Buying a used car in Korea is possible for foreigners and often convenient for long-term residents such as international students, workers, or professors.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to legally purchase, register, and insure a second-hand vehicle — based only on verified sources and government procedures.
1. Can Foreigners Buy and Own a Car in Korea?
Yes. According to the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS), foreigners can buy and register a car in Korea if they meet the following conditions:
- Hold a valid Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Have a Korean address
- Possess a valid driver’s license (Korean or an acceptable international license)
2. Where to Find Used Cars in Korea
Use the following officially recognized platforms to find used cars with certified inspection records:
Encar (encar.com)
- Korea’s largest online used car platform
- Offers verified listings with inspection reports (성능·상태점검기록부)
- Filters by location, price, and vehicle type
- English interface available via Google Translate
K Car (kcar.com)
- Direct ownership model (K Car owns and inspects the vehicle)
- Transparent pricing and no broker involved
- Some branches offer services tailored to foreigners
These platforms also support vehicle delivery and registration assistance if needed.
3. What You Need to Purchase a Car
Before proceeding with the purchase, prepare the following:
- Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Korean driver’s license or International Driving Permit (IDP) + home country license
- Proof of address in Korea
- Korean mobile number
- Bank transfer account (car purchases are not made in cash)
4. Vehicle Registration Process (Based on 국토교통부)
Once you purchase a used car, registration must be done at the local 차량등록사업소 (Vehicle Registration Office) within 15 days. The required steps are:
- Submit required documents (see below)
- Pay acquisition and registration taxes (~7–8% of car value)
- Receive a new registration certificate and license plate (if changed)
Required documents include:
- Certificate of sale (매매계약서)
- ARC
- Proof of insurance
- Valid ID and driver’s license
- Registration application form
Source: 국토교통부 차량등록안내
5. Mandatory Insurance and Inspection
In Korea, car insurance is mandatory before driving on the road.
- You must purchase third-party liability insurance
- Providers include: Samsung Fire, DB Insurance, Hyundai Marine, KB Insurance
- Annual cost: KRW 800,000 ~ 1,500,000 depending on car model and driver profile
Regular vehicle inspections (정기검사) are also required every 2 years for most vehicles, as regulated by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority.
6. Typical Cost Breakdown (as of 2024)
| Item | Estimated Cost (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Compact used car | 3,000,000 ~ 8,000,000 |
| Acquisition + registration tax | ~7% of vehicle value |
| Yearly insurance | 800,000 ~ 1,500,000 |
| Inspection & basic service | 100,000 ~ 300,000 |
Reference: [encar.com], [kcar.com], [TS 정기검사 수수료표]
7. Important Notes
- Foreign licenses must be convertible or accompanied by an IDP for legal driving
- Vehicle inspection report (성능기록부) is mandatory for registration — always request it
- Be cautious of cars more than 10 years old or lacking inspection history
- You are legally responsible for updating registration within 15 days of ownership transfer
Buying a used car in Korea is relatively straightforward, as long as you use trusted platforms and follow legal procedures.
I recommend using Encar or K Car, as they provide vehicle inspection documents, registration support, and optional insurance packages — all based on clear regulations.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process, the local 차량등록소 or a bilingual dealership can assist.