An increasing number of young South Koreans are putting off getting their driver’s licenses. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 29, 2005 (Korea Bizwire) — Amid persistent economic challenges and a robust public transportation network, an increasing number of young South Koreans are putting off getting their driver’s licenses — or skipping the process altogether.
According to data released by the National Police Agency, the number of newly issued licenses to teenagers and people in their 20s dropped by 20% and 30% respectively in 2023 compared to 2020.
As demand wanes, the number of registered driving schools across the country has also declined, falling to 342 in the first quarter of 2025, a 7% decrease from 367 in the same period five years ago.
The cost of obtaining and maintaining a license has become a critical consideration for younger generations already grappling with inflation. The average tuition for driving schools in Seoul has surged 29% over the past five years, reaching ₩900,000 in early 2025.
To save money, some students are now opting for suburban schools in places like Pocheon, where rates are roughly ₩100,000 cheaper and driving test courses are perceived as easier.
Others are turning to simulator-based programs that offer unlimited practice for less than ₩500,000 — roughly half the cost of traditional schools. These programs allow learners to train in a controlled environment, free from weather disruptions, and to repeat specific driving scenarios.
Faced with Economic Pressures, South Korea’s Young Adults Are Driving Less and Delaying Licenses (Image supported by ChatGPT)
Even for those who do obtain licenses, the leap to vehicle ownership remains daunting. “With the climate mobility card, I can get around Seoul for about ₩60,000 a month,” said 29-year-old Kim, who recently enrolled in a driving course. “Owning a car would mean spending hundreds of thousands of won on payments, gas, and insurance.”
Instead, many young adults are leaning on car-sharing services for occasional use. Social media trends now include “car hierarchy charts” ranking vehicle affordability by income bracket, reflecting how elusive car ownership feels to many.
Some cite fear, rather than finances, as the reason for avoiding driving altogether. “After seeing dashcam footage of accidents involving children on scooters, I began to fear that one moment of bad luck could lead to tragedy,” said Lee Eun-seo, 30. “I have a license, but I don’t intend to drive.”
For those who must drive, used cars are increasingly favored over new ones, viewed as disposable assets in an era of rapid advances in eco-friendly and autonomous vehicle technologies. Certified used car programs and improved market transparency have further fueled this trend.
According to the Korea Automobile Mobility Association (KAMA), new car purchases by people in their 20s dropped 12% in 2024 — the steepest decline among all age groups. In contrast, this demographic has maintained a steady share of the used car market, even as its overall population shrinks, indicating a shift in preference rather than simple demographic decline.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
