Korean car history reports: types and how to read them
A 'Korean car report' is not one document but three different sources, each covering its own risk area. Knowing what each one shows saves both money and nerves.
1. Insurance report (보험이력 / Carhistory)
The key document: every claim with date, role (at-fault vs victim), payout in KRW and what was repaired; plus owner changes, taxi/rental use and flood records. Cash repairs bypass it — which is why it's always read together with the inspection protocol.
2. Inspection protocol (성능·상태점검기록부)
Mandatory for dealer sales: a body diagram marking X for replaced panels and W for welding, plus engine, transmission, leak and electrics sections. This is where cash-paid repairs surface.
3. Auction sheet
For auction cars, the platform's inspector assigns a grade and defect map. Scales differ between auction houses, so grades aren't directly comparable.
Which numbers to trust
- •Mileage: only via the inspection-record chain.
- •'No accidents': only via insurance report + inspection protocol together.
- •Specs: by VIN, not by the seller's text.
Check a car for free
Send a listing link — we'll return a history mini-report.
Which report first?+
Insurance + inspection protocol — that pair covers 90% of the risk. Our free mini-report is built on them.
Does a report guarantee condition?+
No — documents show history, not present condition. We recommend a physical inspection before purchase; our team in Korea performs it.
Buying & delivery — K-Axis
Car sourcing at Korean auctions, customs and genuine parts.