Kakao T Taxi in Korea: Guide for Foreign Travelers

Quick answer

To use a taxi in Korea as a foreigner, the most practical tool is the Kakao T app (카카오T). It lets you call a taxi, enter your destination in Korean or English, and pay by card or KakaoPay—no Korean phone number required for the basic call function. For address phrases, learn just three: 이 주소로 가 주세요 (i jusoro ga juseyo – please go to this address), 여기서 세워 주세요 (yeogiseo sewo juseyo – please stop here), and 카드 되나요? (kadeu doenayo – do you accept card?).

Best route

Option 1: Kakao T app (recommended)

1. Download Kakao T from App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app and tap the Taxi icon (not the navigation icon).
3. Enter your destination in the search bar. You can type in English (e.g., "Gyeongbokgung Palace") or paste a Korean address. The app will show matching locations.
4. Select your destination, then choose a taxi type: 일반택시 (regular), 모범택시 (deluxe), or 카카오블랙 (premium). Regular is fine for most trips.
5. Tap 호출하기 (call). The app will find a nearby driver. You’ll see the driver’s car number, location, and estimated arrival time.
6. When the taxi arrives, confirm the car number and get in. The driver already knows your destination, so you don’t need to say anything.
7. Payment: The app can link your credit card or KakaoPay. You can also pay cash or card in the taxi. If you want to pay by card, just say 카드 되나요? (kadeu doenayo) before the ride starts.

Tip: If you don’t have a Korean phone number, you can still use Kakao T by signing up with a foreign number or using a temporary verification. Alternatively, use the Kakao T app without login for basic taxi calling (some features may be limited).

Option 2: Hail a taxi on the street

• Raise your hand clearly. Taxis with a red 빈차 (empty) sign on the windshield are available.
• Have your destination written in Korean on your phone or a piece of paper. Show it to the driver and say 이 주소로 가 주세요 (i jusoro ga juseyo).
• If the driver doesn’t understand, try using a map app (Naver Map or KakaoMap) to show the route.

Timing and tickets

Best times to use a taxi

• Daytime (9:00–20:00): Easy to find taxis, but traffic in central Seoul (Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam) can be heavy. Allow extra time.
• Late night (22:00–02:00): Taxis are harder to find, especially in busy areas. Kakao T may show a surge multiplier (할증). Consider using the app and waiting a bit longer.
• Rainy days: Taxis are scarce. Use Kakao T and be prepared to wait 10–20 minutes.

Payment

• Card: Most taxis accept credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Always confirm with 카드 되나요? before starting.
• Cash: Accepted, but drivers may not have change for large bills (₩50,000 or ₩100,000). Carry smaller notes.
• T-money card: Some taxis accept T-money for payment, but not all. Ask 티머니 되나요? (timeoni doenayo).
• Kakao Pay / Apple Pay: If you use the Kakao T app, you can pay via the app with a linked card.

Fares (approximate, subject to change)

• Regular taxi: Base fare ₩3,800 (Seoul), then ₩100 per 131 meters or 31 seconds.
• Deluxe taxi (모범택시): Base fare ₩6,500, then ₩200 per 151 meters or 36 seconds.
• Late-night surcharge (00:00–04:00): 20% extra on regular taxis.
• Kakao T call fee: No extra fee for basic call, but surge pricing may apply during high demand.

Check the latest fares on the official VisitKorea transportation page: VisitKorea Taxi Information.

Photo plan

If you want a photo with a taxi (e.g., the iconic orange or silver taxis), the best spots are:

• Myeongdong – busy streets with taxis passing by.
• Gwanghwamun Square – wide roads with traditional backdrop.
• Hongdae – colorful street art and taxis.

But for practical use, take a photo of the car number before getting in—it helps if you leave something behind.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Not having the address in Korean. Even if you show an English address, many drivers don’t read English well. Always have the Korean address or a map pin ready.
2. Assuming all taxis take cards. Some older taxis or drivers may refuse card payment. Always ask 카드 되나요? before the ride.
3. Not checking the meter. Taxis in Korea use meters. If the driver doesn’t start the meter, ask 미터기 켜 주세요 (miteogi kyeo juseyo – please turn on the meter).
4. Using the wrong app. Kakao T is the most reliable. Other apps like Uber are limited in Korea. Stick with Kakao T.
5. Forgetting to get a receipt. If you need a receipt for expense reports, ask 영수증 주세요 (yeongsujeung juseyo).

Source check

• Official taxi information: VisitKorea – Taxi – Check for updated fares, types, and payment methods.
• Kakao T app download: Kakao T official site – For app details and supported features.
• 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: Call 1330 for English, Chinese, or Japanese assistance with taxis or directions. VisitKorea Helpline.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a Korean phone number to use Kakao T?

A: Not necessarily. You can sign up with a foreign number, but verification may require an SMS. Alternatively, use the app without login for basic taxi calling (limited features).

Q: Can I pay with cash in a taxi?

A: Yes, but carry small bills (₩1,000–₩10,000). Drivers often don’t have change for large notes.

Q: What if the driver doesn’t understand my destination?

A: Show the Korean address on your phone, or use Naver Map to navigate. You can also call the 1330 helpline for translation help.

Q: Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night?

A: Yes, Korean taxis are generally safe. Use Kakao T to share your ride details with a friend. Avoid unlicensed taxis (no sign on top).

Q: How do I say “please stop here” in Korean?

A: 여기서 세워 주세요 (yeogiseo sewo juseyo).

Q: What is the difference between regular and deluxe taxis?

A: Deluxe taxis (모범택시) are larger, more comfortable, and have a higher fare. They are often black with a yellow sign. Regular taxis are orange or silver.

Q: Can I use Uber in Korea?

A: Uber is not widely available. Kakao T is the dominant ride-hailing app.

Q: What if I leave something in a taxi?

A: If you used Kakao T, you can contact the driver through the app. Otherwise, call the taxi company or the 1330 helpline. Always take a photo of the car number.

Q: Do taxis charge extra for luggage?

A: No, luggage is free. But if you have a lot of bags, consider calling a deluxe taxi or a van through Kakao T (call a 카카오블랙 or 대형택시).

Q: Can I request a specific destination in English on Kakao T?

A: Yes, the app supports English input for many popular places. For less common spots, paste the Korean address.

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Note: Fares and policies may change. Always verify with official sources before your trip.