How to Take a Taxi in Korea
Complete guide for foreigners — Updated 2026
Recommended Taxi Apps
The most popular taxi-hailing app in Korea. Works nationwide with English support. No Korean phone number required — sign up with email. You can set pickup/drop-off in English and pay by international credit card.
Google Play | App Store
The official international tourist taxi app by Seoul Metropolitan Government. Designed specifically for foreign visitors. Supports English, Chinese, and Japanese. Operates in Seoul area.
Learn more on Seoul.go.kr
Hailing a Taxi
- Look for the red 빈차 (vacant) sign on the taxi roof — it means the taxi is available.
- Show your destination in Korean on your phone. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap — drivers rarely understand English addresses.
- Doors are NOT automatic. Unlike Japan, you must open and close the door yourself.
- At airports and major train stations, always use the official taxi stands. Never follow strangers offering rides.
Taxi Types
| Type | Color | Base Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (일반) | Orange / White / Silver | ₩4,800 | Most common. Late-night surcharge applies. |
| Deluxe / Mobeom (모범) | Black with yellow stripe | ₩7,000 | No late-night surcharge. More spacious. |
| International (국제) | Various | Higher | English / Chinese / Japanese speaking drivers. |
Payment Methods
All taxis accept the following payment methods:
- Cash (Korean Won)
- Credit / Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard accepted)
- T-money card (rechargeable transit card)
- KakaoPay / Samsung Pay (if you have a Korean account)
No tipping is needed. Tipping is not customary in Korea.
Approximate Costs
| Route | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport → Seoul (Gangnam) | ₩65,000 ~ 80,000 | + toll ₩2,000 approx. |
| Gimpo Airport → Seoul Station | ₩25,000 ~ 35,000 | |
| Within Seoul (10 min ride) | ₩6,000 ~ 10,000 | |
| Late night (22:00 ~ 04:00) | +20% surcharge | Regular taxi only. Deluxe has no surcharge. |
Safety Tips
- Always check the meter is running. If the driver refuses to use the meter, get out and find another taxi.
- Use official taxi stands at airports and stations. Avoid unmarked vehicles.
- Decline flat-rate offers from drivers outside airports — metered fares are almost always cheaper.
- Official taxis have yellow license plates starting with 아, 바, 사, or 자.
- Report problems to the Tourism Hotline: 1330 (multilingual, available 24/7).
Real Traveler Reviews & Guides
Prices as of Jan 2026 · Source: Korea Tourism Organization, Seoul Metropolitan Government