Motor Vehicles

There are many convenient methods of transportation on and off post. USAG Yongsan - Casey has on-post shuttle buses and contracted Korean company buses connecting the many military installations in Korea. The Subway system is a safe, convenient, clean, inexpensive, and quick means of traveling in and around the city. Subway maps can be picked up at ACS. Korea has many trains connecting the towns and cities. There are commuter and express trains to all parts of Korea. And finally, there are AAFES taxis as well as Korean taxis that can take you anywhere on-post or to any part of the surrounding areas of Yongsan, Camp Casey, and K-16.

Taxi: 1544-9080 (directly from cell phone) or 99-31-8053-8900. Provide the location/installation then you will be directed to the taxi service at closest to your location. (https://home.army.mil/yongsan/index.php/contact/phonebook)

USFK Driver’s License are required to operate a vehicle in Korea.  In order to be eligible for a USFK license you must have a VALID stateside license throughout your tour, pass a written test, and be over 18 years old.  Learner permits may be issued to Family Members over 16 years old with completion of a state-approved driver’s education course, passing the USFK written test, sponsor’s approval, and proof of insurance.  Learner’s permits are only valid on a military post during daylight hours.

Registering and operating a privately owned vehicle (POV) in Korea is a privilege not extended to all SOFA personnel assigned.  A POV may be owned and registered by a command sponsored Family or Soldier in the grade of E-7 and above. Joint domicile Soldiers in the grades E-6 and below will need to request an exception to policy to register a POV. 

Your orders must state you are authorized to ship a vehicle.  Once your vehicle arrives, you will license it with the local Korean Department of Motor Vehicles and register it in DBIDS to access Military installation with your vehicle.  Vehicles are now shipped to the Vehicle Processing Center located on USAG-H for Areas North and 3.  Only one POV per sponsor is authorized to be shipped at government expense, command sponsored personnel are authorized to register two POVs while assigned to USAG Humphreys.

Picking up and registering a shipped vehicle in Korea is easy. 

• First gather the documents:
  • Proof of Insurance in the Sponsor’s name.  The vehicle is always registered in the Sponsor’s name no matter whose name is listed as the owner in the US.  Auto insurance must be from the ROK (such as AIG or LIG) or USAA.
  • Valid USFK SOFA driver’s license, Contractors are not required to have a USFK driver’s license as they must have a driver’s license issued by the host nation.
  • Import or customs shipping documents (normally provided by email from the VPC)
  • Valid DOD ID/CAC
  • Military Orders, Letter of Employment (DOD Civilians) or Letter of accreditation and current 700-19 for contractors

• Get a ROK Temporary Plate and USFK application for Registration of USFK POV at the Korean DMV.
• Pick up your vehicle at the VPC.
• Obtain a USFK vehicle safety inspection at any Installation Auto Skills Center if your vehicle is more than 2 years old.
• Return to the Korean DMV window with your safety inspection and other documents needed above to receive your permanent plates. 
• Go to the Vehicle Registration Window to finalize your vehicle registration.  You must have your vehicle with you, as they place the permanent decal on your windshield that allows your vehicle to enter any installation on the Peninsula. 

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

U.S. Forces personnel in Korea who wish to drive POVs must have a USFK driver's license. Active duty military personnel, civilian employees and family members age 18 or older are required to take a written test to receive a USFK driver's license. Military personnel are issued a USFK driver's license for two years, while DoD civilians are issued a five-year license. Family members age 16 and older may obtain a learner's permit. This is good for driving only during daylight hours on military installations while accompanied by a licensed driver.

If you are authorized to ship your vehicle to Korea, upon arrival, contact the USAG Yongsan - Casey Transportation Office to determine the arrival date of your POV and provide your local contact information. Once your vehicle arrives, you will be notified to pick your vehicle up at the USAG Humphreys VPC.

At the VPC, you will check for damage, start your vehicle, and sign documentation. If you are not the Military member or sponsor, you must have a Power of Attorney in order to accomplish this. After inspecting your newly arrived vehicle for damage, you must register your POV. In order to do this and to receive your temp vehicle plate, you need assignment orders, a USFK Motor Vehicle Operator Permit, ID Card, Power of Attorney (if not the Military member or sponsor), insurance and $9.00. You will need to get temporary plates at Maude Hall, so that you can get your vehicle inspected at MWR Auto Skills Center. You must have your vehicle inspected and return to Maude Hall (with the vehicle) for permanent plates and stickers. Fees will be charged at vehicle inspection  and at Maude Hall to register your permanent vehicle plates. The entire process from start to finish is easy and efficient.  Also, remember that your vehicle will be on less than 1/4 of tank of gas, so don’t forget to go to the AAFES Gas Station.

You will need to study and take the exam online, go online and search for USFK pamphlet 385-2 (Guide to Safe Driving in Korea).

As on any military base overseas, you can purchase a used car from departing service members at a reasonable price. Consider this option before you decide to bring your car to Korea. Large vehicles are not the best way to get around in Korea, especially if you prefer to drive in the city rather than using public transportation. Except for the expressway and large streets of the big cities, Korean roads and streets are narrow and crowded, with three of four cars trying to fit in two lanes. Parking is at a premium. If you decide to purchase a used car from a departing service member, remember you must first be authorized to register a privately owned automobile and obtain a driving permit. The car must be inspected, and you and the seller must present a bill of sale as well as other needed documents to the local provost marshal's office, and the car must be properly registered.

If you purchase a car from off post through a Korean national, the same procedures must be followed. In addition the seller must show proof that all previous taxes have been paid, and the automobile has been de-registered through the Korean government.

For regulations and procedures about shipping you POV, contact your transportation office well in advance of your move to Korea. They can also advise you on shipment of a POV at your own expense.

Motorcyclists must have a valid motorcycle operator’s stateside license or motorcycle endorsement issued by the civil authorities of a country, a U.S. state or territory. Additionally, military personnel must also show proof of completion of a motorcycle safety foundation (MSF) course or DUSD (I&E) endorsed, state-approved, curriculum for motorcycle operator’s safety training. New requires dating 1 Oct 2020 for Personal Transport Devices (PTD) require operators to have taken the Korea Driving Test, licensed and meet safety requirement to operate in Korea

You can find more information driving in Korea and the study guide for the USFK license testing, USFK Pam 385-2.