Korea Gas Station Guide 2026: How to Refuel a Rental Car
Refueling a rental car in South Korea is usually straightforward once you know the vehicle’s exact fuel type and the basic payment process.
The biggest danger is not the language barrier. It is choosing the wrong fuel because you guessed from the vehicle model, pump color or nozzle color.
Before leaving the rental branch, photograph the fuel information and confirm whether the vehicle uses gasoline, diesel, LPG, hybrid power or electricity.
Check the fuel type first
Never select fuel by vehicle appearance, pump design or nozzle color. Compare the rental agreement, fuel-door label and pump name before refueling.
The safest refueling rule
Before refueling: confirm the exact fuel type and payment method.
While refueling: keep the engine off and follow the pump instructions.
Before returning: restore the fuel or battery level required by your rental agreement.
Information checked in July 2026
Fuel-return rules, accepted cards, EV charging networks and station operating hours vary. Your current rental agreement, vehicle label and station instructions take priority over general travel guides.
Table of Contents
✓ Quick Answer: How to Refuel in Korea
✓ Check the Rental Fuel Policy
✓ Staffed or Self-Service Station
✓ How to Use a Self-Service Station
✓ What to Do After Selecting the Wrong Fuel
✓ Gasoline and Diesel Vehicles
✓ Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Cars
✓ Returning an Electric Vehicle
✓ Refueling Before an Airport Return
Quick Answer: How Do You Refuel a Rental Car in Korea?
First, confirm whether the rental car uses gasoline, diesel, LPG, hybrid power or electricity.
Then find a station or charger that supports the vehicle and complete the payment process shown on the machine.
Basic refueling checklist
- ✓ Check the fuel type before leaving the rental branch
- ✓ Photograph the fuel gauge and fuel-door label
- ✓ Turn off the engine before refueling
- ✓ Confirm your payment has been accepted
- ✓ Select the exact fuel printed on the vehicle information
- ✓ Keep the receipt
- ✓ Photograph the gauge after refueling
- ✓ Return the car at the level required by the agreement
| Vehicle type | Where to go | Most important check |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | Gas station | Regular or premium gasoline requirement |
| Diesel | Gas station with diesel pump | Do not confuse diesel with gasoline |
| LPG | LPG filling station | Find a dedicated LPG facility |
| Hybrid | Gas station | Confirm the combustion-engine fuel |
| Electric | Compatible EV charging station | Connector, card and charging network |
Never guess
The same vehicle model can be available with different engines. Check the exact rental vehicle rather than searching only by model name.
Check the Rental Fuel Policy
Do not assume that every Korean rental company uses an identical return policy.
A major Korean rental provider currently states that its vehicles are provided with a full tank and must be returned with the same fuel level. It may charge the renter when fuel is missing at return.
Other rental companies can use different wording or a different starting level.
Confirm these details at pickup
- ✓ Starting fuel or battery level
- ✓ Required return level
- ✓ Refueling or low-battery charge
- ✓ Whether a receipt is required
- ✓ EV charging-card settlement
- ✓ Inspection process at return
Photograph the starting level
Take a clear photograph showing the fuel gauge or battery percentage and odometer before leaving the branch.
When the level differs from the contract, ask the staff to correct the record before departure.
Use the contract, not an assumption
Return the vehicle with the fuel or battery level required by your own rental agreement.
Confirm the Fuel Type Before Driving
The rental vehicle’s exact fuel type should be confirmed before you drive away.
Check these locations
- ✓ Rental agreement
- ✓ Vehicle-information sheet
- ✓ Fuel-door label
- ✓ Dashboard display
- ✓ Key tag
- ✓ Rental staff’s explanation
Ask the employee to point to the fuel type
When the information is unclear, ask the employee to show you the exact label and write down the fuel name.
Do not rely only on a spoken explanation that you may forget later.
