License Plate ‘It’s Really Awesome’ Captured in Korea
- License plates, serving as a vehicle's unique identifier, combine seven numbers and a Korean character to create a singular designation.
- For some, a license plate represents an chance for personal expression.
- recently, an online forum on Naver featured a photo of a vehicle with a license plate ending in four nines, drawing considerable attention.
South Korean Drivers Covet ‘Gold number’ License Plates, Despite Restrictions
Table of Contents
- South Korean Drivers Covet ‘Gold number’ License Plates, Despite Restrictions
- South Korean License Plates: Decoding the ‘Gold Number’ Craze
- What Makes a South Korean License Plate Unique?
- Why Are Some License Plates in South Korea Considered “eye-Catching”?
- What Exactly is a “Gold Number” License Plate?
- What is the Allure of Personalized Plates More Generally?
- Can You customize a License Plate in South Korea?
- How Did People previously Acquire ”Gold Numbers”?
- How Much Did These “Gold Numbers” Cost, and What Factors Influenced the Price?
- What Are Some Examples of Personalized License Plates elsewhere?
- Key Differences in License Plate Customization: A Quick Comparison
License plates, serving as a vehicle’s unique identifier, combine seven numbers and a Korean character to create a singular designation. While most drivers pay little attention to these alphanumeric combinations, certain sequences, deemed “eye-catching,” are highly sought after.
The Allure of Personalized Plates
For some, a license plate represents an chance for personal expression. The desire to obtain a specific number is strong, and in countries like Australia, customized plates are legally available. However, in South Korea, this is not currently the case, leading to increased attention for vehicles bearing unusual or repeating number patterns.


The ‘Gold Number’ Phenomenon
recently, an online forum on Naver featured a photo of a vehicle with a license plate ending in four nines, drawing considerable attention. The fact that the vehicle was a common model, a K3, amplified the interest.Such repeated numbers, along with sequential patterns like 1000 or 1234, are considered desirable.
These unique license plates, often referred to as “poker numbers” or “gold numbers,” are seen by some as a matter of luck.
Previously, securing a “gold number” in advance was reportedly possible, even involving the installation of a desired plate on a used car before it was scrapped. However, amendments to related laws have put a stop to this practice.
The cost of these numbers was said to range from millions to tens of millions of won, depending on their perceived value. Numbers with personal meaning, such as anniversaries or birthdays, commanded lower prices, while more distinctive numbers like 1000 or 8888 could fetch considerably higher sums.
In contrast, countries like the UAE and Australia, and certain states within other nations, legally permit customized license plates.Some jurisdictions even auction off popular number combinations or allow the inclusion of emoticons on license plates.
South Korean License Plates: Decoding the ‘Gold Number’ Craze
Are you curious about the unique license plates seen on South korean vehicles? This article dives into the world of South Korean license plates, specifically focusing on the appeal of “gold numbers,” adn answers some frequently asked questions.
What Makes a South Korean License Plate Unique?
License plates serve as identifiers for vehicles and are a combination of seven numbers and a Korean character.
South Korean license plates are distinctive as they combine seven numbers and a single Korean character. While these alphanumeric combinations typically go unnoticed by most drivers, certain patterns have become highly sought after.
Why Are Some License Plates in South Korea Considered “eye-Catching”?
Certain number sequences are desired because they stand out.Unlike some countries,South Korea doesn’t currently offer customized plates. This restriction leads to an increase in attention given to vehicles with these unusual or repeating number patterns.
What Exactly is a “Gold Number” License Plate?
Unique license plates, referred to as “poker numbers” or ”gold numbers,” are seen by some as a matter of luck.
“Gold numbers” is a popular term for license plates featuring unusual or repeating number patterns. Examples of desirable sequences include plates with repeating numbers (like 8888) or sequential numbers (like 1234). These plates are seen by some as lucky.
What is the Allure of Personalized Plates More Generally?
for some, a license plate is an opportunity for personal expression, though it is not currently possible in South Korea. This desire for personalization is strong, even in countries that do offer customized plates.
Can You customize a License Plate in South Korea?
No,currently this not possible,leading to increased attention for vehicles bearing unusual or repeating number patterns.
No, currently, South Korea does not allow for customized license plates.
How Did People previously Acquire ”Gold Numbers”?
Securing a “gold number” in advance was reportedly possible, even involving the installation of a desired plate on a used car before it was scrapped.
Previously, individuals looking for a specific license plate number could reportedly secure it by installing their desired plate on a used car just before it was scrapped. However, laws have since been changed to prevent this practice.
How Much Did These “Gold Numbers” Cost, and What Factors Influenced the Price?
The cost of these numbers was said to range from millions to tens of millions of won.
The cost of a “gold number” varied significantly, ranging from millions to tens of millions of won. Prices depended on the perceived value and desirability of the numbers. Plates with personal meaning, such as those representing anniversaries or birthdays, would be less expensive. Though, plates with distinctive numbers, like 1000 or 8888, could command higher prices. The uniqueness, rarity, and aesthetic appeal of the plate affected its value.
What Are Some Examples of Personalized License Plates elsewhere?
In contrast, countries like the UAE and Australia, and certain states within other nations, legally permit customized license plates.
In comparison to South Korea’s system, other jurisdictions have different approaches. Some allow drivers to purchase customized plates. Some even go further, permitting the use of emoticons.
Key Differences in License Plate Customization: A Quick Comparison
Here’s a summary of the key differences:
| Feature | South Korea | Other Jurisdictions (e.g., UAE, Australia) |
| ——————- | ——————————— | —————————————– |
| Customization | Not Currently Permitted | often Permitted |
| “Gold Number” Market | Exists due to scarcity | Not as significant, if at all |
| Personalized Options| No | Allows personalization and choice |
