Complete Guide to Using Taxis in Korea for Foreigners | 2026 Updated Edition
- Language barriers,
- unfamiliar fare systems,
- unfamiliar roads,
- and communication difficulties with drivers create anxiety.
After reading this guide, foreign visitors will confidently use taxis in Korea.
You'll also learn the exact usage methods for apps like Kakao T, Uber, and K.RIDE.
7 Things Foreign Visitors Must Know About Korean Taxis
Many foreigners hold misconceptions about Korean taxis. Here are the facts.
Feature 1: Korean taxis are the cheapest in Asia
Taking a taxi from Gangnam Station to Myeongdong (approximately 8km) in Seoul costs about 12,000-15,000 won. The same distance in the US costs over $20, Singapore costs 15 SGD, and Japan costs over 2,000 yen. Korean taxis are genuinely affordable.
This is possible because the government strictly regulates fares and operates the metering system transparently.
Feature 2: Meter manipulation is prohibited by law
All Korean taxi meters are regularly inspected by the government. If a driver's meter is found to be tampered with, their driving license is revoked. Therefore, meter manipulation in Korean taxis is extremely rare.
Feature 3: Drivers prefer credit card payments
All general taxis in Korea must have credit card terminals installed. This is a legal requirement. Drivers prefer credit card payments over cash because of tax records.
Therefore, there are virtually no drivers who only accept cash.
Feature 4: There is no tipping culture
In Korea, you do not tip taxi drivers. If you attempt to tip, the driver may be surprised. This isn't disrespectful to the driver; it shows respect for Korean culture.
The amount displayed on the meter is the final fare. You don't need to pay more than that.
Feature 5: Drivers are accustomed to communicating with foreigners
Over 10 million foreigners visit Seoul every year. Most drivers have experience transporting foreigners. They understand foreign visitors' challenges and try to be as helpful as possible.
Feature 6: Taxis are available 24 hours
Korean taxis can be used at 10 PM, 11 PM, or even at 4 AM. However, there is a surcharge during late-night hours (20% additional).
This surcharge compensates drivers for working during late-night hours.
Feature 7: Fares are transparently disclosed
Base fare, distance fare, time fare, late-night surcharge, and out-of-city surcharge—all fares are publicly disclosed on the Seoul city website. There are no hidden fees or additional charges.
Complete Classification of Korean Taxi Types
There are several types of taxis in Korea. It's important to understand the characteristics and uses of each.
1. General Taxi (Silver Taxi)
Appearance: Silver or gray body with large "Taxi" lettering
Characteristics:
Most common taxi (approximately 70% of all taxis)
Most affordable taxi
Can be hailed on the street anytime
Base fare: 4,800 won (Seoul standard, raised in February 2023)
Distance fare: 100 won per 131 meters
Time fare: 100 won per 30 seconds (only during traffic, when speed is below 15 km/h)
When to use:
Short distance travel (1-5km)
When budget is limited
When in a hurry (most taxis are this type)
When calling via Kakao Taxi (default option)
Cautions:
May have minimal conversation with driver
Air conditioning/heating may be weak
Vehicle may be older
2. Model Taxi (Black Taxi)
Appearance: Black body with "Model" lettering, larger than general taxi
Characteristics:
Provides professional service
Base fare: 7,000 won
Distance fare: 200 won per 151 meters
Time fare: 200 won per 36 seconds
Fare is 40-50% higher than general taxis
When to use:
Long distance travel (10km or more)
When attending business meetings
When comfort is important
When wanting VIP treatment
Advantages:
Newer vehicle (latest models)
Friendly drivers (well-trained)
Strong air conditioning/heating
Frequently used for airport trips
3. Large Taxi
Appearance: Similar to general taxi but slightly larger, black, gray or silver
Characteristics:
Accommodates 5-6 passengers
Can carry lots of luggage
Fare is similar to general taxis
Frequently used by tourist groups after arriving at Incheon Airport
When to use:
Group travel (4 or more people)
When carrying large amounts of luggage
When departing from the airport
4. International Tourist Taxi
Appearance: Similar to general taxi but with foreign language markings (English, Chinese, Japanese, etc.)
Characteristics:
Drivers are fluent in foreign languages
Fare is 30-40% higher than general taxis
Advance reservation required
Drivers are knowledgeable about tourist attractions
Phone: 1644-2255 (Seoul International Tourist Taxi Reservation Center)
When to use:
When language is very important
When wanting explanations about tourist sites
When comfortable communication is important
For long-term visitors
Disadvantages:
More expensive
Reservation times can be long
Vehicle availability is sometimes limited
Complete Explanation of Korean Taxi Fares (2026 Standard)
Before taking a taxi, foreign visitors must understand the fare system. Korean taxi fares are calculated as follows.
Daytime (6 AM - 10 PM)
Base fare: 4,800 won (includes first 1.6km)
Distance fare: 100 won added per 131 meters
Time fare: 100 won per 30 seconds (applies only when speed is below 15 km/h, meaning only during traffic congestion)
Calculation Example:
Gangnam Station → Myeongdong (Distance: 8.3km, Time: approximately 7 minutes, daytime)
Base fare: 4,800 won
Additional distance: (8.3km - 1.6km) = 6.7km = 6,700 meters
Distance fare: 6,700m ÷ 0.131m × 100 won = approximately 5,120 won
Traffic congestion (if applicable): Time fare added
Final fare: approximately 10,000-12,000 won
In reality, depending on traffic conditions, the fare can range from 7,000 to 15,000 won.