Save photographs
Photograph:
- ✓ Fuel type
- ✓ Fuel gauge or battery percentage
- ✓ Odometer
- ✓ Fuel-door label
- ✓ Contract return requirement
Learn the Korean Fuel Words
Korean fuel names are often displayed more prominently than English labels.
| Korean | English | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 휘발유 | Gasoline | Regular gasoline for compatible vehicles |
| 경유 | Diesel | Fuel for diesel-engine vehicles |
| 고급휘발유 | Premium gasoline | Higher-octane gasoline for vehicles that require it |
| LPG / 가스 | LPG | Liquefied petroleum gas |
| 전기 | Electric | Battery-electric vehicle charging |
| 요소수 | Diesel exhaust fluid | A separate fluid, not vehicle fuel |
Do not put diesel exhaust fluid into the fuel tank
Diesel exhaust fluid is used by some diesel vehicles as part of the emissions system.
It is not diesel fuel and should not be poured into the ordinary fuel opening.
Contact the rental company when the vehicle displays a related warning.
Do Not Rely on Pump or Nozzle Color
Fuel companies and individual stations can use different equipment designs and colors.
A color that represents diesel in one country or station may not mean the same thing elsewhere.
Use this checking sequence
- Read the fuel name printed on the pump.
- Compare it with the rental agreement.
- Check the fuel-door label.
- Ask an employee when anything is unclear.
- Begin only after the information matches.
Read the fuel name
Never choose gasoline, diesel or LPG only by looking at the nozzle color.
How to Find a Gas Station
Korean map apps can be used to locate nearby gasoline, diesel, LPG and electric charging facilities.
Useful search terms
| Search term | What it finds |
|---|---|
| 주유소 | Gas stations |
| 셀프주유소 | Self-service gas stations |
| LPG 충전소 | LPG filling stations |
| 전기차 충전소 | EV charging stations |
Use Opinet
Opinet provides gas-station and fuel-price information for locations across South Korea.
It can help you compare nearby stations, but check the current station information again before a late-night or rural trip.
Save more than one station
Prepare a primary station and a backup station when:
- ✓ Returning a car early in the morning
- ✓ Driving late at night
- ✓ Traveling through a mountain or coastal area
- ✓ Driving an LPG vehicle
- ✓ Driving on a small island
- ✓ Returning a vehicle near an airport
Prepare Korean map apps
Save the gas station, EV charger, rental return entrance and airport terminal before the final day.
Best Apps for Traveling in Korea →Staffed Station or Self-Service Station?
Staffed gas station
At a staffed station, an employee normally handles the nozzle and refueling process.
Tell the employee:
- ✓ Fuel type
- ✓ Full tank or fixed amount
- ✓ Payment method
- ✓ Whether you need a receipt
Self-service gas station
A self-service station is usually marked with the word 셀프.
You select the fuel, payment method and amount on the pump screen before using the nozzle.
Language support varies
Some machines offer English or another language, while others mainly display Korean.
When the screen is unclear, cancel the process and ask the station employee for help.
LPG is different
An LPG rental car requires an LPG filling station and its own safety process.
Do not apply the ordinary gasoline or diesel self-service procedure without following the LPG station’s instructions.
How to Use a Self-Service Gas Station
Step 1. Park beside the correct pump
Check which side of the vehicle contains the fuel door.
Some vehicles show a small arrow beside the dashboard fuel icon, but inspect the actual vehicle rather than assuming the symbol works the same way in every model.
Step 2. Secure and turn off the vehicle
- ✓ Shift into Park
- ✓ Apply the parking brake
- ✓ Turn off the engine
- ✓ Put out all cigarettes
- ✓ Follow the station’s safety instructions
Step 3. Check the pump label
Compare the pump’s fuel name with the rental agreement and fuel-door label.
Do not continue when only the pump color appears familiar.
Step 4. Select a language when available
Choose English or another available language before entering payment details.
Step 5. Select the payment method
The terminal may offer a card, local payment service or staff-assisted option.
Confirm that your card is accepted before lifting the nozzle.
Step 6. Select the amount
Depending on the machine, you may be able to choose:
- ✓ Full tank
- ✓ Fixed price
- ✓ Fixed volume
Step 7. Follow the static-safety instructions
Touch the designated static-discharge area when the pump instructs you to do so.
