A taxi in service during the day in Seoul
#1. Seoul Taxi Convenient rides to anywhere in Seoul
You may find yourself in unexpected situations while roaming around Seoul, seeing various attractions and enjoying the sights. Your feet may get too tired to walk any more or you may miss the last subway or bus to your accommodation.
In such situations, you can always rely on Seoul’s taxis that conveniently take you directly to your destination safely even at night! You can ride a taxi to places where buses or subways aren’t serviced. You can also easily hail a taxi anywhere using mobile apps.
Let’s take a look at how to hail and ride taxis in Seoul so that you can easily get to places whenever and whereve, even if you are not familiar with the city!
A person waving their hand to hail a taxi
#2. How to Use Seoul Taxi Hail and ride—it’s even easier with an app!
There are largely two ways to hail a taxi in Seoul. You can hail a taxi by waving your hand on the sidewalk or at a taxi stand. You can also use a mobile app to hail a taxi to come pick you up at your current location.
The first way was more common in the past, but more and more people are using taxi apps these days since you can pay in advance and taxis come pick you up at your desired location. Whichever method you choose, you can hail a taxi easily in Seoul with just a hand gesture on the sidewalk or just a few taps using an app. Now, let’s learn how to hail and ride taxis in Seoul.
Parked taxis © Seoul Metropolitan Government Portal
How to hail a taxi #1: Hail a taxi on the sidewalk or at a taxi stand
If you want to hail a taxi without using an app, go to the nearest road first. If you find a taxi stand, perhaps near a bus stop, you can hail a taxi waiting there. If there is no taxi at the taxi stand, stay there and wait a moment until a taxi comes. If you need to hurry, wave your hand at the edge of a sidewalk to hail a taxi in motion.
Generally, you can hail a taxi by waving your hand standing at the edge of a sidewalk. Just make sure to see which taxi is available in service.
Tip from Haechi!
“How do you tell if a taxi is vacant or booked?”
All taxis show their status on the windshield, distinguished by either “빈차” or “예약.” If you can’t read Korean, you can also distinguish the taxi status by color!
A taxi with “빈차” (bincha; “vacant”) sign in red
A taxi with “예약” (yeyak; “booked”) sign in green
- “빈차” (generally in red):
- It means the taxi is vacant, so wave your hand to hail a ride!
- “예약” (generally in green):
- It means the taxi is already booked, so you should wait for another taxi.
It’s not difficult to tell your destination to the taxi driver and to pay the taxi fare.
A passenger and a taxi driver inside the taxi
- Tell your destination to the taxi driver
- If you know the address of your destination, show it to the taxi driver or describe it in Korean. (Since many taxi drivers aren’t multilingual, it would be better to prepare the address of your destination in Korean in advance if possible.) If you don’t know the address, tell the taxi driver the nearest landmark or subway station to the destination.
- Pay the taxi fare
- Once you arrive at the destination, pay the taxi fare in cash or by credit card. If you have a public transportation card, you can use it to pay your taxi fare on top of subway and bus rides.
- Get off the taxi
- When you get off the taxi, say thank you or bye and close the door. Unlike some countries like Japan, the doors of Korean taxis are not automatic, so you have to open and close the car door yourself. Be careful not to slam the card door!
A person waiting for their taxi hailed using an app
How to hail a taxi #2: Hail a taxi using a taxi app
Let’s assume that you don’t want to or can’t go to the road due to bad weather or because you are too tired, or want to pay the taxi fare in advance using a credit card or bank account registered in the app since you don’t have a card or cash on you at the moment. In such cases, the easiest way to use a taxi is using a taxi app. Also, when using a taxi app, you can see the expected taxi fare in advance. It is an effective way for tourists to calculate their transportation expenses.
There are two ways to use a taxi app: domestic service if you have a Korean cell phone and credit card, and international service if you don’t. International tourists and residents may not have a Korean credit card, so many of them use the latter method. See the table below for further details.
How to use a taxi app
-
Install app and sign up
- Install your desired taxi app.
- Enter your information, including your cell phone number, and payment method.
-
Enter your destination
- Search your destination.
- Select your desired options, including the type of taxi, expected time, taxi fare and payment method, and then tap “Hail Taxi.”
-
Riding the taxi
- Before riding the taxi, you must check whether the license plate number is the same as that of the taxi assigned to you. You don’t need to tell your destination to the taxi driver.
- If you pay the taxi fare in advance though the app, be careful not to pay twice.
A person using a taxi app
Taxi apps
-
Domestic service
Kakao Taxi, etc.
- The app is linked to KakaoTalk, which is convenient.
- This is one of the most popular apps in Korea, so taxis are assigned very quickly.
-
International service
UT (Uber+TMAP), etc.
- This app is comparatively more accessible since you don’t need a Korean cell phone or credit card.
