Car Rental in Seoul

This information is correct as of July 2015.

Where to rent a car in Seoul

Several car rental companies have taken offices Seoul in South Korea, which can be found around the central area, in the Yongsan-gu district, Mapo-gu district, Songpa-gu district, and Guro-gu districts. Although few, most of them are highly reliable and efficient, offering various cheap deals and discounts. International car rental agencies in the city include Avis, Sixt, Hertz, and others, while local ones include KT Kumho Rent-a-Car and AJ Car Rental Company, to name some. Bigger car rental companies tend to rent out more types of vehicles, although if you are just after economical ones, local car rental providers may suffice.

At the booking process, local customers should present valid identification documents, locally-issued driver's licence, and payment confirmation as required by the car rental agencies. International customers, meanwhile, may be requested to present their passports and international driving permits along with valid identification cards. All bookings can be done online or through the respective trunk lines of the car rental company that you have chosen. Rentals can also be done through the modern Incheon International Airport, which is the primary airport of Seoul.

What to expect when renting a car from Seoul

Make sure to pack some patience and prudence when driving around Seoul. The city's roads are a challenge to drive in, with intricate and confusing major roads that twist and turn, long rush hours and traffic jams. Parking spaces are hard and sometimes close to impossible to find during the peak hours, that some locals simply abandon the thought of riding private vehicles and just take the bus or the train. Drivers may park on the side of the road, however this is considered illegal if it is on a main busy street. Outside of the busy centres, traffic is relatively light, and driving is pleasant and relaxing.

Getting to your destination

Jongno
Jongno is the historical core of the city, containing most places and government offices, and the remnants of the Joseon-era. The said district, along with Jung district, makes up one of the main centres of Seoul. When in Jongno, visit the Grand Joseon Palaces, Gyeongbokgung, the Jongmyo Shrine, and Bukchon. Jongno, or Jongno-gu, is right at the centre of action in Seoul.

Gangnam
Glitzy and glamorous, Gangnam is the modern hub of Seoul, home to hundreds of glass and steel skyscrapers, neon billboards, and some of the most expensive real estates in the country. Its Gangnam station is like South Korea's New York, filled with dozens of high rises, hundreds of restaurants and bars, and of course nightlife. Incidentally, Gangnam is also the centre for advertising and commercial activity in the area. When in Gangnam, do not miss out on the COEX, the affluent business neighbourhoods of Apgujeongdong and Cheomdangdong, and others.

Gangnam, or Gangnam-Gu, can be reached by crossing any of the bridges that connect Seoul to central Gangnam. These bridges include the Seong-su Bridge, the Dongho Bridge, and the Hannam Bridge.

Yongsan
Fans of Starcraft will have a field day in Yongsan, which is the home of one of the largest electronics markets in the world. Yongsan is also the site of Itaewon, the most culturally diverse area in the peninsula that is home to dozens of restaurants and shops. Like Jongno, Yongsan is also right at the centre of Seoul.