Follow the instructions shown on the equipment rather than copying another customer.
Step 8. Insert the correct nozzle
Open the fuel door and cap, then place the selected nozzle fully into the fuel opening.
Step 9. Refuel
Hold the nozzle or use its approved locking mechanism when available.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while fuel is flowing.
Step 10. Finish safely
- ✓ Wait for fuel flow to stop
- ✓ Return the nozzle correctly
- ✓ Tighten the fuel cap
- ✓ Close the fuel door
- ✓ Complete the terminal process
- ✓ Collect the receipt
Step 11. Check the dashboard
After starting the engine, confirm the fuel gauge and check that no unexpected warning light is displayed.
Never choose fuel by color alone
Stop and ask for help when the fuel name on the pump does not clearly match the vehicle information.
Useful Phrases at a Staffed Gas Station
Fill it up, please
가득 넣어 주세요.
Gadeuk neoeo juseyo.
Gasoline, please
휘발유 넣어 주세요.
Hwiballyu neoeo juseyo.
Diesel, please
경유 넣어 주세요.
Gyeongyu neoeo juseyo.
Please put in this amount
이만 원어치 넣어 주세요.
Iman won-eochi neoeo juseyo.
This example asks for fuel worth 20,000 won. Replace the amount when necessary.
Please give me a receipt
영수증 주세요.
Yeongsujeung juseyo.
This car uses gasoline or diesel?
이 차는 휘발유예요, 경유예요?
I chaneun hwiballyuyeyo, gyeongyuyeyo?
Show the rental agreement or photograph of the fuel-door label when pronunciation is difficult.
Paying With a Foreign Credit or Debit Card
A foreign-issued card may work at one station but fail at another unmanned payment terminal.
Acceptance can depend on the card network, terminal, PIN requirement, overseas-use setting and station payment system.
Prepare before arriving
- ✓ Physical payment card
- ✓ Card PIN when required
- ✓ Second card from another network
- ✓ Overseas-use permission enabled
- ✓ Small amount of cash as backup
- ✓ Staff assistance when the machine rejects the card
Confirm approval before refueling
Read the screen and make sure the terminal has accepted the payment method before lifting the nozzle.
Temporary authorization
Some automated payment systems may display a temporary authorization before adjusting the account to the actual amount of fuel purchased.
The process is not identical at every station.
Check the receipt and card application
Compare:
- ✓ Pump total
- ✓ Printed receipt
- ✓ Pending card transaction
- ✓ Final posted transaction
Contact the card issuer and station when a pending authorization remains unresolved or the final charge appears incorrect.
Use a staffed station when necessary
A station employee may be able to process payment at another terminal when the self-service machine rejects an overseas card.
Should You Choose a Full Tank or a Fixed Amount?
Full tank
Selecting a full tank is useful before returning a vehicle that must be returned full.
The pump should stop automatically when the tank reaches its normal fill level.
Fixed amount
A fixed amount is useful when you need only enough fuel for the next part of the trip.
It may not be enough to satisfy the rental return condition.
Fixed volume
Some machines allow a specific number of liters to be selected, but this option is not available at every station.
Do not overestimate the gauge
One gauge bar does not represent the same number of liters in every vehicle.
When the rental agreement requires a full tank, use the full-tank option rather than trying to estimate the missing fuel from the dashboard bars.
Before the final refueling stop
- ✓ Check the rental return rule
- ✓ Review the pickup gauge photograph
- ✓ Check the distance to the return branch
- ✓ Allow for traffic and detours
- ✓ Save a backup station
What to Do If You Select the Wrong Fuel
Putting the wrong fuel into a rental car can cause serious and expensive damage.
Your actions immediately after noticing the mistake can affect the amount of damage.
If you notice before lifting the nozzle
- ✓ Cancel the selection
- ✓ Do not begin refueling
- ✓ Recheck the rental agreement
- ✓ Ask the station employee for help
If you notice while refueling
- ✕ Stop refueling immediately
- ✕ Do not start the engine
- ✕ Do not move the vehicle under its own power
- ✕ Contact the rental company
- ✕ Follow roadside-assistance instructions
If you have already started the engine
Stop safely as soon as possible and turn off the engine.