- Taxi drivers provide friendly services at reasonable prices.
Curbside taxis © Seoul Metropolitan Government Portal
3. Types of Seoul Taxi Types of taxis and rates
Taxis available in Seoul can be divided into general taxis (sedan, SUV/van, deluxe, etc.) and special taxis for tourists and persons with reduced mobility. Special taxis, which include international and accessible taxis, are hailed differently than general taxis.
| Name | Images | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan taxi |  | One of the most commonly used taxis. |
| SUV/van taxi |  | Recommended if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group of 5 or more. |
| Deluxe taxi |  | Expensive rates, but you can enjoy better services in a premium vehicle. |
| Luxury taxi |  | As the most luxury vehicle type, luxury taxis are generally used for important guests. |
| International taxi |  |
|
| Accessible taxi |  © Seoul Metropolitan Government Portal | Accessible taxis operate for persons with disabilities, such as reduced mobility, since they have difficulty using general taxis. You can hail a taxi via app, website, or text message. |
※ Taxi fares
| Classification | Metered fare | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan taxi (as of 4 AM on Feb. 1, 2023) | Daytime | Base fare | ₩4,800 up to 1.6 km |
| Distance fare | ₩100 per 131 m | ||
| Timed fare | ₩100 per 30 s | ||
| Nighttime | Base fare | 10 PM–11 PM: ₩5,800 up to 1.6 km 11 PM–2 AM: ₩6,700 up to 1.6 km 2 AM–4 AM: ₩5,800 up to 1.6 km | |
| Distance fare | 10 PM–11 PM: ₩120 per 131 m 11 PM–2 AM: ₩140 per 131 m 2 AM–4 AM: ₩120 per 131 m | ||
| Timed fare | 10 PM–11 PM: ₩120 per 30 s 11 PM–2 AM: ₩140 per 30 s 2 AM–4 AM: ₩120 per 30 s | ||
| Common |
| ||
| SUV, van and deluxe taxis (as of 4 AM on Feb. 1, 2023) | Daytime | Base fare | ₩7,000 up to 3.0 km |
| Distance fare | ₩200 per 151 m | ||
| Timed fare | ₩200 per 36 s | ||
| Nighttime | Base fare | ₩8,400 up to 3.0 km | |
| Distance fare | ₩240 per 151 m | ||
| Timed fare | ₩240 per 36 s | ||
| Common |
| ||
| Brand taxi | Kakao Black | Base fare | ₩6,000 w/o initial distance |
| Distance fare | ₩100 per 71.4 m | ||
| Timed fare | ₩100 per 15 s | ||
| Other rate |
| ||
| Uber Black | Base fare | ₩8,000 w/o initial distance | |
| Distance fare | ₩100 per 71.4 m | ||
| Timed fare | ₩100 per 15 s | ||
| Other rate |
| ||
| Limo Black | Base fare | ₩8,000 w/o initial distance | |
| Distance fare | ₩200 per 125 m | ||
| Timed fare | ₩200 per 24 s | ||
| Other rate |
| ||
| Tada Plus | Base fare | ₩5,000 w/o initial distance | |
| Distance fare | ₩100 per 143 m | ||
| Timed fare | ≤8 km: ₩100 per 30 s >8 km: no surcharge | ||
| Other rate |
| ||
| Tada Next | Base fare | ₩5,000 w/o initial distance | |
| Distance fare | ₩100 per 143 m | ||
| Timed fare | ≤8 km: ₩100 per 30 s >8 km: no surcharge | ||
| Other rate |
| ||
| i.M Black | Base fare | ₩7,000 up to 0.75 km | |
| Distance fare | ₩100 per 85 m | ||
| Timed fare | ₩100 per 24 s | ||
| Other rate |
| ||
| Kakao Venti | Base fare | ₩4,000 up to 0.80 km | |
| Distance fare | ₩100 per 123 m | ||
| Timed fare | ₩100 per 40 s | ||
| Brand taxi (SUV/van) | |||
| Other rate |
| ||
| i.M | Base fare | ₩5,500 up to 0.75 km Surcharge for late-night rides: ₩6,500 (10 PM–11 PM) / ₩7,000 (11 PM–2 AM) / ₩6,500 (2 AM–4 AM) | |
| Distance fare | ₩100 per 110 m | ||
| Timed fare | ₩100 per 30 s | ||
| Other rate |
※ Flexible and pre-determined rates limited to in-app calls only | ||
| I Mom Taxi (Eunpyeong-gu) | Flat rate |
| |
※ International taxi fares
Metered fare: same as sedan/SUV/van/deluxe taxi fare
- International passengers: 20% surcharge
- Multiple surcharge for sedan taxis: international passenger surcharge (20%) + late-night surcharge (20–40%) + outside city limits surcharge (20%) = up to 60% total
Section fares (Incheon Airport ↔ Seoul)
| Zone | Incheon Airport ↔ Seoul | Sedan | SUV/van/deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Gangseo | ₩70,000 | ₩100,000 |
| B | Yangcheon, Guro, Yeongdeungpo, Mapo, Eunpyeong, Seodaemun | ₩75,000 | ₩110,000 |
| C | Geumcheon, Gwanak, Dongjak, Yongsan, Jung, Jongno | ₩85,000 | ₩120,000 |
| D | Seocho, Gangnam, Seongdong, Dongdaemun, Seongbuk, Gangbuk | ₩90,000 | ₩130,000 |
| E | Songpa, Gangdong, Gwangjin, Jungnang, Nowon, Dobong | ₩95,000 | ₩140,000 |
Charter fares
| Taxi | 3 hr | 5 hr | 8 hr | 10 hr | 24 hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | ₩70,000 | ₩110,000 | ₩160,000 | ₩190,000 | ₩240,000 |
