South Korea

What are the DUI punishment standards?

0.03%

BAC suspension threshold

0.08%

BAC criminal threshold

2 years

Max imprisonment

10M KRW

Max fine

The Short Answer

In South Korea, DUI punishments depend on blood alcohol concentration (BAC): up to 0.03% results in license suspension; 0.03–0.08% leads to license revocation; over 0.08% triggers criminal prosecution with possible imprisonment and fines.

What the Law Says

South Korea’s Road Traffic Act sets strict DUI penalties based on measured blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of driving. The law distinguishes administrative sanctions (license suspension or revocation) from criminal penalties (imprisonment and fines).

If a driver’s BAC is 0.03% or higher but less than 0.08%, their driver’s license is revoked for one year under administrative measures.

If BAC reaches 0.08% or higher, the offense becomes criminal — punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million Korean won (KRW), or both.

Even at BAC levels below 0.03%, drivers may face license suspension if deemed impaired, though the statutory minimum for mandatory suspension is 0.03%.

Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including longer license disqualifications and mandatory alcohol education programs.

Statutory Text
A person who drives a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.03 percent or more but less than 0.08 percent shall have his/her driver's license revoked for one year.
— Road Traffic Act, s. 149 — Penalty for Driving Under the Influence

Statutory Text
A person who drives a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than two years or a fine of not more than ten million won.
— Road Traffic Act, s. 149 — Penalty for Driving Under the Influence

What to Do

Immediately stop driving if you have consumed alcohol.

Cooperate with police breath or blood tests when requested — refusal carries penalties equal to a 0.08%+ BAC offense.

Seek legal counsel before signing any statement or accepting administrative penalties.

Attend mandatory alcohol education if ordered after a first-time offense below 0.08%.

Apply for license reinstatement only after completing the full revocation period and fulfilling all conditions.

Sources

statuteRoad Traffic Act, s. 149 — Penalty for Driving Under the Influence

Same Question, Other Jurisdictions

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.