How to catch a Taxi in Korea: A Traveler's Guide

There are a few tips and tricks that can make your taxi experience smoother and more enjoyable. 

1. Types of Taxis

In Korea, there are several types of taxis:

1. Regular Taxis: These are the most common and can be identified by their orange or silver color. They are metered and affordable.

 

Regular Taxis

 

2. Deluxe Taxis: These are black with a yellow sign on top. They offer more space and comfort but are more expensive.

3. International Taxis: These are for foreign tourists and offer services in English, Japanese, and Chinese. They are usually more expensive but very convenient if you don't speak Korean.

 

2. Finding a Taxi

Taxis are abundant in Korea, especially in cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon. Here’s how to find one:

1. On the Street: You can hail a taxi directly from the street. Simply raise your hand when you see a taxi with the '빈차' (vacant) sign lit up.
2. Taxi Stands: Many busy areas have designated taxi stands. Look for signs that say '택시 승차장'.
3. Apps: Apps like Kakao Taxi or Uber (called Uber Black in Korea) are widely used. These apps allow you to book a taxi directly from your smartphone, providing information about the driver and the estimated fare.

3. Communicating with the Driver

While many taxi drivers in Korea might not speak fluent English, there are ways to communicate effectively:

1. Address: Have the address of your destination written in Korean. This helps avoid any confusion.
2. Landmarks: Mentioning well-known landmarks near your destination can also be helpful.
3. Translation Apps: Apps like Papago or Google Translate can be a lifesaver in these situations.
4. Polite Phrases: Learn some basic Korean phrases to make your ride smoother:
   • "여기로 가 주세요." (Yeogi-ro ga juseyo.) - Please go here.
   • "멈춰 주세요." (Meomchwo juseyo.) - Please stop here.
   • "거스름돈 필요 없어요." (Geoseureumdon pilyo eopseoyo.) - Keep the change.

4. Payment

Korean taxis accept various payment methods:

1. Cash: Korean Won (KRW) is always accepted.
2. Credit/Debit Cards: Most taxis are equipped with card readers.
3. T-Money Card: A rechargeable card used for public transportation can also be used in many taxis.

 

5. Useful Tips

1. Avoid Rush Hour: Traffic can be heavy during rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-8 PM), which might increase your fare.
2. Know the Fare System: Regular taxis start at around 3,800 KRW for the first 2 kilometers and then add about 100 KRW for every additional 132 meters.
3. Use Polite Language: A simple "안녕하세요" (hello) and "감사합니다" (thank you) can go a long way in making your ride pleasant.