Getting a cab in Korea is easier than most travelers expect. No need for Korean apps or perfect language skills.
Here is what actually helps when you’re at a Seoul street corner at 2 am without a data plan.
Look For The Red Light
That red light in the taxi window means it’s empty and available. In Korean it says 빈차 but you just need to know red = good.
A simple wave of your hand like you are greeting a friend does the trick. Not too aggressive, just a normal wave.
Most taxis are orange, silver, or white with a big taxi sign on top. Black taxis with yellow stripes are more expensive but have fancier service.
Hotel Staff Are Your Secret Weapon
Walk into any decent hotel lobby. Even if you’re not a guest there, the staff will order a taxi for you.
Say 택시 불러 주세요 (taeksi bulleo juseyo) which means Please call a taxi. But honestly, just taxi please in English is usually fine.
Hotel staff manage baffled travelers the whole day and know exactly what help you need.
Note Down Your Destination
Take a screenshot of the Korean address from google maps. Show it to your driver.
If you don’t have a precise address, you can use famous places. Gangnam Station or Gyeongbokgung Palace works perfectly.
For drivers, landmarks beat random street addresses any day.
Payment Methods
Almost every taxi takes credit cards now. Just hand over your Visa or Mastercard at the end.
Cash is accepted, but it’s best to carry small denominations since change for large bills may not be available. Keep some small Korean won around.
No tipping is required. Seriously, don’t tip. It’s not a thing here.
When Regular Taxis Don’t Work
International taxis guarantee English-speaking drivers but you need to book ahead. More expensive but worth it if you’re stressed about communication.
Uber operates in select Korean cities, but its presence is limited. The app hails ordinary taxis instead of private vehicles like in the USA.
Kakao T now has an English version. It allows direct payment to the driver without needing to set up Korean payment methods.
What To Expect
Ensure that the meter is running. If the driver refuses to use it, alight and find another taxi.
Late-night rides after 11 pm are charged at a higher rate.
During busy hours, some drivers may refuse very short trips. Don’t take it personally; just try another one.
Taxi Stands Save Time
You can find official taxi waiting areas at major subway stations, shopping centers, and even airports. Just line up and you are good to go.
It beats standing waiting on a random corner hoping a taxi would pick you.
The line is efficient and cabs have to accept passengers from designated pickup points.
Essential Korean Phrases
- 이 주소로 가 주세요 (i jusoro ga juseyo) translates to take me to this address.
- 여기 세워 주세요 (yeogi sewo juseyo) means stop here please.
- 얼마 나왔어요? (eolma nawasseoyo) means how much is the fare?
Korean pointers and rudimentary English works wonders in Seoul.
Seoul taxi services do not need advanced Korean skills or special applications. Written addresses, hotel personnel, and credit cards solve most issues. The red light system for available taxis works everywhere and drivers are familiar with foreign passengers who communicate using landmarks and phone screens instead of words.