Q1. What if I want to get a refund of the remaining money on T-Money Card? 1
You can get a refund of the remaining money from the convenience stores associated with T-Money. However, 500 won will be deducted from the refund, and you will not get any coins lower than 500 won in value (anything amount lower than 500 won cannot be refunded.) If the remaining amount is less than 500won or more than 20,000 won, you must go through the SmartCard Main Office.
Defective cards can be refunded for the full amount of remaining money and the price of the card within a year from the date of first use. More than a year after the date of first use, you could get only a refund for the remaining money on the card. However, if the card was damaged by the user, only the remaining money can be refunded.
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Q2. How does one get the T-money teenager discount ? 1
Children and teens of the ages between 6 – 18 are eligible for a transportation discount, but they must register for the special discount. One can register
at T-Money`s official website (www.t-money.co.kr) and must register the card identification number within 10 days of the date of first use in order to apply
for the special discount. Also, there are differences in fare fees for children (ages 6- 12) and teens (ages 12 – 18) so make sure you purchase the appropriate fare discount card.
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Q3. I believe I have been cheated on taxi fare fee. What can I do? 1
If you face an inconvenience with any type of transportation (bus, taxi, subway etc), please call DaSanCall #120 and file a complaint. The center will review the case and take care of the problem.
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Q4. I don’t speak Korean very well and I would like to use a Korean translation and interpretation service. How can I get help? 1
There is free language translation service for foreigners and Korean drivers on the phone. Also, international taxies are available for foreigners (available languages: English, Japanese, and Chinese). You can make a taxi reservation by website (www.intltaxi.co.kr) or call (1644-2255).
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Q5. If I would like to get a Korean driver’s license, what do I have to do? 1
There are two ways of getting a Korean license. You can exchange your homeland license for a Korean license. The other way is by acquiring a Korean license.
First, in the case of exchanging a foreign license for a Korean license, foreigners are allowed to exchange their local license for a second class Korean license after passing physical exams. However, the license laws vary depending on the foreigner’s nationality and visa status.
Following documents are required:
· Foreign license
· Embassy certificate
· Translated and notarized copy
· Passport
· Alien Registration Card(ARC) or domicile registration card
· Three photos (3cm X 4cm)
· Fee 11,000 Won
Note that a second class Korean license is only allowed for driving a car with less than 10 people and a motorcycle below 125cc.
Second, in the case of a foreigner who doesn`t have a driving license, he/she must acquire a Korean driver`s license by following the procedure listed below.
Acquisition of a new driver`s licensing procedures:
Step 1.Traffic Safety Education
Step 2. Physical Test
Step 3. Aptitude Test
Step 4. Technical Test
Step 5. Acquired Practice License
Step 6. Road Driving Test
Step 7. Acquired Korean driving license.
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Q6. Do I need a license to drive a motorcycle? 1
It is required to have a motor license or a driver license in order to drive a motorcycle.
In order to acquire a motor license, you need to take the Traffic Safety Education Class, and then pass the written and driving test. Once you complete everything, you will be able to get a motor license.
However, it`s important to note that motorcycles with an engine size up to 125 CC do not require separate licenses. A regular 1 and 2 class license will allow you to drive motorcycles with smaller engines.
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Q7. I purchased a used car. Do I need to register? How? 1
If you purchase a used vehicle from a car dealer, most of the time, the dealer applies for the registration for you. However, in other cases, you have to do it for yourself. You must register your used vehicle within 15 days of purchase date or you can be fined.
The following documents are required:
- Bill of Sale(Stamped with seller`s registered seal)
- Certificate of seller`s seal impression (in the case that the seller can`t go with the buyer to the vehicle registration office in the buyer`s district)
- Certificate of Vehicle Registration
- Certificate of Alien Registration(Alien Registration Card)
- A Certificate of Liability Insurance
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Q8. A foreigner would like to get “The Disabled Parking Sticker”. What is the process? 1
He/she can submit a copy of vehicle registration certificate, a copy of alien registration, Doctor`s diagnostication (doctor`s diagnostication can be omitted if walking is obviously impossible) to a community center in order apply for a handicapped driver`s special sign.
However, using a disability parking lot is only available when a handicapped driver`s special sign is attached to the vehicle and the handicapped person is in the vehicle.
A handicapped driver`s special sign lasts 3 years.
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Q9. If I want to rent a car, what do I have to do? 1
You must meet these requirements
- Driver must be over 21 years of age
- Must have more than 1 year of driving experience
- Must be a holder of a valid driver’s license (Korean or International)
- For international driver`s license holders, must possess a valid passport.
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Q10. What is the Vehicle Inspection and how do I complete it? 1
All drivers are required by the Automobile Management Act to take their vehicles in for regular checkups (including exhaust emission close inspection test.)
This inspection should be completed every two years during the period between the initial vehicle registration day and the fourth year. Regular inspections should be completed within 60 days before and after the valid period. You should check your registration expiration date and plan to get a new one before it expires. You will begin to incur a penalty the day after the expiration date if you have not renewed it. For the first month (30 days) after the expiration date, you will be charged 20,000 won. After 30 days, you will be charged 10,000 won every three days. The maximum penalty that can be incurred is 300,000 won. You can get regular vehicle inspection from the Korea Transportation Safety Authority or Agent designated by the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime. You must present your automobile registration certificate and proof of insurance at the time of inspection.
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Q11. I purchased a used car. Do I need to have car insurance to drive it? 1
In order to own or operate a vehicle in Korea, liability insurance is required. You must obtain insurance the same day you register your vehicle.
Liability insurance covers the damages that must be paid to another party in the event of injury or death caused by an accident. If you do not, you will be charge a KW 10,000 penalty fee. If you still have not obtained insurance 10 days after registering your vehicle, you will be charged KW 4,000 per day thereafter. The maximum penalty that may be incurred is 600,000 won.
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Q12. I just arrived at Incheon International Airport. What is the easiest and most efficient way to get to downtown Seoul? 1
The easiest way to get to Seoul is by taking a limousine bus. The platform can be found directly outside the arrival hall at Incheon International Airport.
There are buses going directly to all areas in central Seoul and prices range between 6,000~11,000won.