South Korea Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in South Korea

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Busan

Busan

What you need to know for your South Korea car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in South Korea

Renting a car in South Korea offers significant freedom and flexibility for tourists looking to explore the country at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can manage your luggage easily and create a travel itinerary that suits your preferences. This is particularly beneficial for families and those seeking outdoor or adventure experiences. You can effortlessly visit key attractions such as Gwangalli Beach in Busan, perfect for beachgoers, or Myeongdong Street in Seoul, which is ideal for family outings and outdoor experiences.

Additionally, attractions like Lotte World, a popular theme park in Seoul, are conveniently accessible by car. The ability to drive allows you to explore diverse destinations, from the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene landscapes of Pyeongchang, home to the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm and Woljeongsa Temple. Having a rental car also makes it easy to visit Busan, where Gwangalli Beach and Haeundae Beach await. Overall, renting a car provides a practical solution for experiencing the rich culture and stunning scenery of South Korea without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Most popular car hires in South Korea

  • Standard: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for couples and families. With its spacious interior, the Standard car offers comfort and practicality, enabling you to manage your luggage easily while exploring South Korea's attractions at your own pace.
  • Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV also accommodates 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. Its elevated design provides a comfortable ride and ample space for luggage, making it ideal for those looking to embark on adventures across the varied landscapes of South Korea.
  • Economy: This car type is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or families, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases. The Economy car is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly choice while still enjoying the freedom to explore South Korea. Its compact size makes it easier to navigate through urban areas and find parking.

Where to stay in South Korea

  • Seoul: As a bustling metropolis, Seoul offers a vibrant atmosphere for family, business, and city-themed experiences. Key attractions include Myeongdong Street, a popular tourist precinct renowned for shopping and dining, located centrally. For family fun, Lotte World provides entertainment and amusement, while the Lotte World Tower stands as a striking skyscraper, perfect for city views. Explore historic sites and parks nearby, making Seoul an exciting base for your travels.
  • Busan: Known for its stunning beaches and lively city life, Busan is ideal for family and beach-themed visits. Gwangalli Beach and Haeundae Beach are both excellent for sunbathing and relaxation, while Nampodong Street offers a vibrant shopping experience. With an array of seafood restaurants and drinking pubs nearby, you can enjoy the local flavours and coastal ambience that make Busan a delightful destination.
  • Pyeongchang: For adventure and sports enthusiasts, Pyeongchang is a must-visit, especially during the ski season. The city is home to renowned ski resorts and fields, making it perfect for winter sports. Attractions like the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm and Woljeongsa Temple provide cultural and scenic experiences amidst the natural beauty of national parks. Pyeongchang is a great choice for those looking to blend outdoor adventure with cultural exploration.

10 tips to save on your car hire in South Korea

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car to keep costs down, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the ideal option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in South Korea

The best value period to rent a car in South Korea is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. It can also be worthwhile to consider November, which shares similar characteristics with low prices and demand. However, February sees a rise in prices and remains the most expensive month due to its slightly high demand. April also experiences high demand, making it another busy period for car hires.

Renting a car in South Korea will give you the freedom to really get to the heart of this incredible part of the world. Use your hire car to discover the best that South Korea has to offer, from its natural beauty to its bustling towns and cities.

With Expedia, booking you South Korea car hire is easy. Each hire car in South Korea option offers you competitive rates and a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations around the country to make your life easier. Book your rental car in in South Korea with confidence through Expedia.

At Expedia, our goal is to offer you a great variety of South Korea car rental discounts at the best price. When hiring a car in South Korea with Expedia, you can compare a massive range of vehicles, from compact economy cars with low fuel consumption to luxury or off-road solutions, depending on your preference. Every South Korea hire car we feature will come fully equipped with the latest amenities and safety features to ensure your trips will be safe and comfortable.

It has never been easier to find a rental car in South Korea. We offer you competitive prices and up-to-date information, ensuring quality and efficiency for all our visitors, at all times. Rent a car in South Korea today and enjoy your holiday, or get anywhere in time for your business meetings. At Expedia, we understand that travelling can be a hassle if you are not well organized, which is why we provide a variety of car types to compare and choose from for all types of travellers. In just a few clicks you can hire a car in South Korea with Expedia.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my South Korea car reservation?
Browse through your rental agreement to be certain, but almost all prepaid hires will receive a total refund if you notify us at least six hours before collecting the car. There are some exceptions though. Your confirmation will have more information, or just visit our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in South Korea?
Whatever suits your style! Go for a mid-size or full-size if you're with the family, or scale up to a premium for a top-of-the-range ride. Or, choose an economy vehicle — the most booked rental in South Korea. Affordable and with great mileage, they're ideal for singles, couples or anyone else who doesn't need a great deal of room. They're particularly suited to driving around cities. Getting into narrow parking spots will be a snap!
How do I find the best car hire deals in South Korea with Expedia?
Expedia makes it a breeze to compare prices, offers and providers, and to check customer recommendations. Combine your South Korea car rental with hotel or flight bookings and you can save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in South Korea?
Drivers aged 21 and over can hit the road in South Korea in a rental car. If you're a young driver, a daily surcharge applies. You'll usually be limited to a few car categories, such as economy and mid-size, and may also be required to take out comprehensive insurance. Always enter the correct age of the main driver when booking to learn if any restrictions apply.
What do you need to rent a car in South Korea?
You'll need to present your driver's license and a credit card at the hire counter. Prior to pick-up, check with your hire provider whether anything else is needed. For example, you may also need to show proof of auto insurance.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in South Korea?
Visit our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip details and then choose a ride that suits. Whether you're basing yourself in South Korea or road-tripping around, Expedia will help you find a long-term hire at an awesome rate.
Where can I find a South Korea hire car if I am younger than 25?
This depends on the rental companies operating in South Korea. They often have different policies when it comes to minimum ages. If you've found an outlet that does cater to drivers under 25, take note that additional costs may apply. Do some research into what those charges could be before picking up your vehicle.
Why should I rent a South Korea car with Expedia?
If you're looking for some reliable wheels in South Korea, you can't go past Expedia. Our member exclusive offers, discounts and rewards programme will help you nab the best deal possible. And with multiple hire suppliers to pick from, you've got loads of choice. Want even bigger savings? Combine your bookings into a holiday package. From hire cars to hotels and flights, we make it a cinch to organise your journey. Plus, when you're a member of our free One Key™ rewards programme, you can earn OneKeyCash™* and spend it on eligible hotels, car rentals, activities and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
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