Jeonju

๐Ÿš–

Taxis

An accessible form of transportation for navigating within and around the city.

Sections

1. Overview of Taxis in Jeonju

Taxis in Jeonju are a convenient and reliable mode of transportation, especially for visitors who may not be familiar with the cityโ€™s bus routes or who need to travel late at night. They are widely available and relatively affordable compared to taxis in many Western countries. Most taxi drivers in Jeonju are courteous and professional, though English proficiency may be limited.

2. Categories of Taxis

There are two main types of taxis in Jeonju:

a. Regular Taxis (์ผ๋ฐ˜ํƒ์‹œ - Ilban Taxi):

  • These are the most common taxis and are easily recognizable by their silver, white, or orange color.
  • They are metered and offer affordable rates.
  • Suitable for most travelers and short to medium-distance trips.

b. Deluxe Taxis (๋ชจ๋ฒ”ํƒ์‹œ - Mobeom Taxi):

  • These are black taxis with a yellow "Deluxe Taxi" sign on top.
  • They are more spacious, comfortable, and cater to passengers looking for a premium experience.
  • Fares are higher than regular taxis, but they are ideal for longer trips or if you have a lot of luggage.

3. Average Costs

Taxis in Jeonju are metered, and the fare structure is as follows (as of 2023):

Regular Taxis:

  • Base Fare: KRW 3,800 (covers the first 2 kilometers).
  • Per Kilometer After Base Distance: KRW 100 for every 132 meters.
  • Waiting Time: KRW 100 for every 31 seconds when the taxi is stationary or moving very slowly (e.g., in traffic).
  • Night Surcharge: A 20% surcharge applies between midnight and 4:00 AM.

Deluxe Taxis:

  • Base Fare: KRW 6,500 (covers the first 3 kilometers).
  • Per Kilometer After Base Distance: KRW 200 for every 151 meters.
  • Waiting Time: KRW 200 for every 36 seconds.
  • No Night Surcharge: Deluxe taxis do not charge extra at night.

Estimated Costs for Common Routes:

  • Jeonju Hanok Village to Jeonju Station: KRW 6,000โ€“8,000 (Regular Taxi).
  • Jeonju Hanok Village to Deokjin Park: KRW 7,000โ€“10,000 (Regular Taxi).
  • Jeonju to Gimje (nearby city): KRW 30,000โ€“40,000 (Regular Taxi).

4. Tipping Practices

  • No Tipping Required: Tipping is not customary in South Korea, including in Jeonju. The fare displayed on the meter is the exact amount you need to pay.
  • If you feel the driver provided exceptional service, you can round up the fare as a gesture of appreciation, but this is entirely optional.

5. How to Hail or Book a Taxi

Hailing a Taxi:

  • Taxis can be hailed on the street by raising your hand. Look for taxis with a red light on the dashboard, which indicates they are available.
  • Avoid hailing taxis near bus stops or intersections, as it may be difficult for the driver to stop safely.

Booking a Taxi:

  • Phone Booking: You can call a taxi by dialing the Jeonju taxi call center at 063-231-2114. Note that the operator may not speak English, so having a Korean-speaking friend or your destination written in Korean can be helpful.
  • Mobile Apps: Use apps like Kakao T (์นด์นด์˜คํƒ์‹œ), which is widely used in South Korea. The app is available in English and allows you to book a taxi, input your destination, and even pay via the app.
    • Download Kakao T from the App Store or Google Play.
    • Set your pickup and drop-off locations, and the app will match you with a nearby taxi.
    • You can choose between regular and deluxe taxis in the app.

6. Tips and Cultural Aspects

Language Barrier:

  • Most taxi drivers in Jeonju speak little to no English. To avoid confusion:
    • Have your destination written in Korean (e.g., Jeonju Hanok Village: ์ „์ฃผํ•œ์˜ฅ๋งˆ์„).
    • Use a translation app or show the location on a map.

Payment Methods:

  • Taxis in Jeonju accept cash (KRW) and major credit/debit cards.
  • Many taxis also accept T-money cards (a rechargeable transportation card used for buses, subways, and taxis).

Seating Etiquette:

  • If you are traveling alone, it is customary to sit in the back seat. Sitting in the front seat is generally reserved for groups or when the back seat is full.

Behavior:

  • Be polite and avoid loud conversations or phone calls during the ride.
  • Smoking and eating in taxis are strictly prohibited.

Receipts:

  • If you need a receipt (์˜์ˆ˜์ฆ - Yeongsujeung), ask the driver by saying "์˜์ˆ˜์ฆ ์ฃผ์„ธ์š”" (Yeongsujeung juseyo). This can be useful for expense tracking or if you accidentally leave something in the taxi.

Lost Items:

  • If you leave something behind, contact the Jeonju taxi call center or the local police station. Providing the receipt (if you have one) or details about the trip (time, route, etc.) will help locate the taxi.

7. Additional Tips

  • Avoid Rush Hours: Traffic in Jeonju can be heavy during peak hours (7:30โ€“9:00 AM and 5:30โ€“7:30 PM). Consider using public transportation or walking for short distances during these times.
  • Night Travel: Taxis are a safe and reliable option for late-night travel, especially since buses may stop running after 10:00 PM.
  • Hanok Village Area: If you are near Jeonju Hanok Village, taxis may be harder to find due to narrow streets. Walk to a nearby main road to hail a taxi or use a booking app.

By following these tips and guidelines, youโ€™ll find using taxis in Jeonju to be a smooth and stress-free experience. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask! Safe travels!