Taxis and taxi apps

Regular taxis in colors like orange, white and silver are the most common, while black deluxe taxis are roomier and cost more. Larger van taxis suit bigger groups, and international taxis offer drivers who can communicate in foreign languages. Many taxis are also part of app-based networks you can call from your phone.

If a red light reading 빈차, meaning vacant, is lit on the windshield or roof sign, the taxi is free. A green 예약 sign means it is already reserved, for example through an app, and if the light is off the taxi may not be taking passengers. Wave one down on the street or join the line at a taxi stand near stations, terminals or large hotels.

Yes, but conditions vary by app. Some apps need a local phone number to sign up, and paying in the app with an overseas card is not always supported, while certain apps aimed at foreign visitors do accept overseas cards. You can usually pay the driver directly by cash or card at the end of the ride, so install and test an app before your trip.

Korean taxis use meters that calculate the fare from both distance and time. As of November 2026, Seoul's regular taxis add a late-night surcharge from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., with the highest rate between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Trips beyond the taxi's service area may carry an out-of-area surcharge, and app bookings can add a fee, so check the estimated fare.

Most taxis accept credit cards and transit cards. Foreign cards occasionally fail, so keep some cash or another card as a backup. Taxis booked through an app often charge the card registered in the app automatically at the end of the ride.

Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Korea. You simply pay the metered fare, though telling the driver to keep small change is fine. If the driver helped with heavy luggage, a sincere thank-you is enough. Being asked to pay extra on top of the fare is not normal.

Drivers may not speak much English, so showing the destination name and address in Korean is the most reliable approach. Pull up the place in a map app and show the screen, or carry your hotel's business card. With a taxi app, the destination is sent to the driver automatically.

Yes. Korea requires seatbelts in both front and rear seats on all roads, and taxi back seats are no exception. Drivers may remind you to buckle up. If you are traveling with young children, note that many taxis do not have child seats, so bring one if you need it.

Refusing a passenger without a legitimate reason is illegal in Korea. Note the taxi's plate number, the time and the location so you can file a complaint with the local transport complaint service. In busy nightlife areas late at night, booking through a taxi app is usually easier and reduces the chance of being turned away.

Black deluxe taxis are driven by experienced drivers, have more space and cost more than regular taxis. As of November 2026, Seoul deluxe taxis also apply late-night and out-of-area surcharges. They are a good option when you want more comfort or when regular taxis are hard to find, and you can hail one on the street or choose one in an app.

If you paid by card, the payment record can help trace the taxi, and if you booked through an app, you can contact the driver from your trip history. Receipts show the plate number, so it is a good habit to take one. You can also seek help through the LOST112 portal or the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline.

Taxis can be very hard to find late on Friday and weekend nights in busy nightlife districts. Use an app or a taxi stand, and walking a little to a main road sometimes helps. Knowing the late-night bus routes also gives you a backup plan.

Yes. After paying, ask the driver for a receipt and they will print one. It shows the plate number, company contact and fare, which is useful if you lose something or want to file a complaint. With app payments, receipts are available by email or in the app.

International taxis are driven by drivers who can communicate in foreign languages, and you can take one at the airport or book by phone or online. Airport trips often use fixed zone-based fares, so you know the price in advance. Check the official guidance for current booking methods.

Check that the meter was running and that any surcharge shown was valid, and be sure to get a receipt. Occasionally drivers at airports or tourist spots switch off the meter and demand a flat fare, so confirm the meter is on before you ride. Report overcharging with the plate number to the local transport complaint service; the 1330 tourist hotline can help with interpretation and tourism complaints.

No. In Korea, passengers open and close taxi doors themselves. Before opening the door to get out, check for motorbikes or bicycles coming from behind. It is safest to exit on the sidewalk side of the car. Also check that you have all your belongings, and avoid slamming the door.

Most regular taxis can fit suitcases in the trunk, but in some LPG vehicles the fuel tank takes up trunk space, and capacity varies by model. If you have several large bags, call a jumbo taxi or van instead. Some apps let you choose a larger vehicle when booking.

In Korea, carrying paying passengers in private cars is prohibited in principle, with a few legal exceptions, so most apps, including Uber, dispatch licensed taxis. The main differences between apps are language support, payment methods and how easily you get a car. Installing a couple of apps and using whichever finds a ride faster works well.

Yes. Some services let you charter a taxi or van by the hour or for a full day, which is handy for visiting several sights. Prices and what is included vary by provider, so confirm details in writing beforehand. Tourist taxis are especially common in places like Jeju.

Using a translation app or showing your destination written in Korean usually solves the problem. You can also call the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline and hand the phone to the driver for interpretation help. Some taxi apps have built-in message translation as well.