Late-Night Surcharge (10 PM - 4 AM next day)
During nighttime hours, the base fare increases.
10 PM - 11 PM: Base fare 5,800 won (20% surcharge)
11 PM - 2 AM: Base fare 6,700 won (20% surcharge + additional time surcharge)
2 AM - 4 AM: Base fare 5,800 won (20% surcharge)
Example:
At 11 PM from Gangnam Station → Myeongdong
Base fare: 6,700 won (surcharge applied)
Distance fare: approximately 5,100 won
Final fare: approximately 12,000-14,000 won
Because the surcharge is applied, the fare difference between day and night is 2,000-3,000 won.
Out-of-City Surcharge (Outside Seoul city limits)
If you travel from Seoul to other cities like Incheon Airport, Suwon, or Paju, an out-of-city surcharge applies.
Surcharge rate: 20% additional
Or zone-based fixed fare system applies.
Example:Gangnam Station → Incheon Airport: Base fare 4,800 won + distance fare + (20% surcharge)
Or fixed fare 90,000 won (includes expressway toll)
Seoul → Bucheon: Surcharge applies
Confirmation method: When taking a taxi, ask "Is there any extra charge beyond the city limit?"
Model Taxi Fare (Black Taxi)
Base fare: 7,000 won (includes first 3km)
Distance fare: 200 won per 151 meters
Time fare: 200 won per 36 seconds
Same route (Gangnam → Myeongdong): approximately 16,000-20,000 won
4,000-5,000 won more expensive than general taxis, but vehicle quality and service are significantly better.
Fare Examples for Frequently Traveled Seoul Routes
Here are taxi fares for places foreign visitors most commonly visit. These fares are based on daytime traffic conditions (2 PM - 5 PM). During evening hours (5 PM - 8 PM), fares may increase 10-30% due to traffic congestion.
YOU CAN CALCULATE TAXI FARES by clicking rome2rio. It is very easy web.
Gangnam Station ↔ Myeongdong
Distance: approximately 8.3km
General taxi: 13,000-16,000 won
Model taxi: 17,000-20,000 won
Travel time: 7-8 minutes (daytime), 15-20 minutes (evening)
Recommended: Most frequently visited route by tourists
Myeongdong is Korea's representative shopping district, and Gangnam Station has large shopping malls and restaurants.
Jongno 3-ga (Hanbok Street) ↔ Gangnam Station
Distance: approximately 5km
General taxi: 8,000-10,000 won
Model taxi: 11,000-14,000 won
Travel time: 5-7 minutes (daytime), 10-15 minutes (evening)
Recommended: For tourists wanting to experience both tradition and modernity
Jongno is Seoul's oldest district with the Hanbok Street, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Cheonggyecheon.
Incheon Airport ↔ Gangnam Station
Distance: approximately 45km
General taxi fixed fare: 75,000 - 100,000 won (includes expressway toll)
Model taxi fixed fare: 130,000 - 150,000 won
Travel time: 40-60 minutes (varies significantly by traffic)
Recommended: First trip after arriving in Korea
This is airport travel, so a fixed zone-based fare system applies. Using Kakao Taxi, you can see the estimated fare in advance.
Myeongdong Station ↔ Incheon Airport
Distance: approximately 50km
General taxi fixed fare: 85,000 won
Model taxi fixed fare: 120,000 won
Travel time: 45-60 minutes
Recommended: Before leaving Korea for airport transfer
Closer to the airport than Gangnam Station, so the fare is slightly cheaper.
Seoul Station ↔ Hangang Park (Yeouido)
Distance: approximately 8km
General taxi: 12,000-14,000 won
Model taxi: 17,000-19,000 won
Travel time: 7-10 minutes
Recommended: When wanting to picnic at Hangang Park
Hangang Park is Seoul's most famous outdoor recreation spot. It's especially beautiful in spring, summer, and fall.
Dongdaemun (Shopping) ↔ Hongdae (Art District)
Distance: approximately 6km
General taxi: 9,000-11,000 won
Model taxi: 13,000-16,000 won
Travel time: 6-8 minutes (daytime), 10-15 minutes (evening)
Recommended: For shopping and night views
Dongdaemun is a clothing wholesale market, and Hongdae is a district of young artists.
Seoul Station ↔ Incheon Airport (Using expressway)
Distance: approximately 50km
General taxi fixed fare: 85,000 won
Model taxi fixed fare: 120,000 won
Travel time: 40-50 minutes
Recommended: When fast travel is needed
3 Things to Remember:
First, Korean taxi meters are accurate. Don't worry.
Second, Korean drivers are accustomed to dealing with foreigners. You are a valued customer.
Third, Korean taxis are affordable. The same distance costs half as much as taking Uber in the US.
Enjoy your Korea visit. Don't stress about taxi issues. Kakao Taxi is your friend.
Please visit and get information of Korean transportation
Korea subway guide link (2026 ver)
Korea subway map link (2026 ver)
Please visit and get information of Korean transportation
