No, sleeping in your car in South Korea is generally prohibited under the Road Traffic Act unless parked in designated rest areas or overnight facilities. Local ordinances in Seoul, Busan, and Incheon often impose additional curfews, with fines up to ₩100,000 for violations. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) has signaled stricter enforcement in 2026 to address urban homelessness and public nuisance concerns.
Key Regulations for Sleeping in Your Car in South Korea
- Road Traffic Act (제14조): Prohibits occupying a vehicle on public roads between 10 PM and 6 AM unless parked in a rest area (휴게소) or overnight parking lot (야간주차장). Violations may result in administrative fines or vehicle impoundment.
- Local Ordinances: Seoul’s Ordinance on Urban Management (서울시 도시관리조례) and Busan’s Public Nuisance Prevention Act (부산시 공공 nuisance 방지 조례) restrict overnight parking in residential zones, commercial districts, and near schools. Fines range from ₩50,000 to ₩200,000.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: MOLIT’s Smart Safety 2026 initiative mandates enhanced surveillance in high-risk areas, including AI-powered license plate recognition to detect prolonged vehicle occupancy. Rest areas will expand but require prior registration via the Korea Expressway Corporation app.