Authoritarian North Korea has a tendency to steal the limelight from its southern sibling, which is a shame because this is a country with so much to offer and it is too often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. The sense of an ancient, storied history is strong here, sitting comfortably alongside a contemporary culture that enthusiastically embraces the 21st century.
Picking up a South Korea car rental once you’ve landed in the country will give you the chance to really find out what makes this country special. Remote fishing villages, magnificent ski slopes, scenic national parks and thriving urban environments will all be yours to explore.
AirportRentals.com - the wise way to rent a car in South Korea
Once you touch down in South Korea, a car hire will be high on the list of things you want to sort out. Booking your rental online well beforehand will save you a world of hassle - especially if you use AirportRentals.com to avoid searching through dozens of different car rental websites.
Sorting out the ideal South Korea car rental can be a piece of cake, as long as you’re smart about it. Start by entering just a few basic details about your trip into the AirportRentals.com search box, and you’ll be presented with a bunch of deals to suit your travel dates, from a range of different suppliers. You can then narrow down your options by categories like vehicle type and rental brand, or simply browse for the cheapest choice. Once you know which deal you’re going for, the actual booking process will be over and done with in mere minutes.
Airport rentals around South Korea
There are a few different places around South Korea where you can start your journey, each with their own charms and attractions. The city you fly into only determines the beginning of your adventure however - a car rental in South Korea will have you launching out on your own, exploring the lesser known treasures of the nation in your own time.
● Jeju car rental - This large island off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula is by far the most popular getaway destination for domestic travellers, and plenty of foreign visitors find themselves drawn here too. Stunning beaches, excellent hiking opportunities, and idyllic rural scenes make Jeju a fantastic place to come relax and reconnect with simple pleasures.
● Seoul car rental - Picking up a car rental from Incheon Airport will give you the freedom to plan whatever kind of Seoul itinerary that takes your fancy - and this is a city that offers an immense amount of choices for visitors. Those fascinated by the past can stroll the city walls, meditate at the 16th century Jongmyo shrine and admire the captivating traditional wooden homes (hanok) in Bukchon Village, foodies can alternate between first-class street food and cutting edge neo-Korean cuisine, and there’s even the opportunity for a little retail therapy at the Dongdaemun markets.
● Busan car rental - South Korea’s second largest city draws in visitors who are looking for a destination with a slightly more laid back vibe than Seoul. The fact that it’s a port city also gives Busan a bit of international flavour, and it’s surrounded by impressive mountains and beaches, perfect for those seeking to connect with nature during their stay.
Car rental suppliers in South Korea
When hunting for a South Korea car rental on AirportRentals.com, there are three different car hire suppliers that you might come across: Hertz, Avis and Sixt. Each of these brands are household names in car rental, with an international network and business infrastructure, so you know that no matter which deal you end up choosing, you’re in good hands.
South Korea road rules
In line with most of the rest of the world, South Korea drives on the right hand side of the road. If you’re accustomed to driving on the left, remember to take extra care when coming up to intersections. Left turns are only permitted when there is a left turn arrow, whereas you can generally make a right turn at a red light, unless it’s at a busy intersection. If you’ve lost track of how fast you’re supposed to be travelling, the default max speed limits are as follows: 60 km/h in built up areas, 80 km/h on highways and roads with more than 5 lanes, 90 km/h on motorways and 100 km/h on 4-lane highways. These limits can all vary however, so always look out for speed limit signs. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% which is fairly low - a single drink could push some people beyond the legal limit, so it’s always safer to abstain from either drinking or driving entirely. Drivers and front seat passengers need to wear seat belts at all times, while those in the back seat are only required to wear them while on motorways. Always carry your international driver’s permit and car rental documentation with you in the vehicle.
South Korea driving tips
● The road network in South Korea is quite well maintained, but foreign visitors may find that locals drive more aggressively than they’re used to, especially in Seoul.
● If you’re tempted to flout the speed limit - don’t. Road surveillance cameras are extremely common in South Korea, and some road sections are even clocked so you get ticketed if you complete the section too quickly!
● Getting a GPS with your South Korea car rental can potentially save a lot of confusion (maybe even a fine or two - some GPS devices warn of upcoming speed cameras) but whether or not you’ll be able to find one in English is a different matter. Have a chat to your rental supplier to figure out what they offer on the GPS front.
