Asia > 🇰🇷 South Korea
The city by city Car or no Car advice for South Korea can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in South Korea; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in South Korea?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in South Korea?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in South Korea
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cheongju | CJJ | |
| Gunsan | KUV | |
| Jeju | CJU | |
| Seoul | ICN |
🚘 Car or No Car in South Korea — Should You Rent One?
South Korea combines ultra-modern cities, rugged mountain ranges, sparkling coastlines, and historic temples. It’s a small but densely packed country with exceptional public transport. So, do you need to rent a car in South Korea?
✅ Short answer: No car needed for most travellers. 🚗 But: Renting can be useful for rural areas, scenic coastal drives, or larger groups.
🛤️ First Things First: Trains Rule
South Korea’s rail network is one of the world’s best. High-speed trains (KTX and SRT) connect the major cities — Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju — in just a matter of hours. Plus, they’re fast, frequent, clean, and great value.
- 🔝 Seoul to Busan: Under 2.5 hours by KTX
- ⛰️ Access to national parks via local trains and buses (e.g. Seoraksan, Jirisan)
- 🪞 Subways in major cities are vast, bilingual, and easy to use
Transition tip: If you love cities and top attractions, you’ll go far without a car.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
- Jeju Island: 90% yes — buses exist but car hire offers ultimate freedom 🏝️
- East Coast Drives: Sokcho → Samcheok → Pohang gives coastal beauty 🚙🌊
- Family Trips: Great option for temples, mountains, and countryside without transfers
Plus, you’ll find excellent roads, clear signposting (in English!), and cheap tolls.
🚫 When You Definitely Don’t Need a Car
- Seoul: Metro > car. Traffic and parking make driving frustrating 🚇
- Busan: Hill city. Parking is hit-and-miss, metros are easy
- Day trips: Nami Island, Suwon, Incheon, and DMZ are reachable without driving 🚆
National Parks
🚍 Best by Public Transport (Train, Bus, Ferry)
Bukhansan National Park
This park is extremely accessible from Seoul. You can take the subway or bus directly into the park’s entrances within 30-60 minutes of central Seoul. koreatodo+2Rough Guides+2
Thus: public transport wins here — you avoid parking stress and traffic.
Seoraksan National Park
Located near Sokcho in Gangwon Province, Seoraksan has very good bus links from Seoul. For example, the trailhead is about 10 km from Sokcho, and major buses from Seoul run every hour or so. What’s Dave Doing?+1
In short: you can choose public transport and still enjoy a full day easily.
Naejangsan National Park
This park near Jeongeup has both KTX train access and intercity buses. From Jeongeup station, you then take a short bus to the park entrance (about 30 minutes). Wikipedia+1
Therefore: public transit makes complete sense.
🚗 Best by Rental Car (More Rural / Scenic Drives)
Jirisan National Park
While you can get to Jirisan by bus/train, it covers a large area with many trailheads, some remote roads, and fewer frequent public-transport links late in the day. Wikipedia+1
Therefore: a rental car gives you flexibility, especially if you’re planning to explore multiple valleys or stay overnight in a remote lodge.
Hallasan National Park (Jeju Island)
Jeju has public buses, but many visitors agree that having a car makes your stay much more flexible (with less waiting for bus connections). Rough Guides
Thus: On Jeju, renting a car is often the better choice if you’re comfortable driving there.
📄 Renting a Car in South Korea — What You’ll Need
- ✅ International Driving Permit (IDP)
- ✅ Passport and valid home licence
- 💳 Credit card (most agencies require it)
Tip: Book ahead in peak seasons like cherry blossom and autumn foliage.
🗺️ Suggested Itineraries: With and Without a Car
| Without Car 🚆 | With Car 🚗 |
|---|---|
| Seoul → DMZ → Busan (KTX) | Seoul → Sokcho → Gangneung → Pohang (Coastal Drive) |
| Busan → Gyeongju (Train/Bus) | Seoul → Jeonju → Jirisan → Suncheon (Rural Korea) |
| Jeonju → Daejeon → Seoul (Rail Loop) | Drive the full loop of Jeju Island in 3–4 days |
🧭 Conclusion
So — should you rent a car in South Korea?
✅ Yes if you’re heading to Jeju, the East Coast, or the countryside.
🚫 No if you’re sticking to cities, using high-speed trains, or want a stress-free trip.
Car or No Car Rating: 🚗🛤️ Urban No, Island Yes, Rural Maybe