| SUV/van/deluxe | ₩90,000 | ₩130,000 | ₩180,000 | ₩210,000 | ₩260,000 |
※ Other additional surcharges
- Tolls, etc.: the actual amount is collected when passing through a toll at the passenger’s request
- 20% surcharge is automatically applied when driving in areas outside city limits (Gwangmyeong Integrated Business Area and Joint Business Areas, incl. Wirye New Town) after leaving the city limits (Incheon Joint Business Area has different standards, so call 02-2133-2317 for inquiries)
- Surcharge for late-night rides outside city limits: extra surcharge is applied when driving in areas outside city limits from 10 PM to 4 AM (up to 60%)
- All taxis must charge only by the meter; violators are subject to administrative disposition as unfair charge (however, a separate fare plan approved by the Seoul Metropolitan Government can be charged without a meter)
- Brand and large passenger taxis: operators can set standards and report fares by the self-reporting rate plan; discounts and surcharges can be applied based on the reported fares (report in advance) according to supply and demand
- Taxi fares
- Policy > Transportation > Modes of Transport
#4. Seoul’s Efforts for Better Services Until everyone is satisfied!
Taxis are a mode of transport that provides convenience for everyone. International tourists who don’t speak Korean may worry that they may be overcharged or get caught up in a bad situation when they hail a taxi on the road. Preventing inconveniences in advance, Seoul is continuously developing and improving taxi services so that international tourists can use taxis without any concern.
A fare meter inside a taxi
Overcharged? Rude? Don’t worry! GPS-based fare meter and customer service
Seoul introduced GPS-based fare meters in June 2022. The new fare meter has resolved the failures and calculation errors of preexisting mechanical fare meters. The GPS-based fare meter has been installed in almost all sedan taxis. In the past, taxi drivers had to enter the fares of rides manually in the fare meter. However, the new fare meter has established a more accurate and stable payment system.
If you experience any inconveniences or are not satisfied with services in the taxi, contact 120 Dasan Call Center (02-120). (You must remember the entire license plate number to report.) 120 Dasan Call Center supports five different languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mongolian. You can not only report inconveniences, but you can also ask questions about Seoul’s policies, water bills, local taxes, etc.
120 Dasan Call Center
02-120 + 9 + language code
Hours: 9 AM–6 PM (KST)
- English: 1
- Chinese: 2
- Japanese: 3
- Vietnamese: 4
- Mongolian: 5
If you experience any inconvenience or witness any violation, record the situation with your smart phone and report by phone or email (taxi120@seoul.go.kr).
A passenger getting off their taxi at night
Ride taxis in Seoul worry-free even at night or in the middle of nowhere!
Ansimi app for safer taxi rides!
Worried about going back to your hotel alone at late night? Just use the Ansimi app! Linked to surveillance camera control centers in 25 districts and 70,000 smart surveillance cameras in Seoul, the Ansimi app protects users on their way home. In September 2022, the Ansimi app began to support English, Japanese, and Chinese. Now, international tourists can use the app anytime for their safety.
Then in November 2022, Seoul launched a safe taxi service in the Ansimi app. The in-app safe taxi service sends the rider’s data, such as information on their taxi, location, and time, to their registered guardian, acquaintance, and district surveillance camera control center. All you need to do is open the app and enter your destination before getting in the taxi.
English
Chinese
Japanese
In case of emergency in the taxi or on your way home, shake your smart phone or press the volume button (up or down) three times consecutively to report your situation. Once your report is received, the police will be dispatched to your location immediately for swift action.
Taxis in downtown Seoul
Seoul’s taxis prioritizes passengers’ safety from the moment they get in and until they get off. Riding a taxi in Seoul can be a lifesaving experience, whether you’re running late or want to get home safely late at night. Now, just hail and ride a taxi in Seoul to enjoy convenient, pleasant, and safe trips around the city!
