Taxis can be a convenient way to get around Korea, especially when you have heavy luggage, are traveling late at night, or need to reach a place that is difficult to access by public transportation.
However, if it is your first time visiting Korea, taking a taxi may feel a little unfamiliar. You may wonder where to catch one, how to tell the driver your destination, or whether you can pay with an overseas credit card.
Here are 8 useful things to know before taking a taxi in Korea.
1. You Can Catch a Taxi on the Street or Use a Taxi Stand
In Korea, you can often hail an available taxi from the street by raising your hand.
At airports, train stations, bus terminals, and other busy transportation hubs, you will usually find designated taxi stands where passengers can wait in line.
The way an available taxi is displayed may vary depending on the vehicle or region.
For first-time visitors, using an official taxi stand can be one of the easiest options.
2. Taxi-Hailing Apps Can Make Things Easier
Instead of trying to hail a taxi on the street, you can also use a taxi-hailing app in Korea.
These apps allow you to enter your pickup location and destination before getting into the taxi, which can be especially helpful if you do not speak Korean.
Depending on the app, registration, phone verification, or payment setup may be required. It is a good idea to check whether you can use the app before you actually need a taxi.
3. Show the Driver Your Destination on Your Phone
If you are not comfortable explaining your destination in Korean, save the Korean name and address of your destination on your phone.
You can also open the destination in a map app and show the screen to the driver.
This can be particularly helpful when visiting a small restaurant, café, hotel, or other place that may be difficult to identify by its English name.
4. There Are Different Types of Taxis
In addition to regular taxis, you may see other types of taxis in Korea, including deluxe taxis and larger vehicles.
The vehicle size, service, and fare structure can vary depending on the type of taxi.
When taking a taxi from an airport or major tourist area, check the taxi type and expected fare before starting your trip, especially if you are unfamiliar with the available options.
5. Taxi Fares Are Usually Calculated by Meter
Regular taxi fares in Korea generally start with a base fare and increase according to factors such as distance and travel time.
Base fares and pricing rules can vary by region, and additional charges may apply at certain times or under certain conditions.
Instead of relying on an old fare you found online, check the meter and current local fare information when traveling.
6. Card Payment Is Common, but Have a Backup Payment Method
Many taxis in Korea accept credit and debit cards.
However, cards issued overseas may occasionally fail depending on the card or payment system.
It is useful to carry another usable card or a small amount of cash as a backup in case your preferred payment method does not work.
For more information about using cards and cash while traveling in Korea:
👉 Paying in Korea: 8 Things Travelers Should Know About Cards and Cash
7. Check for Late-Night Surcharges
Taxis can become particularly useful late at night when subway and bus services become less frequent or stop operating.
Depending on the region and time of day, late-night surcharges or other additional fares may apply.
If you plan to travel late at night, check the approximate travel time and fare beforehand and keep the exact Korean address of your accommodation available on your phone.
8. Check Your Belongings Before You Get Out
Before leaving the taxi, make sure you have your phone, wallet, passport, shopping bags, and any other belongings.
When traveling with several bags, it can be easy to leave something on the seat or floor.
If possible, keep your taxi trip information or payment receipt for a while. It may help identify the taxi if you realize later that you left something behind.
Final Tips
Taxis can be especially useful in Korea when you are carrying luggage, traveling late at night, or visiting places that are inconvenient to reach by public transportation.
Taking a taxi becomes much easier if you save your destination in Korean, keep the address on your phone, and prepare a backup payment method.
If you also plan to use Korea's subway system, check out this guide:
👉 How to Use the Subway in Korea: 10 Tips for First-Time Travelers
Using both the subway and taxis depending on the situation can make getting around Korea much easier.
🇰🇷 Korean Version
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