Taxis in Korea: Fares, Apps and How to Get One

A regular taxi in Seoul costs ₩4,800 for the first 1.6 km by day, then ₩100 for every 131 m, and between 10 PM and 4 AM a late-night surcharge of 20–40% applies. You pay by the meter with cash, a credit card or a transit card, and most taxis don't expect a tip. If you don't speak Korean, call one with an app that works in English (k.ride, Uber or TABA), or book an International Taxi, whose drivers speak English, Chinese and Japanese.

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government — taxi fares, Korea Tourism Organization — Taxi and International Taxi; checked Oct 25, 2026.

The short version

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government (fares as of Feb 1, 2023), Korea Tourism Organization, International Taxi and TABA; checked Oct 25, 2026.

Which taxi is which

Source: Korea Tourism Organization — Taxi and International Taxi; checked Oct 25, 2026.

Seoul taxi fares

Regular street taxis use the meter, and the final fare is rounded to ₩10; tolls are added at the actual amount. Approved fixed-fare services, including International Taxi's airport zone fares, use a different fare plan, so check the fare plan when booking.

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government — taxi fares; checked Oct 25, 2026.

Regular sedans combine distance and time charges at low speed; the SUV, van and deluxe calculation uses different rules.

A 20% out-of-area surcharge can apply to Seoul taxis outside their licensed service area. Joint service areas are exceptions: Seoul's rules say Incheon and Gimpo airports, Gwangmyeong and Wirye New Town count as Seoul's service area (Bokjeong Station's transfer center excepted), so a Seoul taxi shouldn't add this surcharge just for crossing the city boundary to Incheon Airport. Check the meter and receipt for any surcharge.

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government — taxi service areas (Korean); checked Oct 25, 2026.

Outside Seoul, base fares differ by region, and the base distance and surcharges vary locally. For regular taxis by day, the Korea Tourism Organization lists ₩4,800 in Busan, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do and Gwangju; ₩4,500 in Daegu and Ulsan; ₩4,600 in Gangwon State; and ₩4,300 in Daejeon and Jeju.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization — Taxi (page updated Jan 22, 2026); checked Oct 25, 2026.

How to get a taxi

1. Hail one on the street, or go to a taxi stand. Stands are at busy places such as bus terminals and major subway stations. In Seoul, you can call +82-2-120 to ask where the nearest stand is.
2. Or call one with an app. You see a fare estimate before you ride, but there may be a small call fee on top of the fare.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization — Taxi and TABA; checked Oct 25, 2026.

International Taxi: English-speaking drivers

International Taxi is a taxi service designated by Seoul City, with drivers who speak English, Chinese and Japanese.

Source: International Taxi, Seoul Metropolitan Government and Korea Tourism Organization; checked Oct 25, 2026. For the train and bus from the airport, see Incheon Airport to Seoul.

Paying

• Regular street taxis normally use the meter; approved fixed-fare services use their booked fare plan. Tips are generally not expected.
• You can pay with cash, a credit card or a transit card such as T-money (see our T-money guide).
• Check the meter and receipt for late-night or out-of-area surcharges.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization — Taxi and Seoul Metropolitan Government; checked Oct 25, 2026. More on cards: paying in Korea.

Before you ride

1. Install a taxi app that works in English (k.ride, Uber or TABA) and add your card.
2. Save your hotel's address in Korean to show the driver.
3. Need an English-speaking driver from the airport? Book an International Taxi at least 24 hours ahead.
4. Riding after 10 PM? Expect a 20–40% late-night surcharge in Seoul.
5. Keep a little won or a transit card as a backup way to pay.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization, International Taxi and Seoul Metropolitan Government; checked Oct 25, 2026.

FAQ

How much is a taxi in Seoul?

A regular taxi costs ₩4,800 for the first 1.6 km by day, then ₩100 per 131 m, plus ₩100 per 30 seconds when moving below 15.72 km/h. Between 10 PM and 4 AM, a late-night surcharge of 20–40% applies.

Can I pay for a taxi in Korea with a credit card?

Yes. Taxis accept cash, credit cards and transit cards. Apps such as k.ride and TABA also take overseas cards registered in the app.

Do you tip taxi drivers in Korea?

Tips are generally not expected. The Korea Tourism Organization says most taxis charge by the meter and don't require tips.

How much is a taxi from Incheon Airport to Seoul?

An International Taxi charges a fixed zone fare from ₩70,000 to ₩95,000 by sedan, depending on the district. A regular taxi uses the meter, plus tolls.

Is there a taxi app in English in Korea?

Yes. k.ride (Kakao Mobility's app for visitors) works in English, Chinese and Japanese; Uber translates your messages to the driver; and TABA lets you search addresses in any language.