Traveling in any city can be daunting at first, especially when you are in a foreign country, and don't speak the language. This article will focus on the do's and don'ts of traveling in the city via taxi in Korea. We give you some stress-free tips when hailing, riding, and paying for your ride!
Now, like most of you have probably experienced in a foreign country before, it can be slightly daunting to hail down a taxi and communicate with the driver, as often they can only speak their native language, and it can become a stressful experience. Or perhaps you agree on a price, and then when you arrive at your destination the driver tries to charge you a higher price.
Taxi Apps
A MUST do before coming to Korea is to download the "Kakao Taxi app", here you are able to register a local Korean credit card, or there is the option to pay directly to the driver when you take a journey. Paying directly to the driver, you will be able to pay by credit card or cash, however as there are tiers of taxi that you can take, you will only be able to book a standard taxi (at peak times of the day, the waiting time can be longer) by paying directly to the driver.
Using this app has made traveling for me much more comfortable and convenient, and you will be hard pressed to find a Korean that does not have this app. I have also found that unlike other taxi apps, like Uber & Grab, the wait time the majority of the time of Kakao Taxi's is not to long, usually just a couple of minutes, and they are also reasonably prices as well, at least compared to what I would expect to pay in a Western country, so taking a taxi in Korea has become a daily occurrence if I am visiting the city.
Taxi Stands
Of course it's also possible to take a taxi by going to a taxi stand, at a shopping mal, airport, bus station or train station, and in some cities you will also find a taxi stand. If you are unable to find a taxi right away, then you can look for sign posts that will give you directions, and if you are in Seoul, then you can call +82-2-120 and ask for taxi stand locations as well, so make sure you have a working phone or you are at least able to connect to WIFI to check a map.
Taxi Fare
Taxi fare varies by city and taxi type. Most taxis charge passengers the sum of the base fare and additional charges based on the travelled distance. Additional charges may apply depending on time and driving out of the region. Late-night fare is usually applied from 22:00 to 04:00 with the surcharge varying in amount depending on the time. The late-night fare is most expensive from 23:00 to 02:00.
Pre-booking a taxi
Apart from the standard taxis, there are also special international taxis that are driven by taxi drivers who can speak one or more foreign languages such as English, Japanese, or Chinese. International taxis are available in varied sizes to accommodate travelers' needs. They also offer airport pick-up service with reservations in advance. Pick-up reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance via the website, email, or phone call.
Website: www.intltaxi.co.kr
Reservations: reserve@intltaxi.co.kr / +82-1644-2255
Hailing a Taxi
If you are out and about in the city, and decide to take a taxi, then you are able to stand by the side of the road and hail down a taxi. This is also a very convenient way, however please note that it is advisable to have the Korean address written down, unless it is a major landmark that you plan to travel to, as most taxi drivers only speak Korean. Of course, if you are able to speak Korean and like a challenge, then that is also good.
Let us know in the comments below, about your experiences travelling by Taxi in Korea!
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