Korean Driver's License Permit

Getting a civilian driver's license for military members and their dependents is fairly easy as long as you have studied the information beforehand: USFK Pam 385-2, Guide to Safe Driving in Korea. The procedures are the same for dependents on Command Sponsorship as they are for the military member.

1. Go into the TMP (transportation motor pool) at CRC. Civilian/POV tests are administered Monday - Friday, at 1330. If you are E7 and above you only need to show up with your ID card and your regular state issued license. Soldiers junior to this need to be on Command Sponsored orders.
2. You will be given 2 written tests. The first is a 5 question test regarding Korean insurance laws and responsibilities. Then, you will take a 45 question written exam covering traffic laws and signs.
3. After the written test, you will be given a vision test, peripheral vision test, color blindness test, and reaction speed test to ensure you meet the minimum standards.
4. After successfully completing all of the above you'll be issued a certificate authorizing you to operate a POV in Korea.

Congratulations! You can now drive in Korea.

Driving in South Korea

Here is a copy of the USFK Regulation 190-1 Motor Traffic Safety.

This link will route you to the Humphrey's web page for information on POV's. Here is some of the information. Also, on the Humphrey's link at the bottom are PDF links for directions. I hoe this helps.

Active Duty Military members with the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC) or above will be authorized to register a POV in USFK.
The following personnel (and their US State licensed dependents age 18 or older) are authorized to obtain a POV License after passing the local written exam:
Personnel in Command Sponsored status accompanied with family.
Personnel in a joint domicile status authorized a POV on their orders.
Member of the U.S. Armed Forces in the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7) or above.
Department of the Army civilians in the grade of GS-5 or above and USFK technical representatives.
Invited contractors* who have SOFA privileges.
Personnel who have a letter of approval by the USAG-Humphreys Commander for exception to policy.

* - Invited contractors, their employees (including Koreans) and dependents of contractors who operate a POV in the Republic of Korea must first obtain a valid ROK Driver's License. These personnel must object a valid USFK Form 134 EK (POV License) to operate their POV on a U.S. military installation and in Korea. To obtain a ROK driver's license, you should have a valid U.S. State driver's licenses and a letter of employment from CPO for civilian employees only.
For more information about obtaining a ROK driver's license, visit: http://humphreys.korea.army.mil/Redirect?url=http://korea.usembassy.gov/drive.html or http://humphreys.korea.army.mil/Redirect?url=http://www.dla.go.kr/english/index.jsp

Looking for a Used Car?

Over here in Korea we call them Hoopties. You can usually pick one up for around 1K, drive it while you are here and sell it. There are several used car dealers around. I will post their information when I check them out. I also found this web site The USFK Classifieds, that has cars listed as well.
I also found this seller to be helpful: http://www.jamesgarage.net/ When I emailed them inquiring about a car they got right back to me. Their web page also lists all the things you will need to purchase a vehicle.