Car Rental in Busan, South Korea: The Complete 2026 Guide

To drive legally, international visitors must present a physical 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their passport and a credit card.

Renting a car in Busan, South Korea, gives you the freedom to travel beyond the city's extensive public transit network to reach scenic coastal spots and historic temples. However, driving in South Korea's second-largest metropolis of 3.2 million residents requires understanding specific local regulations. From mandatory physical International Driving Permits (IDP) to strict rules regarding right turns on red lights, navigating the local rental market involves several unique steps. You cannot rely on Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation here due to national security laws, making local apps essential. This guide covers everything you need to know to secure a vehicle, avoid common traffic fines, and choose the best pick-up locations at Gimhae International Airport or Busan Station. By preparing the correct documents and understanding the local driving culture, you can ensure a smooth road trip experience in 2026.

L'essentiel: Driving Rules and Requirements

To rent a car in Busan, you must meet strict legal requirements. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held their home country license for at least one year. If you are under 26, expect a young driver fee, such as 15,000 KRW per day at Enterprise. Tourists must present a physical International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention; digital copies, IDLs, or IDDs are not accepted. Long-term residents with an Alien Registration Card (ARC) cannot use an IDP and must obtain a local Korean license.

When driving, be aware of these critical traffic laws:

• Right Turn on Red: You must come to a complete stop at a red light before turning right. If there is a dedicated right-turn signal, you must wait for the green arrow. Violations result in fines of 60,000 KRW for sedans and 70,000 KRW for vans.
• Speed Limits: Urban roads are limited to 50 km/h under the Safety Speed 5030 policy, and school zones are strictly limited to 30 km/h.
• Alcohol Limits: The blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.03% for license suspension and 0.08% for revocation.
• Navigation: Google Maps does not support turn-by-turn driving directions. You must download Naver Map or KakaoMap before starting your trip.

Rental Costs and Booking Strategies

The average daily car rental cost in South Korea is approximately $85 USD. To secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak holiday seasons.

When planning your budget, keep these potential extra fees in mind:

Payment must be made at the rental counter using a credit card in the primary driver's name. Debit cards and cash are not accepted for the rental payment or deposit. Additionally, check if your vehicle includes a Hi-Pass electronic toll tag. If it does, you can use the blue-marked highway lanes; otherwise, you must use regular lanes and pay tolls with cash.

Where to Pick Up Your Car in Busan

Busan offers two primary hubs for car rentals, making it easy to pick up your vehicle whether you arrive by air or train.

• Gimhae International Airport (PUS): Rental desks are located on the first floor of the domestic terminal. This is the most convenient option if you are flying into Busan. Major international and local providers operate here, including Lotte Rent-a-Car, SK Rent-a-Car (Avis), Hertz, and Enterprise.
• Busan Station: If you arrive in the city via the KTX high-speed train, you will find major rental offices located near the station. This allows you to transition directly from the train to your rental vehicle.

When picking up the vehicle, ensure you have your physical passport, home country driver's license, and physical 1949 Geneva Convention IDP ready. The rental staff will inspect these documents and require a credit card in the main driver's name to process the security deposit and rental fees.

Tips for Driving Out of the City

Driving out of Busan allows you to explore the scenic southern coast of South Korea. When leaving the city, pay close attention to the highway toll system. South Korean highways use the electronic 'Hi-Pass' system. If your rental car is equipped with a Hi-Pass tag, drive through the blue-marked lanes to register the toll automatically. If the car does not have a tag, you must use the standard lanes and pay with cash at the toll booth.

Always plan your route using Naver Map or KakaoMap, as Google Maps will not provide driving directions. Ensure your phone is mounted safely, and keep an eye out for speed cameras, which are highly prevalent on Korean highways and strictly enforce the speed limits.

Where to go by car

Tolls: motorway estimate (~€0.11/km) — free secondary routes often exist.