Contact the rental company immediately.
Do not continue driving in an attempt to use the incorrect fuel.
Do not arrange your own repair
The rental company may require towing, draining or repairs through a designated facility.
Unauthorized repairs can create additional insurance and payment problems.
Wrong fuel? Do not start the engine
Starting or continuing to drive can move the wrong fuel through the engine system and increase the damage.
Gasoline Versus Diesel Rental Cars
Do not identify the fuel from the vehicle name alone.
The same model can be available with gasoline, diesel, hybrid or LPG power depending on the year and individual rental vehicle.
Gasoline vehicle
Look for:
- ✓ Gasoline or 휘발유 label
- ✓ Regular or premium requirement
- ✓ Fuel-door instructions
Diesel vehicle
Look for:
- ✓ Diesel or 경유 label
- ✓ Diesel-specific pump
- ✓ Possible diesel exhaust-fluid warning
Regular or premium gasoline
Do not pay for premium gasoline only because it appears to be the safer choice.
Use the grade required by the vehicle information or rental company.
Diesel exhaust-fluid warning
Contact the rental company when the dashboard displays an unfamiliar emissions-fluid warning.
Do not pour a fluid into the vehicle until the company confirms the correct location and product.
LPG Rental Cars
LPG rental cars require a facility that supplies LPG.
A normal gasoline station may not have an LPG filling area.
Search before the fuel becomes low
Save LPG stations in advance, particularly when driving through:
- ✓ Mountain areas
- ✓ Rural coastal roads
- ✓ Small towns
- ✓ Islands
- ✓ Late-night routes
Check the station information
- ✓ Operating hours
- ✓ Staff availability
- ✓ Payment methods
- ✓ Vehicle access
- ✓ Distance to the next LPG station
Follow the employee’s instructions
LPG fueling equipment and safety procedures differ from ordinary gasoline and diesel pumps.
Park where directed and allow the station staff to guide the process.
Do not use an ordinary pump
Never attempt to put gasoline or diesel into an LPG vehicle.
Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
Standard hybrid
A standard hybrid still uses combustion-engine fuel.
Confirm whether the rental vehicle requires gasoline or another fuel.
Plug-in hybrid
A plug-in hybrid may use both fuel and external electric charging.
Confirm both return requirements
- ✓ Fuel type
- ✓ Required fuel level
- ✓ Charging connector
- ✓ Charging cable
- ✓ Required battery level
- ✓ Charging-fee settlement
Electric mode does not mean electric-only
A hybrid can move using battery power at certain times while still requiring gasoline or another fuel.
Do not confuse a hybrid vehicle with a battery-electric vehicle.
Renting an Electric Vehicle in Korea
An electric rental car requires more planning than a gasoline vehicle because charging access, connector compatibility and payment methods can vary.
Confirm everything at pickup
- ✓ Charging connector
- ✓ Charging cable
- ✓ Rental-company charging card
- ✓ Recommended charging network
- ✓ Current battery percentage
- ✓ Required return percentage
- ✓ Charging-fee settlement
- ✓ Lost-card or lost-cable charge
- ✓ Emergency support number
Check the realistic driving range
The range displayed on the dashboard is an estimate.
Actual range can be affected by:
- ✓ Speed
- ✓ Hills
- ✓ Air conditioning or heating
- ✓ Weather
- ✓ Passenger and luggage weight
- ✓ Traffic conditions
Find chargers before beginning the route
Use the official Korean zero-emission vehicle portal, charging-network information and Korean map apps to locate suitable chargers.
Check the charger again shortly before arrival because availability and operating status can change.
Prepare a backup charger
Do not plan a long route around only one charger.
The first charger may be occupied, restricted, incompatible or temporarily unavailable.
Fast Charging and Slow Charging
Fast charging
Fast charging is useful during a road trip or when you cannot leave the vehicle parked for a long period.
