COVID-19 Impact, Popularity of 'Yeongmun Driver's License' Rises

Last Year, 35.5% of Driver's Licenses Issued
Few Countries Apply, but Usable Until Renewal
Surpasses 1 Million Issuances Within One Year
International Driver's License Issuance Decreases by 77%

Sample of English Driver's License / Provided by Korea Road Traffic Authority

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, there have been changes in the issuance of driver's licenses that can be used overseas. While more countries accept international driving permits (IDPs) with shorter validity periods, the issuance of 'English Driver's Licenses,' which are valid throughout the license period but accepted in fewer countries, has increased.

According to the Korea Road Traffic Authority on the 18th, the number of international driving permits issued by the authority last year was 51,724, a 77% decrease compared to 224,937 in 2019. Monthly issuance, which used to be around 20,000, dropped to about 2,000 after February when COVID-19 became widespread. In April last year, when the Shincheonji cluster infection continued, only 791 international driving permits were issued.

On the other hand, the number of English Driver's Licenses issued reached 1,014,477, accounting for 35.5% of all driver's licenses issued. Notably, 103,235 were issued in December alone, marking the first time monthly issuance exceeded 100,000 since the English Driver's License was introduced in September 2019. In January this year, only 2,710 international driving permits were issued, while English Driver's Licenses reached 73,017.

Both international driving permits and English Driver's Licenses allow driving overseas with a Korean license. The key differences lie in the countries where they are accepted and their validity periods. International driving permits can be used in over 100 countries that are parties to the Geneva and Vienna Conventions but are valid for only one year. Conversely, the English Driver's License, which is issued in English on the back of the existing driver's license, is currently accepted in only 37 countries but can be used anytime as long as the domestic license remains valid.

Given the current restrictions on overseas travel due to COVID-19, the popularity of English Driver's License issuance is expected to continue for the time being. A Korea Road Traffic Authority official analyzed, "As people prepare in advance for driving abroad and find it convenient to use, the demand for English Driver's Licenses is increasing."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.