Let’s Learn How to Use Korean Taxis Properly!
One of the most convenient means of transportation during travel or residence in Korea is the taxi. However, for first-time users or foreigners, the fare system and calling methods may be unfamiliar. In this article, we’ll tell you everything about how to use taxis in Korea. From fare types to smartphone app usage, and tips worth knowing for foreigners, we’ll cover everything meticulously, which will greatly help you use taxis in Korea more easily and comfortably.
Korean Taxi Fare System: What Are the Options?
Korean taxi fares vary slightly depending on the region and type of taxi. They can be broadly divided into regular taxis, deluxe taxis, and large taxis, each with its own fare system.
Regular Taxi Fare System
The most commonly seen taxis that can be easily used anywhere in the country. The base fare and distance/time combined calculation system for regular taxis can continuously change, so it’s good to check the latest information in real-time.
- Base Fare: Fixed fare up to a certain distance (e.g., 2km).
- Distance/Time Combined Calculation: After exceeding the base fare section, charges are added for each certain distance traveled or each certain time elapsed. When the weather is bad or traffic is heavy, time charges may increase faster.
- Surcharges: Late-night hours (e.g., from midnight to 4 AM) have a 20% surcharge on the base fare. Additionally, extra charges may occur when leaving certain areas (e.g., surcharge outside Seoul city limits).
Deluxe Taxis and Large Taxis
If you want a more comfortable and pleasant ride, you can consider deluxe taxis or large taxis.
- Deluxe Taxi: Mainly marked with black exterior and labeled “Deluxe Taxi,” with higher base fares than regular taxis but offering wider and more comfortable interior space. Mainly operated with luxury sedans.
- Large Taxi: Vans with 6 or more seats, useful when traveling with multiple people or having lots of luggage. Base fares and distance/time charges are set higher than regular taxis.
Regional Taxi Fare Comparison (Reference)
The taxi fare system is similar in most cities, but there may be very minor differences. For example, major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu follow similar fare systems, but small provincial cities may have slight differences. It’s best to check the exact fare displayed on the taxi meter.
How to Call a Taxi in Korea: Apps Are the Trend!
In the past, waving your hand on the street to catch a taxi was common, but now using smartphone apps is much more convenient and efficient. Various taxi-calling apps exist, and each app has slightly different services and features.
Introduction to Major Taxi-Calling Apps
Kakao T
- Features: The most popular taxi-calling app in Korea. Almost all taxis are registered with Kakao T, resulting in high calling success rates.
- Main Functions: Provides various additional features including regular calling, large taxi calling, deluxe taxi calling, valet parking reservations, taxi fare predictions, and driver ratings.
- How to Use: Search for “Kakao T” in the App Store or Google Play, install it, and after registering as a member and registering payment methods (credit card, mobile payment, etc.), it’s immediately available. Foreigners can often pay with internationally issued credit cards.
UT (formerly Uber Korea)
- Features: The global service Uber provides services under the name UT in Korea. In some areas, it may also be available through the Uber app.
- Main Functions: Similar to Kakao T, regular taxi calling is possible, and it may provide a more familiar interface for foreign users.
- How to Use: Install the “UT” app, register as a member, and use.
BanBan Taxi
- Features: Provides a “ride-sharing” function where you can share a taxi with multiple passengers to save on fares. (Currently, ride-sharing services may be operated in a limited manner.)
- Main Functions: In addition to regular calling, you can achieve cost-saving effects through the ride-sharing function.
Precautions When Using Apps
- Payment Method Registration: Most apps require credit cards or simple payment systems. For internationally issued credit cards, some card companies may have restrictions on domestic service use, so it’s good to check in advance.
- Location Information Activation: For taxi calling, your smartphone’s GPS function must be turned on.
- Communication with Driver: Destination setting is possible within the app, but if you have special requests, it’s better to communicate directly with the driver. (However, if Korean communication is difficult, preparing a translation app in advance will be helpful.)
