If you’re a foreigner living in Korea and own a used car, there’s something important you shouldn’t overlook — the periodic vehicle inspection.
I remember being surprised the first time I got the notification in the mail. I had no idea what to expect, but thankfully, the process was much simpler than I thought.
Here’s what I’ve learned through experience, and what I’d tell anyone preparing for their first car inspection in Korea.
1. What Is the Vehicle Inspection?
In Korea, used cars must undergo regular safety and emissions inspections. The schedule depends on your car type and age:
- Passenger cars: inspected every 2 years, starting from the fourth year after initial registration
- Diesel vehicles: subject to additional emissions tests
- Commercial and business-use vehicles: more frequent inspections required
The inspection ensures that cars are road-safe and environmentally compliant.
I was initially nervous, but it turned out to be an organized and efficient process — surprisingly painless.
2. How to Book Your Inspection
Online reservation is highly recommended, especially to avoid waiting at busy inspection centers.
Reservations can be made through the official Korea Transportation Safety Authority (교통안전공단) website.
Here’s the link to the online reservation system (Korean only):
https://www.cyberts.kr/cp/pvr/prm/readCpPvrPrsecResveMainView.do
Although the website is in Korean, it’s fairly straightforward if you follow the steps:
- Enter your car registration number
- Choose your inspection center and preferred date/time
- Fill in your contact information
- Confirm and submit
If you’re not confident in Korean, I recommend using Google Translate browser extension or asking a Korean-speaking friend to help.
Once the booking is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation and a reminder by text before your appointment.
3. What Happens During the Inspection?
On the day of your appointment, you drive your car to the inspection center.
After checking in, you’ll be guided into a test lane. A staff member takes over while you wait nearby. They’ll test:
- Brakes
- Headlights and signals
- Exhaust emissions
- Tires and suspension
- Chassis and underbody condition
My car passed in about 15 minutes. I received a sticker on the windshield and a printed certificate right away.
If the vehicle doesn’t pass, they’ll explain what needs to be repaired and how to reschedule.
4. Cost and Payment
The fee is usually 25,000–30,000 KRW, depending on your vehicle type.
Payment is made on-site, by card or cash. If a re-test is required, there may be an additional charge — usually lower than the first inspection fee.
Considering the thoroughness of the test, I found it to be very reasonable.
At first, the idea of navigating car inspections in a new country felt overwhelming. But the truth is, Korea’s system is well-organized, and once you’re familiar with the process, it becomes just another part of responsible car ownership.
Online reservation made it especially convenient, and I appreciated how fast the entire process was.
Even if the system isn’t fully English-supported yet, it’s absolutely doable with a little preparation.
If you’re living in Korea and driving regularly, this is something you’ll need to go through — and it’s better to be ahead of the deadline than behind it.