Seoul

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Taxis

Taxis in Seoul are widely available and a convenient option for short and long-distance travel within the city.

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Comprehensive Guide to Taxis in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, South Korea, has a well-developed and efficient taxi system that is a convenient option for both visitors and residents. Taxis are widely available, relatively affordable compared to other major cities, and operate 24/7. Below is a detailed guide covering all aspects of using taxis in Seoul.

1. Types of Taxis in Seoul

Seoul offers several types of taxis, each with different features and fare structures:

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

  • Color: Orange, white, or silver.
  • Capacity: Up to 4 passengers.
  • Fare: Standard rates (details below).
  • Availability: Widely available and the most common type of taxi.

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

  • Color: Black with a yellow "Deluxe Taxi" sign.
  • Features: More spacious, higher quality service, and experienced drivers.
  • Fare: Higher than regular taxis (details below).
  • Availability: Found at major hotels, airports, and tourist areas.

c. Jumbo Taxis (๋Œ€ํ˜•ํƒ์‹œ - Daehyeong Taxi)

  • Capacity: Up to 6-8 passengers.
  • Features: Ideal for groups or travelers with large luggage.
  • Fare: Similar to Deluxe Taxis.
  • Availability: Can be booked in advance or found at airports and major hubs.

d. International Taxis

  • Color: Orange with "International Taxi" written on the side.
  • Features: Drivers speak English, Chinese, or Japanese.
  • Fare: Slightly higher than regular taxis.
  • Availability: Can be pre-booked online or through a call center.

e. Call Vans (์ฝœ๋ฐด - Kolbaen)

  • Purpose: For transporting large items or cargo.
  • Fare: Negotiated with the driver (not metered).
  • Availability: Must be pre-arranged.

2. Fare Structure

Taxi fares in Seoul are metered and vary depending on the type of taxi and time of day.

a. Regular Taxis

  • Base Fare: KRW 4,800 (for the first 2 km).
  • Distance Fare: KRW 100 per 131 meters.
  • Time Fare: KRW 100 per 30 seconds when traveling under 15 km/h.
  • Late-Night Surcharge: 20% increase from midnight to 4:00 AM.

b. Deluxe and Jumbo Taxis

  • Base Fare: KRW 7,000 (for the first 3 km).
  • Distance Fare: KRW 200 per 151 meters.
  • Time Fare: KRW 200 per 36 seconds when traveling under 15 km/h.
  • No Late-Night Surcharge.

c. Airport Taxis

  • Flat-rate options are available for trips to/from Incheon International Airport, depending on the destination in Seoul. Rates typically range from KRW 65,000 to KRW 100,000.

3. How to Use Taxis in Seoul

a. Hailing a Taxi

  • Taxis can be hailed on the street by raising your hand.
  • Look for a taxi with a red "๋นˆ์ฐจ" (Bincha) sign, meaning "Available."
  • Avoid hailing taxis near bus stops or intersections, as it may be illegal.

b. Taxi Stands

  • Found at major locations like train stations, shopping districts, and tourist attractions.
  • Taxis queue up, and passengers board in order.

c. Booking a Taxi

  • Use apps like Kakao T (details below) to book a taxi in advance.
  • International Taxis can be booked online or via phone (+82-2-1644-2255).

4. Language Considerations

  • Most taxi drivers in Seoul speak limited English, so itโ€™s helpful to have your destination written in Korean.
  • Use a translation app or show the address on your phone.
  • Apps like Kakao T allow you to input your destination in English, which is then displayed to the driver in Korean.

5. Cultural Etiquette

  • Seating: Passengers typically sit in the back seat. If the back is full, the front seat can be used.
  • Politeness: Greet the driver with a simple "์•ˆ๋…•ํ•˜์„ธ์š”" (Annyeonghaseyo - Hello) and thank them with "๊ฐ์‚ฌํ•ฉ๋‹ˆ๋‹ค" (Gamsahamnida - Thank you).
  • Tipping: Tipping is not customary in South Korea, and drivers will not expect it.
  • Cleanliness: Avoid eating or drinking in the taxi.
  • Behavior: Be respectful and avoid loud conversations or phone calls.

6. Payment Methods

  • Cash: Korean Won (KRW) is accepted.
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Most taxis accept major credit cards, including international ones.
  • T-Money Card: A rechargeable transportation card that can be used for taxis. Simply tap the card on the reader at the end of the ride.
  • Mobile Payments: Some taxis accept mobile payment apps like Samsung Pay or Kakao Pay.

7. Apps and Tools for Taxi Services

a. Kakao T

  • The most popular app for booking taxis in Seoul.
  • Available in English, Korean, and other languages.
  • Features include fare estimates, real-time tracking, and cashless payment options.
  • Download: Kakao T on Google Play or App Store.

b. International Taxi Service

c. Naver Maps or Google Maps

  • Use these apps to find your destination and show the address to the driver in Korean.

8. Accessibility Features

  • Some taxis are wheelchair-accessible, but they are not as common.
  • To ensure availability, book an accessible taxi in advance through the Seoul Metropolitan Governmentโ€™s call center (+82-2-1588-4388).

9. Important Considerations

  • Traffic: Seoul can experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-8:00 PM). Plan accordingly.
  • Scams: While rare, some drivers may refuse to use the meter or take longer routes. Politely insist on using the meter or consider switching to another taxi.
  • Lost Items: If you leave something in a taxi, contact the Seoul Taxi Association Lost and Found Center (+82-2-120) or use the Kakao T app if you booked through it.

10. Alternatives to Taxis

  • Subway and Buses: Seoulโ€™s public transportation system is extensive, affordable, and easy to use.
  • Ride-Hailing Services: Apps like Uber are not widely used in Seoul, but Kakao T offers similar services.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate Seoulโ€™s taxi system with ease. Whether youโ€™re heading to a tourist attraction, a business meeting, or simply exploring the city, taxis in Seoul provide a reliable and convenient mode of transportation.