Planning to explore Seoul, Busan, or Jeju by taxi? Whether you're a first-time traveler or a returning visitor, knowing how to talk to a taxi driver in Korean makes your trip more convenient and stress-free.
Korean taxi drivers are generally friendly and professional, but English isn’t always spoken. That’s why learning a few Korean taxi phrases can save you time and avoid misunderstandings.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most essential expressions you’ll need to take a taxi in Korea. You'll also learn how to give directions, answer driver questions, and use mobile apps or card payment effectively. Ready to ride like a local? Let’s get started!
🚕 Why Taking a Taxi in Korea Is Different
Taking a taxi in Korea is a convenient and relatively affordable way to travel, especially when you're carrying luggage or traveling late at night. However, the experience can feel different from what you may be used to in Western countries. Most Korean taxi drivers speak little to no English, and you may need to show your destination in Korean or use an app to assist communication. Despite that, taxis are safe, clean, and widely available even in smaller cities.
Unlike in some countries where taxis can be hailed from anywhere, in Korea you might need to use designated taxi stands, especially near train stations or airports. It's also common to use taxi apps like Kakao T to call a cab. These apps offer English interfaces, estimated fares, and even automatic payment options.
Most taxis in Korea are metered, and overcharging is rare. However, it helps to know some cultural expectations—like not sitting in the front seat unless necessary, or avoiding loud phone calls during the ride. Also, some taxis are labeled as "Deluxe" (모범택시), which cost more but offer a higher standard of service.
Finally, many drivers prefer written addresses in Korean, so saving your destination in Hangul can be incredibly helpful. A translation app or screenshot of your hotel name in Korean can be a lifesaver if verbal communication fails.
🚖 Korean Taxi Types Comparison Table
| Type | Korean Name | Fare Level | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Taxi | 일반택시 | 💰 Affordable | Most common, metered |
| Deluxe Taxi | 모범택시 | 💸 Expensive | Spacious, better service |
| Call Taxi (via App) | 콜택시 | 📱 App-based | Use Kakao T or similar |
🗣️ Basic Taxi Phrases in Korean
Knowing a few essential taxi phrases in Korean will make your ride smoother and help avoid confusion. Even if the driver doesn't speak English, showing effort in Korean often results in better service. You don’t need to be fluent—just polite and clear. Start with greetings, location requests, and simple confirmations. If you're unsure about pronunciation, it's okay to show the text on your phone.
Most drivers understand numbers, landmarks, and basic travel terms. Learning to say “Please go to [place]” or “Turn right here” can be extremely useful. And remember to use polite forms like “주세요” (please) and “감사합니다” (thank you). Drivers will appreciate it!
Below is a table of basic Korean phrases you can use in almost every taxi situation. Practice saying them aloud, or have them saved on your phone for easy access during your trip.
📖 Essential Korean Taxi Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | an-nyeong-ha-se-yo | Hello |
| [장소]에 가 주세요 | [jang-so]-eh ga ju-se-yo | Please go to [place] |
| 여기 세워 주세요 | yeo-gi se-wo ju-se-yo | Please stop here |
| 감사합니다 | gam-sa-ham-ni-da | Thank you |
🧭 How to Tell the Driver Your Destination
One of the most important parts of taking a taxi in Korea is clearly telling the driver where you want to go. Since many drivers don't speak English, saying or showing the destination in Korean is essential. Always have the address written in Hangul or a screenshot of the location in a map app. Korean addresses are often long and specific, so showing is easier than saying it out loud for beginners.
If you do want to try saying it, use this structure: “[Place]에 가 주세요” — which means “Please go to [place].” You can also say “호텔로 가 주세요” (Please go to the hotel) or “공항까지 가 주세요” (Please go to the airport). If the place has a well-known landmark name, just saying that is usually enough.
When you want to specify a building or gate, you can add more detail: “이 건물 앞에 세워 주세요” (Please stop in front of this building). Knowing directional words like 앞 (in front), 뒤 (behind), 오른쪽 (right), and 왼쪽 (left) can help if you’re navigating in real time.
Don’t worry if you can’t pronounce things perfectly. The effort matters. And in my experience, drivers are much more patient and helpful when you try even a few words of Korean.
📍 Destination-Related Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 서울역에 가 주세요 | seo-ul-yeok-eh ga ju-se-yo | Please go to Seoul Station |
| 이 건물 앞에 세워 주세요 | i geon-mul a-pe se-wo ju-se-yo | Please stop in front of this building |
| 공항까지 가 주세요 | gong-hang-kka-ji ga ju-se-yo | Please go to the airport |
🧑✈️ Common Questions from Taxi Drivers
Even if you’ve clearly given your destination, some taxi drivers may ask follow-up questions. These could include confirming your route, asking if you want to use the highway, or if you'd like to pay with card or cash. While this might be intimidating, most of the questions are routine and can be answered with a simple “네” (yes) or “아니요” (no).
For example, a common question is “고속도로 탈까요?” (Shall I take the expressway?). You can respond “네, 빨리 가 주세요” (Yes, please go quickly) or “아니요, 일반길로 가 주세요” (No, take the normal road). If you hear “카드요?” the driver is asking if you're paying by card.
