Punishment for drunk driving in the Republic of Korea is prescribed in the Road Traffic Act, and penalties are based on the blood alcohol concentration level. Blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% to 0.07% will result in criminal punishment (up to 1 year imprisonment/up to 5 million KRW fine), 100 penalty points, and a 100-day suspension of driver’s license. If the concentration level is 0.08% or above, the driver will face criminal punishment (up to 1-2 year imprisonment/up to 5 million to 10 million KRW fine) and revocation of driver’s license. If the concentration level exceeds 0.2%, more severe punishment will be imposed. Also, please keep in mind that refusal to sobriety tests can result in criminal punishment and revocation of license!
In addition, if a foreigner drives while intoxicated, he or she may be deported to his or her home country depending on the level of punishment. In such cases, foreigners will receive an order for departure or deportation by the Korea Immigration Service.
Then, what should you do to avoid drunk driving? The best option is to use designated driver services. Many restaurants have phone numbers of designated drivers that they are affiliated with. If you use the affiliated service, you may receive a discount.
The price for using designated driver services differs depending on the distance, time, weather, pedestrian environment, etc. But in most cases within the city, it costs somewhere between 15,000 and 30,000 KRW! Please note that it might be difficult to call a driver at rush hours.
Drunk driving is dangerous not only to yourself, but also to others. To protect everyone’s precious life, let’s promise not to drive after drinking!
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