However, popular fast chargers can be busy during weekends and holiday travel periods.
Slow charging
Slow charging is better suited to hotels, overnight stays and long parking periods.
Access may be limited to registered guests, residents or facility users.
Charging time is not fixed
The actual charging speed depends on:
- ✓ Vehicle charging limit
- ✓ Charger output
- ✓ Current battery percentage
- ✓ Battery temperature
- ✓ Weather
- ✓ Shared charger capacity
- ✓ Charging-network restrictions
Charging can slow near a high battery level
Many electric vehicles reduce charging speed as the battery becomes fuller.
Do not calculate your schedule using only the charger’s maximum advertised output.
Leave extra time
Charging time can be longer than expected because of queues, authentication problems, vehicle limits or weather.
EV Charging Cards and Apps
Do not assume that one rental-company card works at every charger in Korea.
Charging operators can use different membership systems, roaming agreements, applications and non-member payment methods.
Ask the rental company
- ✓ Which charging networks accept this card?
- ✓ Is a mobile application required?
- ✓ Can a foreign credit card be used?
- ✓ How will charging fees be billed?
- ✓ What should I do when the card fails?
- ✓ Must the card be returned with the vehicle?
- ✓ What is the lost-card charge?
Foreign-card acceptance varies
A charger may accept a Korean membership card but reject a foreign-issued bank card.
Prepare the rental charging card and the company’s recommended charger network whenever possible.
When the charging card fails
- Read the error message.
- Confirm that the connector matches the vehicle.
- Try the rental-company recommended authentication method.
- Call the charging operator shown on the charger.
- Contact the rental company when the problem continues.
Do not force the connector
A connector that does not fit may belong to a different charging standard.
Do not push, twist or modify the connector.
One card may not work everywhere
Use the network and payment process recommended by the rental company and prepare a backup charger.
How to Use an EV Charger
The exact order differs by charger, but the following process is common.
Step 1. Park in the correct charging space
Confirm that the space and charger are available for your vehicle.
Step 2. Turn off and secure the vehicle
Shift into Park and follow the vehicle’s charging instructions.
Step 3. Check the connector
Compare the charger connector with the vehicle charging port before beginning payment.
Step 4. Authenticate
Use the approved charging card, application or payment method.
Step 5. Connect the cable
Insert the connector fully and follow any locking instructions.
Step 6. Confirm charging has started
Check both the charger screen and the vehicle display.
Do not walk away until the equipment clearly shows that energy is being delivered.
Step 7. Monitor the session
Check the battery percentage, charging status and any time limit.
Step 8. Stop the session correctly
Use the charger, card or application to end the charging session before removing the connector.
Step 9. Return the cable
Place the cable and connector in the correct position without blocking the parking area.
Step 10. Move the vehicle
Do not leave the vehicle in the charging space after the session ends.
Some facilities can charge additional parking or idle fees.
Returning a Gasoline, Diesel or LPG Vehicle
Refuel the vehicle to the level required in the rental agreement before returning it.
A major rental provider currently checks the fuel level during the return inspection and may charge for missing fuel.
Before returning
- ✓ Check the required return level
- ✓ Refuel near the return branch
- ✓ Keep the receipt
- ✓ Photograph the dashboard
- ✓ Photograph the odometer
- ✓ Confirm the return branch
- ✓ Leave time for the inspection
Keep the receipt
The receipt can show:
- ✓ Refueling time
- ✓ Station location
- ✓ Fuel type
- ✓ Amount purchased
- ✓ Refueling shortly before return
Photograph the gauge
Take a photograph after refueling and another photograph after arriving at the return branch.
Make sure the fuel level and odometer are readable.
Attend the return inspection
When possible, remain until the staff confirms the fuel level and completes the vehicle inspection.
Do not leave fuel for the last minute
Payment failure, congestion or a closed station can make you late for the return deadline.
Returning an Electric Vehicle
Electric-vehicle return rules differ by rental company.
Do not apply a gasoline full-tank policy to an electric vehicle without checking the contract.
