01 / LICENSE
Licences for 125cc and under, and your physical licence card
In Korea, a motorcycle of 125cc or under can also be ridden on a Class 1 or Class 2 ordinary car licence. Without a car licence, you need a motorized bicycle licence (원동기장치자전거면허) or a Class 2 small licence (제2종 소형면허). A learner’s licence doesn’t count.
This section covers Korean rules only. It does not cover whether licences issued in other countries or international driving permits can be used in Korea.
When you rent, I recommend bringing your physical licence card.
The legal age for getting a licence can differ from the age a shop sets for rental or insurance. Check the shop’s rules for the specific bike as well.
02 / WHERE TO RENT
Where I looked into motorcycle rentals and test rides in Seoul
Artefine Yongsan
In October 2026, I rented a Vespa GTS 125 SUPER for 24 hours, from pickup to return.
Yongsan Lounge official page (Korean)KMR
The 125cc bikes were fully booked on the date I wanted, so I couldn’t use KMR. They referred me to a BURGMAN STREET 125 test ride at Suzuki Seoul Seongbuk.
KMR official rental guideSuzuki Seoul Seongbuk
I took a BURGMAN STREET 125 on a paid 6-hour test ride. The shop described the cover as test-ride insurance.
Suzuki official dealer list (Korean)03 / CONTRACT & INSURANCE
Insurance cover and the excess
Beyond injury and damage to others, check in the contract what covers your own injuries and damage to the bike, the excess you pay, and the situations the insurance doesn’t cover. The contract and insurance can also differ between a rental and a test ride.
2026-10-16 to 17BURGMAN STREET 125
2026-05-01
Balaclava ₩9,000 · fuel about ₩7,000Total ₩60,000
Deposit ₩10,000 · balance ₩50,000
No detailed explanation at the shopDescribed as test-ride insurance
Cover and excess not confirmed
No USB port foundPhone mount, charging, helmet
04 / GEAR
Helmet, gloves and what to wear
In Korea, riders of two-wheelers and their passengers must wear a motorcycle helmet. If you bring your own, check for Korea’s KC safety confirmation mark, the chin strap and a size that fits your head.
Check the helmet and gloves first
Some places lend helmets and gloves. Check whether they’re provided, and the helmet type, when you book.
Clothes that cover your skin and feet
Riding gear is best. If you don’t have any, wear a long-sleeved top such as a leather jacket and long trousers, so your skin isn’t exposed straight away if you fall. Avoid very wide-legged trousers, and wear shoes that cover your feet rather than slides or flip-flops.
05 / BEFORE YOU MOVE
Check the bike before you set off
Check the levers work and the throttle closes smoothly.
Look for visible damage and check the air pressure.
Try the headlight, indicators, brake light and horn yourself.
Check the condition at pickup, the fuel level and the return rules.
If anything looks wrong, tell the shop before you set off. It’s also a good idea to check the bodywork with the shop before leaving and take photos.
06 / PHONE
Mounting and charging your phone
In Korea, handling a phone while riding is prohibited. Set up navigation before you leave, and stop somewhere safe if you need to use the phone.
Depending on the rental model, there may be no USB charging port. If you plan to use your phone for navigation, check before booking whether there’s a mount and a way to charge, and bring a power bank if needed.
If your phone stays mounted on the bike for a long time, consider the effects of vibration and heat too. Apple says motorcycle vibration can affect the camera performance of some iPhone models, so it recommends a vibration-dampening mount even on low-displacement vehicles and avoiding long periods of use.
Apple’s guidance on motorcycle vibration (Korean)07 / MY PICK
Five questions to ask before booking
- Do I need anything besides my physical licence card?
- What does the insurance cover, and what’s the excess?
- Can I borrow a helmet and gloves?
- Is there a phone mount and a way to charge?
- What are the fuel and return rules?