When visiting South Korea, one of the things you may want to consider is renting a car so you can see the sights throughout the country. Renting a car is typically advisable for travelers looking to get beyond Seoul or other metropolitan areas where public transportation makes more sense than driving.

In order to drive in South Korea, you need to have a valid driver’s license as well as a Korean driver’s license. If you reside in Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., or West Virginia the requirement for a Korean driver’s license is waived, as these states have a reciprocity agreement with the Korean government.

The largest car rental companies in South Korea are Jeju Rent a Car, KT Kumho Rent a Car, AJ Rent a Car, Donga Rent a Car, and SIXT Rent a Car. Here is a brief summary of these companies.

Jeju Rent a Car

Jeju Rent a Car is a part of the Rental Car Group doing business in Seoul and throughout Korea. Jeju is a large independent car rental company whose main company (Rental Car Group) is located in the United Arab Emirates.

KT Kumho Rent a Car

KT Kumho Rent a Car is a Seoul based car rental company that has been in business since 1986. Purchased by the KT Group in 2010, KT Kumho Rent a Car is the world’s largest car rental agnecy. The company specializes in corporate leases and individual car rentals for both short and long-term use.

AJ Rent a Car

AJ Rent A Car Co., Ltd provides short-term vehicle rentals for travelers. It has a fleet of 2,000 vehicles available at its JeJu location in South Korea. If, as a traveler, you have problems with your vehicle while driving in the country, you have access to an automotive repair network with over 400 facilities. AJ Rent a Car offers standard, premium, and luxury class vehicles as well as vans and jeeps for rental. Signing up for membership will get you discounts as much as 35 percent off of the rate that the company normally lists for its vehicles.

Donga Rent a Car

Donga Rent a Car is a discount car rental company operating in South Korea as well as in 159 other countries around the world. The company is headquartered in Seoul and offers travelers different types of vehicles from standard size to luxury cars as well as vans and even tour buses. The rates for these vehicles vary depending on the length of the rental and the type of vehicle being rented.

SIXT Rent a Car

SIXT Rent a Car in Korea is part of a large European car rental group based in Pullach, Germany. The company, which operates in over 4,000 locations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States, was founded in 1912, making it one of the world’s oldest car rental companies. The company manages a worldwide fleet of 220,000 vehicles.

Additionally, you can also find subsidiaries of traditional American rental companies operating or doing business in South Korea. These include AVIS, Budget, and Thrifty car rental services. Typically, you will be able to find information concerning the different car rental companies, their rates, and the types of cars that they offer from an airport or via these carriers’ website. For the lowest rates, it is best to consider purchasing a membership that provides you with discounts and other membership benefits that may not otherwise be available to other travelers looking to rent a vehicle in South Korea.

Byline

Bill Martinson writes on travel, vacationing, exotic vehicles, car rentals and other topics as well. Those thinking about procuring a rental vehicle in the near future should check out Protect Your Bubble affordable car rental insurance.

Image credit goes to Lou La Vie Exotic Car Rental.