Confirm at pickup
- ✓ Minimum return battery percentage
- ✓ Low-battery charge
- ✓ Charging-card settlement
- ✓ Required charging cable
- ✓ Card and accessory return
- ✓ Final charging-session procedure
Do not wait until the final morning
A nearby charger may be occupied, incompatible or unavailable.
Charge the vehicle early enough to use a backup location.
Return every accessory
Check the trunk, charging port and glove compartment for:
- ✓ Charging cable
- ✓ Charging card
- ✓ Adapter when supplied
- ✓ Storage bag or case
Check the EV return rule on pickup day
Do not wait until the final day to discover the required battery level or charging-card procedure.
Refueling Before an Airport Return
Refueling before an airport return requires more time than simply driving to the airport.
Allow time for
- ✓ Finding the station
- ✓ Waiting for an available pump
- ✓ Solving a card-payment problem
- ✓ Driving to the correct return entrance
- ✓ Vehicle inspection
- ✓ Rental-company shuttle
- ✓ Airport check-in and security
Do not refuel too far away
A long drive, heavy traffic or detour after refueling may reduce the gauge before return.
Select a station reasonably close to the return branch without leaving the task until the final few minutes.
Save the exact rental return entrance
An airport can have several terminals, parking buildings and rental-car facilities.
Save the Korean address and navigation pin provided by the rental company.
Prepare two stations
The closest station may be crowded, closed or difficult to access from your direction of travel.
Save a backup station before beginning the airport return.
Early-morning return
Confirm the station’s current opening hours on the previous evening.
Do not assume that every station near an international airport operates 24 hours.
Late-Night and Rural Refueling
Station availability can be limited in rural, mountainous and island areas.
Check before departure
- ✓ Opening hours
- ✓ Self-service availability
- ✓ Staff availability
- ✓ Accepted cards
- ✓ Required fuel type
- ✓ Distance to the next station
Do not wait for the warning light
Refuel earlier than you would in a major city when driving through a remote region.
LPG vehicles need additional planning
An ordinary gas station does not necessarily provide LPG.
Save several dedicated LPG stations along the route.
EV drivers need a charging buffer
Do not arrive at the only rural charger with almost no remaining battery.
Keep enough range to reach an alternative location.
Holiday and weekend travel
Popular stations and highway service areas can be busier during peak travel periods.
Refuel before entering a long congestion zone.
Common Refueling Mistakes in Korea
Guessing the fuel from the vehicle model
Check the exact vehicle’s rental agreement and fuel-door label.
Choosing fuel by nozzle color
Read the printed Korean or English fuel name.
Ignoring the starting fuel level
Photograph the gauge and compare it with the contract before leaving the branch.
Starting before the card is accepted
Confirm the payment approval on the terminal first.
Confusing a pending authorization with the final charge
Compare the receipt, pending transaction and final posted transaction.
Selecting premium gasoline without checking
Use the grade specified for the rental vehicle.
Putting gasoline into a diesel vehicle
Stop immediately and do not start the engine.
Driving after adding the wrong fuel
Continuing to drive can increase the damage.
Searching for an LPG station too late
Save LPG filling stations before entering a remote route.
Assuming every EV charger accepts the rental card
Use the rental-company recommended charging networks.
Leaving the EV after charging ends
Move the vehicle so another driver can use the charger.
Forgetting the charging card or cable
Check every charging accessory before return.
Refueling too far from the return branch
Fuel can be used again before you arrive.
Throwing away the receipt
Keep it until the rental company has completed the return.
Returning without photographing the gauge
Take clear evidence of the final fuel or battery level.
Assuming every rental car starts full
Follow the exact fuel level shown in your rental agreement.