Tips Worth Knowing for Foreigners Using Korean Taxis
Here are some useful tips for foreign tourists or residents visiting Korea.
1. Prepare Destination Information in Advance
- Address: It’s best to prepare the exact destination address in Korean. For hotels, search for the hotel name and address, and for tourist sites, search for the exact name and address in advance.
- Map App Utilization: Search for your destination on Google Maps, Naver Map, Kakao Map, etc., capture it, or prepare it to show the driver.
2. Fare-Related Tips
- Check Meter: When boarding a taxi, always check if the meter is turned on. Cases of overcharging without a meter are rare, but it’s good to be prepared.
- Tipping Culture: Korea doesn’t have a general tipping culture. You don’t need to give separate tips beyond the taxi fare. You can just receive change, or it’s okay not to give small change.
- Payment Method: Most taxis accept credit card payments in addition to cash. If you want to pay by card, say “카드로 할게요” (I’ll pay by card) when boarding or getting off.
3. Language Communication Issues
- Translation App Utilization: If Korean is difficult, it’s good to install and utilize translation apps like Papago or Google Translate on your smartphone. They’re useful when stating destinations or for simple communication.
- Basic Korean Expressions: It’s good to learn simple Korean expressions like “안녕하세요” (Hello), “감사합니다” (Thank you), “여기 세워주세요” (Please stop here).
4. Using Taxis Safely
- Use Official Taxis: It’s safer to use official taxis called through apps or waiting at taxi stands rather than illegal taxis soliciting on the street.
- Check Vehicle Number: Before boarding, remember the vehicle number displayed on the taxi’s exterior or take a photo, which can help in case of lost items.
- Beware of Drunk Driving: Korea has very strict penalties for drunk driving. After drinking, never drive yourself and use a taxi.
5. Late Night and Early Morning Use
- Calling App Essential: During late night or early morning hours, it may be difficult to catch a taxi on the street. In such cases, it’s better to definitely use calling apps like Kakao T.
- Be Aware of Surcharge Rates: It’s good to be aware in advance that fares are surcharged by 20% during late-night surcharge hours.
Common Mistakes and Precautions
Here are difficulties people often experience when using taxis and points to be careful about.
1. Entering Wrong Destination
- App Error: There are cases of entering the wrong destination in the app or selecting a place with a similar name. Check the destination name once more before departure.
- Communication Error with Driver: When explaining destinations in Korean, similar pronunciation or spelling might lead the driver to go somewhere else. Showing a map app is most reliable.
2. Fare-Related Misunderstandings
- Surcharge Hours: There are cases where people don’t accurately recognize late-night surcharge hours and think more fare came out.
- Outside City Limits Surcharge: There are cases where people panic not knowing about surcharges that occur when going from Seoul to Gyeonggi outskirts or leaving the city limits of another city.
3. Lost Items
- Check Belongings: When getting off, be sure to check that you haven’t left behind mobile phones, wallets, bags, and other belongings.
- Report Lost Items: If you left something behind, it’s good to contact the taxi company you rode with or the calling app customer center to report lost items. If you know the vehicle number, reporting is much easier.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Korean Travel Quality with Smart Taxi Use!
Using taxis in Korea is not as difficult as you might think. Especially thanks to convenient calling apps like Kakao T, you can move to your destination more easily and safely. If you understand the fare system in advance, skillfully utilize apps, and master tips worth knowing as a foreigner, your taxi experience in Korea will become much more enjoyable.
Try It Right Now!
- Install Kakao T App and Register: This is the first thing to do before or after arriving in Korea.
- Register Payment Method: Check if internationally issued credit card registration is possible and register.
- Prepare Destination Information in Advance: Find the exact Korean address of where you want to go in advance.
If you prepare just these three things, using taxis in Korea will become much easier. Have a pleasant and safe trip to Korea!
EXTERNAL_LINKS: Kakao T Website, Information on Taxis in Seoul, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Transportation Information
