Most traffic cases in Korea turn on two things: what you did at the scene, and which specific violation is alleged. The duty to stop and give details applies to every accident, the duty to report does not, and a short list of violations removes the protection that otherwise keeps a minor injury case out of the criminal courts. These answers set out where those lines fall.
Every answer states the current version of the Act it relies on and the date it was last checked, so you can see what it is based on.
Answers in this section
- Do I need to report a minor car accident in Korea?
It depends on what was damaged. - What happens if I hit a pedestrian in Korea?
It depends almost entirely on whether one of the listed serious violations was involved. - What happens if I refuse a breath test in Korea?
Refusing is treated more severely than most drink-driving offences, not less. - Can I drive in Korea after a DUI conviction?
Not immediately, and not by simply reapplying. - Do I lose my Korean licence after an accident?
Not automatically, and not from the accident alone. - Is a foreign driving licence valid in Korea?
An international driving permit issued under one of the recognised conventions, or a foreign licence covered by a mutual recogniti
Related
DUI in Korea: what foreign drivers are facing
Hit and run in Korea: a case that ended in a fine
Pedestrian accident in Korea: a not guilty outcome
Criminal defence lawyer in Korea
All Korean law answers
Tell us about your case
Send the facts and the stage your case is at. A Korean attorney reviews it and replies. No need to call first.
Written and reviewed by Soobin You, Attorney at YUSU Lawfirm. Former prosecutor. Last legal review: 12 September 2026.