Taxi in Korea often used by foreign residents, what should you pay attention to?

Foreign residents living in Korea often use taxis. However, if you do not speak Korean well, you may wonder if you are paying the fee properly. So, let's learn about taxi types and fares in Korea. Well, there are no Uber taxis in Korea. To operate a taxi transportation business in Korea, you need a license, and because it is very difficult to get this license, it is extremely expensive to buy with money.

General Taxi

Taxi fares in Korea are determined by local governments. Therefore, it varies slightly by region, but the basic fare is approximately 3,800 won. A basic fee is charged for the first 2km, and an additional 100 won is added for each additional 132 to 144m. These standards also vary slightly from region to region.

There is also an hourly fare, so if the taxi travels at a speed of less than 15 km/h, 100 won is added every 31 seconds.

A late-night rate is charged from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day. In this case, the basic fare is about 4,600-5,400 won for 3 km, and 120 won increases for every 132-144 m.

Model Taxi

Model taxis (black or deluxe taxis) that provide premium service are a little friendlier than regular taxis. And the car is more luxurious. However, the basic fare is 6,500 won for the first 3 km and 200 won for every 151 m. Of course, there is also a time fee.

Because the price is high, there are few people who use it, so when it is difficult to get a taxi, there are cases where there is no choice but to take a model taxi.

Jumbo (van) Taxi

Passengers traveling in groups or with excess baggage can take a van taxi. This taxi has the same fare system as the standard taxi and has the same color as the deluxe taxi (black and yellow text). It can be used by call taxi. A call fee of 1,000 won may be charged depending on the dispatching company. You can find a company by searching for Jumbo Taxi.

Call Taxi

There are no call taxis in Korea. All taxi types listed above can be called by phone. Calling a taxi is surprisingly simple. There are various call taxis depending on the region, so you can dial ‘area code + 114’ on your mobile phone and ask for the phone number of the call taxi when the phone agent answers. For example, the area code for Seoul is ‘02’, so you can dial ‘02114’. You can call a taxi after memorizing the phone number given to you by the telephone agent. At this time, 1,000 won is added to the charge as a call fee.

Kakao Taxi

Kakao, one of the largest internet service providers in Korea, created Kakao Taxi. Kakao Taxi is gaining popularity in Korea even among foreign residents. Because the driver's identity, etc. is clear, it is safer than other taxis and does not overcharge. If you download and use the free app, a taxi will come to you or ask for your location on the phone. Depending on the type of taxi you call, you may be charged a call fee of 1,000 won.

Other things to know

All taxis in Korea have a ‘meter’ that calculates the fare. Make sure the driver turns on the new meter when a customer boards the taxi. The new meter will display the base rate for that area. If the driver does not turn on the meter, you may suspect that he or she is trying to overcharge you. So you have to ask him or her to turn on the meter.

When catching a taxi on the street, you need to find a taxi marked “empty” on the taxi and call it by beckoning.

Taxis sometimes refuse passengers to go short distances, which is illegal. Taxi drivers who refuse passengers will be fined 200,000 won and receive 40 hours of training. However, if the driver needs to work a shift soon or when mealtime is imminent, it may refuse a passenger.

Also, for fear of language problems, taxi drivers may pass foreigners on the street.

You don't have to tip when using a taxi in Korea. However, there are many Koreans who say, “Keep the change,” and would not receive change because they get change back in units of 100 won. Then this money becomes a tip. Sometimes taxi drivers refuse a tip. This is not unusual in Korea. There are actually drivers like that.

Taxi fares can be paid by cash or credit card, regardless of the amount. It's a good idea to ask if they accept credit cards the first time you take a taxi, as some taxi drivers may say that they don't have a credit card reader or their card readers are not functioning.

If you think you are paying a rip-off, be sure to ask for a receipt. Once you receive the receipt, you can contact the taxi driver even if you left your belongings in the taxi.

In Korea, taxis are operated mainly by local governments, so if you leave the local government, you will be charged an additional 20% fee. For example, if you take a taxi from Seoul to the airport, you have to pay an additional 20% from the moment you leave the boundary of Seoul because the airport is located in Incheon. If you use a highway to get to the area, you will be charged a highway toll as well. That is why Koreans do not use taxis as much as possible when going out to other areas.

Reporter Lee Jieun