Operator LicensesLicenseπŸ“… Updated 2026-05-05

How to Get a Korean Operator License: Written Exam, Practical Exam, Safety Education, Issuance

The practical application flow for exam booking, written and practical exams, safety education, and license issuance

Basis Β· Water-Related Leisure Activities Safety Act Article 13; Enforcement Rule Article 14

Start with the key point. The practical application flow for exam booking, written and practical exams, safety education, and license issuance

Visual guide

License preparation flow

A clear sequence helps you avoid missing the written exam, practical exam, safety education, or issuance step.

  1. 1
    Choose type

    Pick General Class 1, General Class 2, or Yacht based on the craft.

  2. 2
    Prepare written exam

    Use the official question-bank link plus basic law and safety topics.

  3. 3
    Book practical exam

    Check test sites, dates, and required items for the practical test.

  4. 4
    Complete education

    Confirm whether new or renewal safety education applies.

  5. 5
    Check issuance

    Prepare photo, ID, fee, and any existing-license return requirement.

Basic sequence

  1. Book and take the written exam
  2. Book and take the practical exam
  3. Complete water safety education
  4. Apply for license issuance

The official flow is to pass both the written and practical exams, complete safety education, and then apply for the license card.

Written exam criteria

License Passing score Time Fee
General Class 1 70 or higher 50 min KRW 4,800
General Class 2 60 or higher 50 min KRW 4,800
Yacht 70 or higher 50 min KRW 4,800

The written exam is multiple choice and is described as being drawn from a public question bank.

Practical exam criteria

  • General Class 1: 80 or higher
  • General Class 2: 60 or higher
  • Yacht: 60 or higher
  • Practical exam fee: KRW 64,800

Safety education and issuance

  • New safety education: 3 hours in person, KRW 14,400
  • New license issuance fee: KRW 5,000
  • Fees can change, so confirm the official site before booking.

πŸ“Ž Sources

5

This guide is based on the sources below. Laws, notices, and fees can change, so check the original source before use.

  1. 1
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    Korea Coast Guard

  2. 2
    ν•΄μ–‘κ²½μ°°μ²­ μˆ˜μƒλ ˆμ €μ’…ν•©μ •λ³΄ β€” ν•„κΈ°μ‹œν—˜

    Korea Coast Guard

  3. 3
    ν•΄μ–‘κ²½μ°°μ²­ μˆ˜μƒλ ˆμ €μ’…ν•©μ •λ³΄ β€” μ‹€κΈ°μ‹œν—˜ μΌλ°˜μ‘°μ’…

    Korea Coast Guard

  4. 4
    ν•΄μ–‘κ²½μ°°μ²­ μˆ˜μƒλ ˆμ €μ’…ν•©μ •λ³΄ β€” μ‹€κΈ°μ‹œν—˜ μš”νŠΈμ‘°μ’…

    Korea Coast Guard

  5. 5
    ν•΄μ–‘κ²½μ°°μ²­ μˆ˜μƒλ ˆμ €μ’…ν•©μ •λ³΄ β€” ꡐ윑 μ•ˆλ‚΄

    Korea Coast Guard

Remember before departure

This guide is general information. For actual license booking, renewal, operation, reporting, and restricted-area decisions, confirm the latest Korea Coast Guard portal and relevant authority guidance.

Report errors or outdated information to contact.bbangjae@gmail.com.