Complete Guide to Taking a Taxi in Korea (Fares, How to Hail, Kakao T)

Guide H 2026-03-06

Contents

Korea Taxi Guide | Fares, How to Hail & Kakao T

Hello, this is Guide H ✈️

How do I take a taxi in Korea?, How much does it cost?, Can I use a taxi app without speaking Korean?
This guide covers basic fares, how to hail a taxi, and how to use Kakao T (Kakao Taxi) in detail.

This article is based on 2026. Fares, surcharges, and app features may change—please check the latest information before use.

💰 1. Korea Taxi Basic Fare (2026, Seoul & metro area)

Standard taxi

Item	Amount
Base fare	4,800 KRW (first 1.6 km)
Distance	100 KRW per 131 m
Time	100 KRW per 30 seconds (when in traffic)

Deluxe / large taxi

Item	Amount
Base fare	7,000 KRW (first 3 km)
Distance / time	Same structure as standard taxi

Surcharges

Late night (22:00–04:00)
- 22:00–23:00, 02:00–04:00: about 20% surcharge on base fare
- 23:00–02:00: about 40% surcharge on base fare
Outside city (Seoul): Trips outside Seoul (e.g. Gyeonggi, Incheon) often add about 20% surcharge.

Note: For short distances (e.g. 2–3 km) expect around 5,000–7,000 KRW; for around 10 km expect 15,000–20,000 KRW. It’s a good idea to check the estimated fare in an app (e.g. Naver Map) beforehand.

🗺️ 2. Checking approximate fare to your destination – Naver Map

Naver Map is the most widely used map and routing app in Korea. Address and place search are accurate, and you can see public transport, walking, and taxi routes and estimated times in one place. In the Naver Map app or on the web, enter your departure and destination, then select Taxi in the route search to see the estimated fare and estimated time. Actual fares vary with traffic and surcharges, but it’s useful to get a rough idea. We’ve put together a list of must-have apps for travel in Korea in the Korea travel essential apps guide.

🚕 3. How to hail a taxi

① Waving from the street

Only taxis with the red “vacant” (빈차) light on will stop.
Stand in a safe spot by the road and raise your hand to hail one.
In the suburbs or at night it can be hard to find a vacant cab, so using an app is recommended.

② Using a taxi stand

Taxi stands are found at station entrances, department stores and hotels, and airports.
Queue in line and board in order; waiting times can be long.

④ Taxi app (most recommended)

Kakao T (Kakao Taxi) is the most widely used.
You only need to enter your destination in the app, so it’s easy to use even if your Korean is limited, and you can see the estimated fare.
We explain how to use Kakao T in detail below.

📱 4. How to use Kakao T (Kakao Taxi) – Focus guide

Kakao T is the taxi-hailing app used most across Korea, not only in Seoul and the metro area.
You can use the app in English or Japanese even if Korean is difficult, and you only need to type your destination, so it’s especially convenient for travellers.

4-1. Installing the app and account

Install the app: Search for “Kakao T” or “카카오 T” on the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and install.
Create an account: Log in with a Kakao account. You can often sign up and verify with a non-Korean phone number.
Language: In the app settings you can choose Korean / English / 日本語.

4-2. Steps to call a taxi

Allow location: Allow the app to use your current location.
Confirm pickup: The app sets your pickup point automatically. You can change it on the map if it’s wrong.
Enter destination: In the “Where to?” field, enter a station name, hotel name, address, or place name.
- e.g. “Myeongdong Station”, “Hongik Univ. Station”, “Insadong”.
Choose taxi type: If you choose Standard taxi, the fare is based on the 4,800 KRW base. (Deluxe/large cost more.)
Check estimated fare: The estimated fare appears on screen. It’s for reference; the actual amount is charged by the meter.
Request: When you tap the “Call taxi” button, the request is sent to nearby drivers.
- When a driver accepts, you’ll see vehicle details and location.
Board: When the car arrives, check the licence plate and vehicle details, then get in.
Payment: You can choose cash, card, T-money, or pay the driver directly in the app.
- If your overseas card doesn’t work in the app, choose “Pay the driver directly” and pay by cash or card.

4-3. Kakao T tips

If you enter the destination correctly, you don’t need to speak Korean.
Real-time location sharing makes it easier to wait with peace of mind.
Late at night or on rainy days wait times can be longer, so allow extra time when calling.
Estimated fare is for reference only; the actual fare may vary with the meter and surcharges.

💳 5. Payment methods

Cash: Pay the driver directly.
Card: Most domestic and overseas credit and debit cards are accepted.
T-money: Many taxis accept payment by T-money card.
- See the T-money purchase and top-up guide.
In-app payment: You can register a card in the Kakao T app and choose “Pay in app”. (May be supported only in some cases.)

⚠️ 6. Things to know when using a taxi

Outside Seoul: If you go outside Seoul (e.g. Gyeonggi, Incheon), a surcharge may apply. Longer trips can be quite expensive, so check the approximate fare in the app.
Receipt: You can ask the driver for a receipt if you need one.
Lost items: If you rode with Kakao T, you can use the trip history in the app when inquiring about lost items.
Naver Map: In Korea it’s convenient to search for addresses and places on Naver Map and then copy that name into Kakao T. (Google Maps can be inaccurate in Korea.)

✅ Summary

Item	Summary
Base fare	Standard taxi 4,800 KRW (1.6 km), then added by distance and time
How to hail	Wave on the street, taxi stand, call taxi, taxi app (Kakao T recommended)
Kakao T	Enter destination in app → check estimated fare → request → pay by cash/card/T-money etc.
Language	Kakao T supports English and Japanese; you can use it by just entering your destination without speaking

In Korea you can call a taxi with Kakao T, check the estimated fare, and pay by cash, card, or T-money whichever is convenient.
Have a safe and comfortable taxi ride 🚕