Final Refueling Checklist
At vehicle pickup
- ✓ Fuel type photographed
- ✓ Fuel gauge photographed
- ✓ Fuel door located
- ✓ Return level confirmed
- ✓ EV card and cable checked
- ✓ Emergency contact saved
Before refueling
- ✓ Correct station
- ✓ Correct pump
- ✓ Correct fuel
- ✓ Engine turned off
- ✓ Payment method ready
- ✓ Rental agreement checked
After refueling
- ✓ Nozzle returned
- ✓ Fuel cap closed
- ✓ Fuel door closed
- ✓ Receipt collected
- ✓ Gauge checked
- ✓ Warning lights checked
- ✓ Payment amount checked
Before returning
- ✓ Required level restored
- ✓ Receipt saved
- ✓ Dashboard photographed
- ✓ Odometer photographed
- ✓ Charging accessories packed
- ✓ Return route confirmed
- ✓ Backup station saved
Check the label before touching the nozzle
The rental agreement, fuel-door label and pump name should all show the same fuel type.
Review the Quick Refueling Checklist →Frequently Asked Questions
What fuel do Korean rental cars use?
Korean rental fleets can include gasoline, diesel, LPG, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Check the exact vehicle rather than relying on the model name.
How can I check whether the car uses gasoline or diesel?
Compare the rental agreement, fuel-door label, dashboard information and staff explanation.
Can I identify the fuel by the nozzle color?
No. Pump and nozzle colors can vary. Read the printed fuel name.
What do 휘발유 and 경유 mean?
휘발유 means gasoline, while 경유 means diesel.
What is 요소수?
It is diesel exhaust fluid used in the emissions system of some diesel vehicles. It is not ordinary vehicle fuel.
Are Korean gas stations self-service?
Some are self-service and others have staff. A self-service station is commonly marked with 셀프.
How do I use a self-service gas station?
Park correctly, turn off the engine, select the exact fuel, complete payment, choose the amount, refuel and collect the receipt.
Can I pay with a foreign credit card?
Possibly, but acceptance varies by terminal and station. Carry a second card and ask for staff assistance when necessary.
Why does my card show a temporary charge?
Some automated systems may place a temporary authorization before posting the actual fuel amount. Compare the receipt and final card transaction.
How do I ask for a full tank in Korean?
Say “가득 넣어 주세요,” pronounced approximately “Gadeuk neoeo juseyo.”
What should I do if I select the wrong fuel?
Stop immediately. Do not start the engine or move the vehicle. Contact the rental company.
What should I do if I already started the engine?
Stop safely, turn off the engine and contact the rental company immediately.
Where can I find an LPG station?
Search for LPG 충전소 in a Korean map app and prepare several options before entering a rural area.
Can I refuel an LPG car at a normal gas pump?
No. Use a dedicated LPG filling facility and follow its staff instructions.
Does a hybrid car need gasoline?
Most hybrids still use combustion-engine fuel. Check whether the exact vehicle requires gasoline or another fuel.
How do I find an EV charger in Korea?
Use the official zero-emission vehicle portal, charging-network services and Korean map apps.
Does one charging card work at every charger?
No. Network, roaming and membership conditions vary.
Can I use a foreign card at an EV charger?
Some chargers may accept one, while others require a Korean charging card or application. Follow the rental company’s recommended system.
How much battery must an EV have when returned?
The required percentage depends on the rental agreement. Confirm it during vehicle pickup.
Must I return a rental car with a full tank?
Follow your rental agreement. Some companies require a full tank or the same level recorded at pickup.
What happens if the fuel level is too low?
The rental company may charge for the missing fuel and an applicable refueling fee.
Should I keep the gas-station receipt?
Yes. Keep it until the return inspection and final rental settlement are complete.
How close to the airport should I refuel?
Choose a station reasonably close to the return branch while leaving enough time for payment problems, traffic and vehicle inspection.
Official Fuel and Charging Information
Station operations, prices and charger availability can change. Check current official and local information before beginning the route.
RENTAL FUEL POLICY
Rental Pickup, Return and Fuel Information
Review current fuel-return, inspection and refueling-charge information from a major Korean rental provider.
Open Rental Information →GAS STATIONS AND FUEL PRICES
Opinet Fuel Information
Search for gas stations and compare current fuel information by area.
Open Opinet →ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Korea Zero-Emission Vehicle Portal
Check official electric-vehicle and charging information before planning a rental-car route.
Open EV Portal →
