Taxis in Seoul
Moving around Seoul by taxi is easy and fast, and it is the most comfortable transfer option to get from point A to B. If you want to explore without the risk of getting lost, or simply prefer the comfort of private transportation, taking a Seoul taxi is the best option.
More than 70,000 taxis can be found on the streets of Seoul, so you should have no trouble flagging one down or picking one up at a nearby taxi rank. Alternatively, you can pre-book a ride with Welcome, use a Seoul taxi app, or phone a company directly to book your ride.
There are several different types of taxis, the most common of which are regular sedan taxis which are usually orange, white, or silver. For a more luxurious service, you can opt for a deluxe taxi, otherwise, you can choose an international taxi which is tailored towards foreigners. Standard taxis can seat four passengers, whereas larger vehicles and minivans can accommodate up to eight passengers. Your Seoul taxi fare will depend on which service you use, however, they are typically lower compared to European standards making taxi transfers in Seoul accessible to all.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEOUL CITY CENTER TO ICN | 32 € | 39 € | 60 MIN |
| SEOUL TO GMP | 14.60 € | 18 € | 45 MIN |
| SEOUL CITY CENTER TO BUKCHON HANOK | 3.7 € | 4.4 € | 24 MIN |
| SEOUL CITY CENTER TO GANGHWA ISLAND | 41.50 € | 47 € | 2 HRS |
| SEOUL CITY CENTER TO WOLMI THEME PARK | 25.30 € | 29 € | 1 HR 30 MIN |
Seoul Taxi Prices
Taxi fares in Seoul are regulated by the local government and your ride will be calculated by a taximeter based on the time and distance traveled. That being said, your Seoul taxi cost will largely depend on which type of service you use, the time of day, and whether or not you’re traveling beyond the city center.
Let’s break down the Seoul taxi price for each type of service:
Standard Taxi
Base Fare incl. first 1.6km – €3.20 (KRW 4,800)
Additional price/km – €0.50 (KRW 763)
Waiting time per minute – €0.13 (KRW 200)
Deluxe Taxi
Base Fare incl. first 3km – €4.65 (KRW 7,000)
Additional price/km – €0.88 (KRW 1,325)
Waiting time per minute – €0.22 (KRW 333)
International Taxi
This type of taxi needs to be booked in advance and is a popular choice when arriving at Incheon or Gimpo Airport. The rate will also determined by a taximeter using the fare structure of a standard taxi, with an additional 20% surcharge.
Additional Charges
Rates increase by 20-40% between 22:00 and 04:00 for all trips within Seoul city center and beyond. For instance, the base fare for a regular taxi between 22:00-23:00 and 2:00-04:00 is €3.85 (KRW 5,800) and between 23:00 and 02:00 it increases to €4.45 (KRW 6,700). If you use any toll roads, these will also be added to your final fare price, for example, the Incheon International Airport Expressway has a toll charge of €5.30 (KRW 7,900).
Nevertheless, you can expect to pay around €7.30 (KRW 11,000) for any trip within the city center in a standard taxi during the day.
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How to get a Taxi in Seoul
While flagging a cab down from the street used to be the norm in Seoul, it’s becoming less common in favor of apps. Nevertheless, if you see a taxi with a red LED light lit up on the dashboard with the words 빈차 (bin-cha), this means that the driver is free; simply hold out your hand and wait for the driver to pull over to the side of the road.
Otherwise, you can take a Seoul taxi service from a nearby taxi stand which are located all over the city. If you’re unable to find one on a map, you can look for “TAXI” signposts or call +82 2 120 for directions. In general, official stands can be found outside hotels, bus and subway stations, as well as major tourist spots.
Remember that there are a few different types of taxis that charge different prices. Standard taxis can be recognized by a “TAXI” roof sign, and yellow number plates, and they are generally orange, however, they may also be white or silver.
Deluxe taxis are black luxury cars known locally as “moim” where drivers provide a more elevated experience. The other most common taxi service is the International taxi. These are orange and the language(s) the driver speaks should be listed on the side of the cab.
How to get a taxi from Incheon Airport
Each taxi type is assigned a different stand at Incheon Airport. For instance, at Terminal 1, the taxi stand for regular taxis is located in front of pylons 5C, 6C, and 6D, closest to Arrivals Halls A, B, and C. Larger taxis are found at 8C.
At Terminal 2, regular taxis to Seoul depart from 7C, in front of exits 6 and 7, whereas larger taxis depart from 7D.
How to get a taxi from Gimpo Airport (GMP)
Standards, deluxe, and international taxis can be found outside the International Terminal at Gimpo Airport in front of Gates 2 and 3. At the Domestic Terminal, you will find the designated stands in front of Gates 6 and 8.
