in to see if my bike was registered to me.  I asked why he's doing all of this and he said the police are making it an active matter to ensure all drivers have valid licenses and bikes are registered.  He said if you don't have a license you'll lose your driving priveleges in Korea and no plates = 500,000 won fine.  eeek.

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

hi, chonga

i just wanna ask some question about registering a 125cc motorcycle to another places and it is safe to use it to another palces?,,like for example i will it to register in busan,,,in a few months i'm joing to transfer somewhere in kyoungnam,,,is that ok even though it was registered in busan?,,,thank in advanced,,

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

To answer both questions:

Yes, international driver's license is OK to use for a 50cc scooter.  No need to take a test.  Yes you need insurance and a license plate.  If you don't have papers I told you what to do in a previous response.

Yes, you can register a bike in Busan and drive it in another city.  The only thing that matters is that your registration address matches your license address.  It's the same as in any other country.  If my car is registered to Mike Jones of 123 Fake street, then the address on my license should read Mike Jones of 123 Fake street.

 

The questions you guys are asking me are very similar.  Please use your own intuition and common sense.  I know you're all trying to be safe and make sure you aren't breaking laws but all I'm doing is googling what you guys are asking me. Stop being lazy and do your own research.  You have google.  Use it.

And if it's true for your home country, it's most likely going to be the same here.  

Yes you need license plates for everything >=50cc now.  Yes you need papers to register your bike.  Yes you need insurance for everything >=50cc

If you don't have papers then tough luck.  I can't provide a magical answer for you other than try to get them or go visit your district office and ask them what to do.  That's why bikes with no papers are cheaper than ones with.  You'll probably be driving it illegaly which increases your chances of getting fined.  If that's how you want to roll, then fine.  Use your own judgement.  

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

First of all Chonga - Thx so much for putting this info up.  It is very very helpful and clear.

 

Second, does any one have any update in regards to international (UK) driving license being used for 125cc scooters.

Thanks.   

 

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Has any American's (or otherwise) successfully aquired a Korean drivers liscense, AND kept their own?  I really do not want to give up my DL, as I need it as a form of ID and for other purposes.  

ie are giving photocopies or simply telling them I need to retain my home DL good enough?

thanks!

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Yes. I have both my American and Korean licenses after trading my American one.

1) Trade your American license for a Korean one at the Korean DMV.  I went to the Yongho-dong location.  They will keep your American license.

2) Next time you are traveling out of Korea bring a copy of your E-ticket to the DMV and they will give you back your American license without keeping your Korean one.

 

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Thanks Chonga, always nice to see expats helping others.

I just bought a used 125cc Beaver and wasn't sure what to do as far as registering, your info has helped me a great deal esp. with the korean words for the needed docs.

I saw many people were worried about exchanging their licences for the Korean one.

I got my Korean drivers licence at Naju Drivers licencing office. They did not keep my original licence, so I now have both. I don't know if this is a new thing or if they made a mistake. The last time I was here they did keep my original.

Also just as some information, I needed an international licence last month for a trip to Thailand. My original had expired. The Korean authorities gave me a Korean one without any hassle, it took about 15 minutes.

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Regarding the USA Embassy in Seoul   doing Notary Services according to their website as of Jan 1 2013 they no longer do that service . Go to the embassy website for information .    Looks like as i read it you have to contact some agencies where you got the license if you want to go that route . 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Hi, 

Thanks for the useful information. 

I would like to know in Korea to register a 250 cc bike on my name, am i required a driving lisence. 

I have a friend who is selling bike to me, but I dont have any driving lisence.

 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Does anyone happen to know where the DMV is for Nam-gu and if they are open on Saturdays?  I am trying to register my motorcycle but am having trouble finding out this info anywhere!!  Thanks for anyone that can help! 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Hey,

What documents do I need to get my bike registered and plated.  Do I need to bring the insureance and my International Driving Permit or do I just need those 3 papers?  

 

Also, where do I get insurance?

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

*Thread bump* 

 

Just curious, as many of these posts are from 2012... Has anything changed regarding Canadians receiving a Korean license? I heard two points of info. and am looking for confirmation.. 

 

1.) The Canadian consulate in Busan has closed (This is not verified in any way on the Canadian website, but was told this as 'hearsay' from a friend)

 

2.) Canadians now need to get their license authenticated (similar to an American) before it can be changed to a Korean driver's license. 

 

Also I am wondering if I can set-up insurance on a 250cc with only a Korean driving license. I should be getting the motorcycle soon, but will not have the time or the chance to do the licensing course until after winter. I realize that if anything serious was to happen that my insurance would not exactly be "valid" without an actual motorcycle license, but in case of stops/any minor issues it would be nice to know I have the paper(s) that say I'm insured. 

 

Lastly, I am wondering about any good shops to buy gear (specifically [ladies] jackets/gloves)..

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated! 

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

cbrinds

not sure where you are at in the process, but if you want to ride anything over 124cc, you will need a Korean motorcycle license.  I'd highly recommend it, as then there are no limits to what you can ride.  Riding dirty is not safe and they are starting to enforce tickets.  It could run you 1000+ in fines. You can take the motorcycle license test at any point, so I suggest take a day and just get it done.  

I believe you can setup insurance on a 250cc motorcycle without a moto license, but I guess whats the point? Insurance doesn't cover theft, and if you are riding a motorcycle illegally like you said the police are going to give you a ticket for that, and in the case of an accident its void.

as far as shops, there is one on the main road in city hall, but selection is so so, depending on your sizing.  Maxler.co.kr is your best bet.  You can order or visit their store in Seoul

check out this page for local riders https://www.facebook.com/groups/261371213955872/?bookmark_t=group

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

For those going for their heavy motorcycle licience in Korea. The test is very tricky. Not tricky in the sense that you would think; maneuvering and control, but rather how slow can you ride your bike without the engine cutting out. The bikes they provide (250cc mirage) will cut out easily when you release the clutch even when you are careful.

 

My advise on these bikes is to ride the throttle! I've been riding for 15 years and the mirage cut out on the second turn. If the bike cuts out your foot is going down and it's most likely game over. Keep the bike reving and work the clutch that way it won't cut out. I did this my second try and it worked a charm.

ps. I did it in winter

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

Hello,

Anyone can give me some advise for this situation.

My seller has  Title Transfer Form (yangdo jeungyeongso) and Release of Ownership Letter (sayong peji jeungyeongso) but he don't have Certificate of Ownership (ingam jeungyeongso). He said it can replace by his ID card.

So is it ok to go on with that bike?

Any advise is appreciate.

Thank you,

Son

Re: FAQ for Scooters and Motorcycles in Korea

this is 2019 im talking about,,is this post still available?should i need to get a motor license since i have a regular car driving license? ive got an daelim motor i think about 110cc, and ive got an accident luckyly not injured bad but im worried if ever we got it repair and theyll find my license a car regular driving license and fine me