Korean Daily Life

How to Use Korean Taxis as a Foreigner: Apps, Fares and Late-Night Surcharges

Travel7 min read
How to Use Korean Taxis as a Foreigner: Apps, Fares and Late-Night Surcharges

In Korea, you can hail a taxi on the street, book one through an app like Kakao T, or walk to a taxi stand. Fares run on a meter, with a late-night surcharge roughly from midnight to 4 a.m. Pay by card, cash, or the app. Always check current rates on official city sites.

Last checked: 2026-11-12

Types of taxis in Korea

Korea has several kinds of taxis. Knowing them helps you pick the right one. It also helps you avoid surprise costs.

Regular taxis are the most common. In Seoul, they are often silver, white, or orange. They run on a meter. You can hail them on the street, or book them through an app.

Deluxe taxis are usually black. They are larger and more comfortable. Drivers are often more experienced. They cost more than regular taxis. They can be a good choice for airport trips or when you carry luggage.

Jumbo or van taxis fit bigger groups. Many can hold up to six or more people. They suit families or friends traveling together. Booking one through an app is often easier than waiting on the street.

International taxis are marked for foreign visitors. Some drivers speak basic English or other languages. You can book them in advance in some cities. Availability and pricing vary, so check the details before you rely on one.

Rules and names for taxi types can change by city. Seoul, Busan, and Jeju each set their own fare rules. Treat any detail here as a starting point. Verify it on the official city site before you travel.

Apps that work for foreigners

Apps make taxis easier for visitors. You enter your destination in the app. This avoids language problems. The driver sees where you want to go.

Kakao T is the most widely used taxi app in Korea. It has an English interface. You can see the driver’s location and the estimated arrival time. You can also pay inside the app. Foreign card support has improved over time. It can still depend on your card type and phone setup. Test it before you rely on it.

Uber works in Korea, but it mostly connects you to regular and deluxe taxis rather than private cars. Prices and availability can differ from Kakao T. Check the app for the fare estimate.

Other local apps exist in some cities. Their features and English support vary. If a ride fails to match, try a second app.

Some foreign visitors find that registering a phone number is the hardest step. Some apps want a Korean number for full features. Others let you sign up with an overseas number or an email. Requirements change often. Read the sign-up screen carefully. Check the app’s own help page if you get stuck.

Also note that apps may add a small booking fee on top of the meter fare. This fee can change. Look at the fare screen before you confirm.

Fares and late-night surcharges

Korean taxis use a meter. The fare starts with a base amount. It then rises with distance and with slow-traffic time. At night, a percentage surcharge is added.

For a rough idea, a short city ride is often around $4 to $8 / 5,000 to 10,000 KRW. Longer rides cost more. Rates differ by city and change over time. Do not treat this as a fixed price. Check the official fare page for the city you visit.

The late-night surcharge usually applies in the middle of the night. In Seoul, it has commonly been a percentage added to the metered fare. The exact hours and percentage can change. Rules may also differ at the edge of a city or when you cross into another region. Verify the current surcharge on the official Seoul or local transport site.

Tolls are normally added to the fare. If you take a toll road or tunnel, the driver may add the toll at the end. Airport trips can also include extra costs. Ask the driver or check the app if you are unsure.

Taxi type Typical use Example short-ride cost (approximate) Notes
Regular taxi Everyday city trips $4-$8 / 5,000-10,000 KRW Metered. Can hail or book by app.
Deluxe taxi Comfort, luggage, airport Often higher than regular. Verify the current rate. Usually black. Higher base fare.
Jumbo / van taxi Groups of four or more Often higher than regular. Verify the current rate. Easier to book by app.
International taxi Visitors needing language help Varies. Verify with the service. Limited availability. Book ahead if possible.

These figures are examples only, not official prices. Fares rise over time. Always confirm the current amount before you travel.

Step by step: taking your first ride

Follow these steps for a smooth first taxi ride.

Step 1: Decide how to get a taxi. You can open an app, walk to a taxi stand, or wave down a taxi. Apps are easier if you do not speak Korean.

Step 2: Prepare your destination. Save the address in Korean. A map screenshot also helps. Show it to the driver if needed. Do not rely on spoken English alone.

Step 3: Check the taxi’s light. On a street taxi, a lit sign usually means it is free. Check the sign carefully, as lights can vary by taxi type.

Step 4: Get in and confirm. Get in the back seat. Say or show your destination. In an app ride, check the license plate matches.

Step 5: Watch the meter. The meter should start when you begin moving. If it is not running, politely point to it. Most drivers use it as a matter of course.

Step 6: Pay at the end. You can pay by card, cash, or through the app. Many taxis have a card reader. Some local cash-only or card-limited situations exist. Keep some cash for safety.

Step 7: Take your things and the receipt. Check the seat for your phone and bags. Ask for a receipt if you may need to find a lost item. The receipt has the taxi’s details.

Tips, safety and etiquette

Tipping is not expected. Korean taxi drivers do not expect a tip. Pay the metered fare. Rounding up is not required.

Wear your seat belt. Seat belts are expected in taxis. Put yours on when you sit.

Late-night rides can be hard to find. Around closing time on weekends, many people look for taxis. Waiting can be long in busy areas. Apps help, but they can also be slow. Plan your return trip ahead if you can.

If a driver refuses a ride, try another taxi or book through an app. App booking lets you set the destination first, which can reduce refusals.

Keep your own safety in mind. Share your trip details with a friend if you ride alone at night. Use an app so the ride is recorded. If you feel unsafe, ask to stop in a busy, well-lit place.

Lost items: Contact the taxi company or the city’s taxi help line with your receipt details. Many cities also have an official lost-and-found service. Check the current contact on the city’s official website.

Complaints: If you think you were overcharged, note the taxi number and time. Seoul and other cities have official channels for taxi complaints. Check the official site for the current contact method.

FAQ

Do I need to tip a taxi driver in Korea?

No. Tipping is not expected in Korea. You pay the metered fare, plus any tolls. Extra money is not required, and drivers do not usually ask for it.

Can I pay for a Korean taxi with a foreign credit card?

Often yes. Many taxis accept cards at the end of the ride. Some cards or card readers can fail. Keep some cash as a backup. In apps, foreign card support can vary, so test it before you rely on it.

When does the late-night surcharge apply?

It usually applies in the middle of the night, roughly from around midnight to the early morning. The exact hours and percentage can differ by city and can change. Check the official Seoul or local city transport site for current rules.

What is the easiest app for foreigners?

Kakao T is the most widely used and has an English interface. Uber also works in Korea. Sign-up rules and payment options change, so read the app’s help page. Try more than one app if a ride does not match.

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