How to get a taxi from Seoul Station
There is a taxi stand outside both of the main entrances at Seoul Station, along each of the main roads. Note that the stand may not be indicated in English so look for a line of orange vehicles or a bus-shelter-type waiting area.
How to get a taxi from City Hall Station
As you exit the station, cross the road to the open green space called Seoul Plaza. To the right, along Sogong-ro, there is a designated taxi stand.
How to get a taxi from Seoul Express Bus Terminal
The Express Bus Terminal is situated in a major shopping district so taxis are generally always circling the area. Nevertheless, there are taxi stands located on either side of the terminal, each with a shelter and some seating.
How to get a taxi from Gyeongbokgung Palace
Although it may be possible to flag down a taxi in front of Gwanghwamun Gate – just a short walk from the palace – this is a major road and it may not be safe for a taxi to pull over. Instead, walk a few minutes further to Gwanghwamun Square where there is an official taxi stand.
How to get a taxi from Gwangjang Market
The safest place to grab a taxi away from traffic when leaving the market is at Jongno 5-ga Station. The station is just a 2-minute walk away and taxis can typically be found here at all hours of the day.
Most popular taxi apps in Seoul
A convenient alternative to finding a taxi on the street is to use a Seoul taxi app. Whether you’re headed somewhere late at night, traveling in a larger group, or trying to avoid lousy weather, knowing a driver will come straight to you can be a huge relief.
The most widely used ride-hailing app in Seoul and South Korea is Kakao T, which allows you to book regular and larger vehicles. Due to issues around foreigners not being able to properly access and use the app, the company released a foreigner-exclusive version of Kakao T called k.ride which enables non-residents to log in via social media channels and make credit card payments.
Otherwise, you can also use Uber, although it may go by the name of the UT. In any case, it functions the same as anywhere else.
Since there may be limitations around pickup and drop-off points at the airport for ride-hailing services, we recommend pre-booking your Seoul Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups. That way, you can relax knowing a vehicle that suits your needs will be available when you need it and that you’ll be transported in a timely manner.
Useful taxi numbers in Seoul
If you don’t have access to the internet or you experience issues downloading one of the apps, you can phone a Seoul taxi number to request a driver come and pick you up while you wait in comfort. Just give the dispatcher your location and wait a few minutes for a driver to arrive. Some handy numbers to keep hold of during your visit are:
- Call Taxi Service: +82 1333
- International Taxis: +82 2 1644 2255
Book your Seoul Taxi in advance with Welcome
Knowing your expenses upfront during your vacation is essential for peace of mind and to eliminate any travel-related stress. In Seoul, several factors such as traffic conditions, the time of day, and booking fees or surcharges can unexpectedly increase your final fare.
If you want to receive a personalized ride at a competitive set-rate fare rate with a trained, English-speaking driver, we recommend booking your ride in advance with Welcome Pickups.
Seoul Taxi Tips
- All taxis in Seoul accept credit, debit, and cash payments, as well as Tmoney cards.
- Food, drink, and smoking are prohibited during your taxi transfer.
- Bear in mind that an additional fee may apply when you call for a taxi, as opposed to hailing one off the street.
- Not all Seoul taxi drivers speak English. It's best to write down your destination or use Google Maps and show it to your driver to avoid any misunderstandings.
- International taxi services must be pre-booked.
- Electric taxis are white and blue and charge the same rates as a standard taxi.
- A maximum surcharge of 60% can be charged for nighttime rides.
- Larger taxis are usually charged at the same rate as deluxe taxis.
- If the LED light inside the vehicle is green, this means that the taxi is occupied.
- Wheelchair-accessible vans aren’t able to pick up passengers from Incheon Airport, they are only able to drop off.
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis in Seoul
Seoul is one of the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the world. Almost all taxis have space to fit a foldable wheelchair or electric scooter and each driver is trained to assist passengers in and out of the car.
Moreover, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has established a small fleet of Seoul Wheelchair Taxis. These are yellow vans with access ramps and secure tie-downs that can accommodate one wheelchair user and five additional passengers. To make a booking, you can call +82 2 1588 4388.
Alternatively, you can contact a specialist company such as Danurim to help you make the necessary arrangements in advance.
Seoul Taxi Safety and Complaints
Taxis in Seoul are reliable and safe, however, the quality of the service may vary depending on the company and the driver you come across. If you feel unsafe, or uncomfortable or you realize you have been overcharged for your trip, you should hold onto your taxi receipt as this should contain all the information required to make a complaint to the associated company. Alternatively, you may wish to reach out to the Seoul Tourism Complaint Center on +82 2 1800 9008.