How to Take a Korean Taxi: The Complete Guide
Korean taxis can feel overwhelming at first.
Everything's in Korean, people move with purpose, and there are all these unspoken rules you're supposed to know. Like whether you're allowed to touch that fruit or not. (Spoiler: you're not) But stick with it. These places are gold mines.
Airport Taxi Survival Guide
Skip the guys approaching you inside the terminal. These aren't official taxi drivers. They're trying to charge you private car rates for what should be a standard taxi ride. Find the official taxi stands outside. At Incheon, follow signs for "택시" or "Taxi" after you exit customs. You'll see organized lines with different colored signs.
Know your taxi colors
Regular taxis (orange, silver, white): Fixed price to Seoul around 65,000 won
Deluxe taxis (black): Fixed price to Seoul around 105,000 won
International taxis: English-speaking drivers, premium pricing with fixed rates
Important! Incheon Airport to Seoul operates on fixed pricing, not meters. These are official rates set by the airport, so no haggling and no surprises.
Skip the international taxis unless language is a real barrier. Regular taxi drivers can handle basic destinations, and the fixed airport pricing is transparent for all taxi types.
Airport taxis don't use meters – it's all fixed pricing. The rates are posted at taxi stands and include tolls. No surprises, no scams on airport runs.
City Taxi Basics
Korean taxis run on meters, and that's non-negotiable. If anyone suggests a flat rate before getting in, walk away.
Base fare starts around 3,800 won for regular taxis in Seoul, slightly less in other cities. The meter runs on both distance and time, so sitting in traffic costs money. Night surcharge kicks in after 10 PM. This can range from 20% to 40% depending on the city and time - the later it gets, the higher the surcharge. In Seoul, expect around 20% from 10 PM to 2 AM, but it can go up to 40% during the deepest night hours (2-4 AM). Tolls are extra. If your route uses highways or tunnels, you pay the toll on top of the meter fare.
How to Actually Get a Taxi
Street hailing works but has rules. Stand on the side of the road in the direction you want to go. Don't wave frantically – a simple raised hand signals you need a taxi.
Red light on the windshield = available. No light or different colored light = occupied.
Taxi stands are everywhere. Hotels, major subway stations, department stores, airports – look for the 택시 signs. These are often your best bet during rush hour.
Using Taxi Apps (Game Changer)
KakaoTaxi is essential. Download it before you need it. You can set pickup location, destination, and even pay through the app.
Uber exists but barely. It's expensive and limited. Stick with KakaoTaxi.
How KakaoTaxi works:
Set your pickup location (usually auto-detects)
Enter destination in Korean or English
Choose taxi type
Confirm pickup
Track your driver's arrival
Payment through the app prevents most scam attempts. The fare is calculated automatically, no room for "foreigner pricing."
Avoiding Getting Ripped Off
Always insist on the meter. If a driver suggests a flat rate, especially from airports or tourist areas, decline politely and find another taxi.
Learn these phrases:
"미터기 켜주세요" (meter-gi keo-ju-se-yo) = "Please turn on the meter"
"가까운 길로 가주세요" (ga-kka-un gil-lo ga-ju-se-yo) = "Please take the shortest route"
Use navigation apps to track your route. Google Maps or KakaoMap work fine. If your driver is taking an obviously longer route, point to your phone and say "이 길로" (this way).
Keep small bills. Drivers often claim they can't make change for large bills. Keep 10,000 and 5,000 won notes handy.
Get a receipt. If something goes wrong, the receipt has the taxi number for complaints.
Tourist Area Warning Signs
Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam: These areas see the most taxi scams. Be extra vigilant.
Hotel pickup scams: Some hotels work with specific taxi companies that charge premium rates. Ask about standard taxi options.
Late night premium: Some drivers add unauthorized late-night fees beyond the official surcharge. Know the official rates.
Communication Without Korean
Have your destination ready in Korean. Screenshot the address, get it from your hotel concierge, or use translation apps beforehand.
Use landmarks, not street addresses. "롯데월드" (Lotte World) works better than explaining a specific address near Lotte World.
Point to subway station names. Most drivers know major subway stations better than specific addresses.
Download Papago or Google Translate. The camera translation feature works great for signs and addresses.
Payment Methods
Cash is still king but cards work in most taxis now. Look for the card reader – it's usually mounted near the meter.
KakaoTaxi handles payment automatically if you set up a card in the app.
Tips aren't expected. Round up to the nearest 1,000 won if you want, but it's not necessary.
T-money cards don't work in regular taxis. Only buses and subways.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Overcharging: Take a photo of the meter and taxi number. Report to the local taxi complaint hotline or your hotel.
Wrong destination: Stay calm, show your destination again, use translation apps to communicate.
Rude driver: Note the taxi number and report it. Most Korean taxi drivers are professional.
Accident: Call 112 (police) immediately. Get the taxi number and driver's information.
Pro Tips
Sit in the back. Front passenger seat is usually for people who know the driver personally.
Keep your phone charged. You need it for navigation, translation, and payment apps.
Learn major landmarks in Korean. 명동, 강남, 홍대, 여의도 – knowing these helps with directions.
Screenshot everything. Hotel address, destination, return address – save them in Korean before you need them.
Korean taxis are generally safe, clean, and affordable compared to many countries. The biggest risks are language barriers and tourist-targeted overcharging, both of which are avoidable with basic preparation.
Don't let fear of scams prevent you from using taxis – they're often the most convenient way to get around, especially late at night or with luggage. Just do your homework first.
Master these basics and you'll navigate Korean cities like a local, minus the stress and inflated fares.
