The announcement of the Korean National Police Agency on July 16 said that the bilateral agreement between Korea and Vietnam on the recognition of international driving licenses (IDPs), signed by the two sides during President Yoon Suk-yeol's visit to Vietnam on June 23, will take effect from July 23.

IDP International Driving Permit.

Under the agreement, Korean citizens who possess an international driving license will be allowed to drive in Vietnam within one year from the date of issue. The agency estimates that there are over 4.3 million Korean citizens in this category who can drive vehicles in Vietnam.

People can apply for an international driver's license online or in person at driving test centers nationwide, police stations, and international driver's license centers at Incheon and Gimpo airports, with a validity of one year from the date of issue.

Previously, the Korean Government granted permission for holders of international driving licenses issued by Vietnam to drive in Korea under Article 96 of the country's Road Traffic Law.

Korea is a member of the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949) ratified by 101 countries and recognizes international driving licenses issued by countries that are members of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968). However, Vietnam only recognizes driving licenses issued by countries that are members of the Vienna Convention with the participation of 86 countries.

VNA