Taxis and Late-Night Travel
How to take a taxi in Seoul — hailing, fares, the late-night surcharge, and how to avoid common problems.
How to get a taxi
You can hail a taxi on the street, find one at a taxi stand, or call one through an app such as Kakao T, which has an English option. Regular taxis are silver, white, or orange; black taxis are deluxe and cost more. Most taxis in Seoul take cards, so you do not need cash.
What the fare looks like
The meter starts at a base fare and increases with distance and time. A short ride across a neighbourhood costs a few thousand won, while a ride across the city can cost 15,000 to 30,000 won. Traffic jams increase the fare because the meter also counts waiting time, so the subway is often faster at rush hour.
Late-night surcharge
Between midnight and 04:00, a late-night surcharge of 20 to 40 percent applies to taxi fares. This is normal and is shown on the meter. If you are out late, budget extra for the taxi home, or take a late-night bus, which is cheaper but less frequent.
Avoiding problems
Always check that the meter is running — a driver who refuses to use the meter is breaking the rules. Show your destination in Korean on your phone, because not all drivers speak English. Ask for a receipt if you need one for expenses. If you have a problem, note the taxi number and call the tourist hotline at 1330.
Ride-hailing apps
Kakao T is the main taxi app in Korea and has an English version. You can pay by card in the app, which avoids any language problems. Uber also works in Seoul but has fewer drivers, so Kakao T is usually the better choice.
Fair prices — the meter is the law
A regular Seoul taxi starts at ₩4,800 for the first 1.6 km in the daytime, with a 20–40% surcharge late at night. A driver who refuses the meter or demands a fixed price is breaking the rules — take the next taxi or book in an app. See the Fair Prices page for the fare estimator and what to do if you are overcharged.