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한국의 자동 주차 및 통행료 시스템
The Ultimate Guide to Korea's Automated Parking and Toll Systems

 


The Ultimate Guide to Korea's Automated Parking and Toll Systems

When driving or taking a taxi in South Korea, you will notice that highway toll gates and building parking lots operate with remarkable speed. There are no long queues to take a paper ticket or pay in cash.

Instead, the system relies on fully automated technologies like the High-pass (하이패스) system on highways and automated license-plate recognition (ALPR) in parking facilities. For a foreign visitor, however, navigating these systems—especially getting parking discounts and dealing with unmanned kiosks—can be confusing. Here is a complete guide to using Korean parking and toll systems without losing money.

Part 1: Highway Toll Systems and the 'High-pass'

  • What is High-pass? The High-pass system is an automated toll collection system that uses radio frequency identification (RFID). Vehicles equipped with a High-pass device and card can drive through toll gates at high speeds without stopping.

  • Taxis and Rental Cars: If you are using a taxi or a rental car, the vehicle will usually have a High-pass unit installed. The toll is either included in the taxi fare or billed at the end of your rental period.

Part 2: Building Parking Lots and Automated Parking Kiosks

Most commercial buildings (cafés, restaurants, shopping malls) use automated camera-based entry and exit systems that scan your vehicle's license plate automatically.

1. How to Get Your Parking Discount (Important Rules)

  • Ask the Store Staff for Validation: Before leaving a restaurant, café, or shop, always show your receipt or tell the staff your license plate number to get free parking time.

  • Scan Your Receipt at the Machine: If the building uses an indoor automated parking kiosk, you must scan the barcode on your shop receipt to apply the discount before going to your car.

  • Why You Might Lose Money: If you just walk to your car and try to exit without validating the receipt, you will be charged the standard high parking fee at the gate.

2. How to Use the Automated Parking Kiosk

  1. Find the kiosk in the building lobby or near the elevator.

  2. Enter your vehicle's full license plate number (e.g., 123가 4567) on the touch screen.

  3. Select your vehicle from the list and check the parking fee.

  4. Scan the barcode of your café or store receipt. The fee will be adjusted to zero or discounted.

  5. Pay the remaining balance (if applicable) via credit card or mobile pay.

  6. Drive to the exit within 10 to 15 minutes of payment.

Part 3: Solving Problems at Unmanned Gates

If the gate doesn't open or if the machine does not recognize your discount:

  • Press the Intercom (Call Button): There is a call button (호출) on every automated kiosk and exit barrier. The operator, or parking management company, will answer immediately and can remotely open the barrier or apply the discount.

  • Keep Your Receipt: Always hold onto your paper or digital receipt until you have successfully exited the parking lot.

Part 4: Useful Korean Phrases

  • "Ju-cha-hal-in hae-ju-se-yo" means "Please give me a parking discount."

  • "Yeong-su-jeung-eul o-di-seo sseu-na-yo?" means "Where do I use the receipt?"

  • "Ho-chul-gi-reul nul-leo-ju-se-yo" means "Please press the call button."

  • "Gamsahamnida" means "Thank you."

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