How to find a cheap car hire deal in Seoul
Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Seoul. Choose from options averaging $132 a day and get going for less.
$56 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Seoul.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $280 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
If smart timing is part of your strategy, book about one week ahead to land the best price on a Seoul car hire.
Find your perfect ride with GOGO Rent a Car, WECAR or HI RENT A CAR. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
The coverage GOGO Rent a Car or another company includes with your Seoul car hire can differ, so remember to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Want to explore without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $152 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $122, this provider comes in next.
The third option also performs well on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly $199 a day.
If you're unsure which ride is right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle in Seoul.
Flying to Seoul? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Seoul, get moving sooner by booking a car hire at Incheon International Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 48 kilometres and takes about 1 hour.
Or make a quick exit with a car hire from Gimpo International Airport. Once you've grabbed the keys, it'll take roughly 30 minutes to drive the 16 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Seoul
Small: These cheap rental cars in Seoul may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Seoul car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Seoul that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Seoul car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Seoul by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by provider (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in South Korea may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary from one location to another, and the right setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Find out if you need to add one to your Seoul car hire reservation.
Bring the right documents and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and a second photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in South Korea.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in urban areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% applies in South Korea. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
The South Korean won (KRW) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions. Pay by card when you can, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
Korean is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.
Best hotels in Seoul for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time enjoying your stay at Hotel Naru Seoul - MGallery Collection. About 5 kilometres from central Seoul, it comes with accessible parking, a fitness centre and air conditioning.
Mia Hwanggeum is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, along with room service and a 24-hour front desk. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more places to choose from? Browse through the full list of hotels in Seoul. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've found a car hire deal in Seoul and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and N Seoul Tower are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Seoul
Buckle up and make tracks to Incheon. Around 27 kilometres southwest of central Seoul, it's home to must-see sights like Olympic Park and Songdo Central Park.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Incheon include BrownDot Hotel Incheon Songdo and Ekonomy Hotel Incheon.
Add Suwon to your list of stops. Grab your cheap car hire in Seoul and drive about 32 kilometres south to explore major attractions such as Suwon Hwaseong and Haenggung Street.
Suwon has some comfortable places to stay including Reborn Suwon Silkroad Hotel and Novotel Ambassador Suwon. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Gwangju, about 274 kilometres south of Seoul. From World Cup Stadium to Gwangju K-POP Star Road feat. BTS J-Hope Hope world, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Book a room at Dubai Hotel or Hotel B. Make one your base for exploring everything Gwangju has to offer. They also come with parking.
