kreadynewKorea Ready Kit

Taxis in Korea: apps that work for visitors, fares and how to pay

In shortHail a taxi on the street or at a taxi stand, or use an app. k.ride, made for international visitors, needs no KakaoTalk account and takes overseas credit cards and Alipay+. In the taxi you can pay by cash, card or transport card, and there's no tipping.

No Korean number needed
k.ride · App Store ↗k.ride · Google Play ↗

Taxi apps for visitors

  • k.ride (Kakao Mobility, launched 2024): sign up with a phone number, email, Google or Apple account; pay with an overseas credit card or Alipay+; English, Japanese and Chinese.
  • Kakao T: needs a Kakao account made through KakaoTalk; pay the driver directly or use auto-pay; Korean, English and Japanese.
  • TADA: sign up with an international mobile number and pay by credit card; reservations can include an English-speaking driver.
  • TABA: sign up with a mobile number or a Google or Apple ID; the registered card pays automatically; English, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Russian.
  • MOVV: minivans with a driver for 4 to 40 passengers, booked with a credit card.
  • Uber: if you already use Uber, you can call an Uber Taxi with the same app and payment details.

Kinds of taxi

  • Regular taxis have yellow license plates and a TAXI sign on the roof.
  • Deluxe taxis are usually black and cost more.
  • International taxis in Seoul have drivers who speak foreign languages and can be booked for airport trips: +82-1644-2255.
  • Tourist taxis in Seoul, Gangneung and Jeju need a reservation; 1330 can give you a list.

Fares

  • Regular base fare for the first 2 km: ₩4,800 in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Gyeonggi and Gwangju; ₩4,600 in Gangwon; ₩4,500 in Daegu and Ulsan; ₩4,300 in Daejeon and Jeju.
  • After that, roughly ₩100 for every 130–150 m.
  • Deluxe taxis in Seoul: ₩6,500 for the first 3 km, then ₩200 for every 151 m.
  • A late-night fare usually applies from 22:00 to 04:00 and is highest from 23:00 to 02:00.
  • Calling through an app may add a small fee. Fares vary by city and taxi company.

Paying and hailing

  • Pay with cash, a credit card or a transport card. Tipping isn't expected.
  • Taxi stands are common at bus terminals, major subway stations and large shopping malls.
  • In Kakao T, choose Pay to the driver when you request the ride if you don't want to register a card.

FAQ

Do I tip the driver?

No, taxis in Korea don't require tips.

Can I call a taxi without KakaoTalk?

Yes. k.ride, TADA and TABA don't need a KakaoTalk account.

Where can I find a taxi stand in Seoul?

At bus terminals, major subway stations and large malls. You can also call +82-2-120 to ask.

Sources