How to find a cheap car hire deal in South Korea
Need a cheap rental car in South Korea? With prices starting from R 180 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're looking for a zippy economy ride, a spacious SUV, or something in between, we round up all the best offers to get you real value.
For extended getaways, R 1,255 is the lowest available rate for a weekly rental.
Browse the car rentals in Jeju and pay less from day one. It's the most affordable place in South Korea to book your ride.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Yeosu.
If you're not sure which provider to go with, check out Rainbow rental. It stands as the number one choice in South Korea.
Collect your ride from the airport if you're flying in. Incheon International Airport, Jeju Airport and Gimpo International Airport offer car hire pickup locations either at the terminal or nearby.
You can rent a set of wheels easily in top cities including Seoul, Jeju, Busan, Cheongju and Daegu.
Book a one-way rental and you could pay less. If a city is running low on vehicles, providers often lower the price to encourage returns there. Select 'Return car to a different location' to find those cheaper routes.
Need wheels for a few weeks? Sometimes you'll get a discount with a month-long booking, so play around with your dates to find the best rates.
Choose a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' to avoid unnecessary refueling costs. It comes with a full tank and goes back full, so it's easier to keep track of what you're paying.
Rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' give you the freedom to explore without added charges. Search for this option using the 'Policies' filter and travel freely.
Best time to book a car hire in South Korea
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a car hire in South Korea. Try booking around one week before you go.
Consider heading over in November to take advantage of average daily rates of R 786. It's the most affordable month to rent a car.
May tends to be the most expensive time of year.
Compare car hire types in South Korea
Economy: If you want reliable and affordable, economy fits the bill. With lower daily rates and fuel-efficient engines, this option helps keep both upfront and ongoing costs down.
Small: Mini and economy cars fall into this category. Their compact size and easy handling make navigating busy city streets less stressful. And with engines designed to use less fuel, they're a practical choice when you need a cheap rental car in South Korea.
Medium: If you want more space without going big, this is the answer. Medium rentals offer more room for passengers and bags, along with a good balance of power and efficiency. You'll find compact and intermediate models here.
Large: No fighting for space. No bags under your feet. Also known as full-size, large cars offer generous passenger space and the luggage capacity to match. Choose this category when you're covering some serious ground or bringing the whole crew.
SUV: These sport utility vehicles are ready for whatever your itinerary brings your way. Their capability across varied terrain makes them a great fit for road trip plans that take shape as you go. A higher seating position gives you a clearer view ahead, helping you stay confident behind the wheel.
Van: For commercial transport or large group travel, this category of car for rent in South Korea gives you the hauling power you need. These commercial vans and trucks prioritize volume and practicality, helping you transport more in fewer trips.
Luxury: Start your journey in true style. Combining sleek design, next-generation technology, and performance engineered for precision and power, these vehicles redefine what a rental experience can be.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your rental car offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so check how each one stacks up.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These features can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in South Korea.
Driving in South Korea: What you need to know
Age requirements often vary by provider (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some providers in South Korea may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat rules differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your car rental reservation in South Korea.
You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in South Korea.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 45kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in South Korea is 0.03%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
The South Korean won (KRW) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay with a card where you can, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't an option.
Korean is the language that most people speak in this country.