It’s useful to know these patterns so you don’t panic when a driver suddenly asks something in Korean. Just recognizing a few keywords helps you understand the intent, even if you can’t reply perfectly. A smile and polite tone always help.
❓ Typical Driver Questions & Responses
| Driver’s Question | Meaning | How to Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 고속도로 탈까요? | Shall I take the expressway? | 네 / 아니요 |
| 카드요? | Are you paying by card? | 네, 카드요 / 현금이요 |
| 어느 쪽으로 갈까요? | Which way should I take? | 빠른 길로 가 주세요 |
📱 Useful Apps and Payment Phrases
In Korea, using mobile apps for taxis is extremely common. The most popular app is Kakao T, which allows you to call a taxi, see the fare estimate, track the vehicle, and even pay through the app. It’s available in English, so tourists can easily navigate it without needing much Korean.
Most Korean taxis accept both credit cards and mobile payments. You can use local apps like KakaoPay or global cards like Visa and Mastercard. Some older taxis may still be cash-only, so it’s a good idea to carry some Korean won just in case.
At the end of your ride, the driver might ask "카드요?" (Are you paying by card?) or “현금이요?” (Cash?). If you plan to use a mobile app to pay, just say “카카오페이로 할게요” (I’ll use KakaoPay). Simple phrases like “카드로 할게요” (I’ll pay by card) are great to remember.
Below is a handy table of app-related and payment-related phrases you can use with taxi drivers or in-app settings. These will help you communicate your payment method clearly and confidently.
💳 Taxi App & Payment Phrases
| Korean Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 카드로 할게요 | ka-deu-ro hal-ge-yo | I’ll pay by card |
| 현금으로 할게요 | hyeon-geum-eu-ro hal-ge-yo | I’ll pay in cash |
| 카카오택시 불러 주세요 | ka-ka-o taek-si bul-leo ju-se-yo | Please call a Kakao Taxi |
✅ Tips for a Smooth Taxi Ride in Korea
Even with all the right phrases, your taxi experience will be smoother if you follow some local tips. First, avoid peak hours if possible, especially around 6–8 PM in major cities. Taxis can be hard to catch during that time unless you use an app to book one in advance.
Second, always be polite and respectful. Say hello when you get in (“안녕하세요”), and thank the driver when you leave (“감사합니다”). Small gestures go a long way in Korean culture. If the driver seems unsure of your destination, try showing a map or a screenshot.
If you’re traveling alone at night, consider using a deluxe taxi (모범택시) or booking through an app with a record of the trip. It’s safer and more reliable. Also, avoid illegal taxis. Only get into cars with clear markings and meters. Most licensed taxis have a red or green light on top.
Finally, prepare small cash bills if you’re not paying by card. Drivers may not always have change for large bills. Being prepared ensures your ride ends on a good note. Here’s a checklist of useful things to keep in mind.
📋 Taxi Ride Tips Checklist
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Say hello and thank you | Shows politeness and builds rapport |
| Use apps to avoid language issues | Helps with communication and directions |
| Avoid large bills | Drivers may not have change |
❓ FAQ – 20 Common Questions about Taxis in Korea
Q1. Can I use English when taking a taxi in Korea?
A1. In most cases, no. Most taxi drivers speak little or no English, especially outside of Seoul. It’s best to show your destination written in Korean.
Q2. Do Korean taxis accept credit cards?
A2. Yes, most taxis in Korea accept credit and debit cards. You can say “카드로 할게요” to pay with a card.
Q3. How do I say "Please go to [place]" in Korean?
A3. Say “[Place]에 가 주세요” — for example, “명동에 가 주세요” means “Please go to Myeong-dong.”
Q4. What if I don’t know how to pronounce the address?
A4. Show the driver the address in Korean on your phone or a business card. This is very common and helps a lot.
Q5. Are taxis safe in Korea for tourists?
A5. Yes! Korean taxis are generally very safe, clean, and professionally operated. Just avoid unlicensed taxis.
Q6. What is the basic taxi fare in Seoul?
A6. As of 2025, the base fare in Seoul starts at around 4,800 KRW for the first 1.6 km, then increases per distance/time.
Q7. Should I tip the taxi driver?
A7. No tipping is required or expected in Korea. Just say “감사합니다” when you leave.
Q8. What’s the best taxi app in Korea?
A8. Kakao T is the most popular and foreigner-friendly taxi app. It has an English interface and reliable service.
Q9. Can I book a taxi in advance?
A9. Yes, using apps like Kakao T, you can reserve taxis in advance for a specific time and location.
Q10. What if a driver refuses to take me?
A10. It’s rare but can happen during peak times or for short distances. Try another taxi or use an app.
Q11. Do taxis operate 24/7 in Korea?
A11. Yes, most taxis run 24 hours a day, especially in cities. However, late-night hours can be harder to hail one on the street.
Q12. What is a 모범택시 (Deluxe Taxi)?
A12. It’s a higher-end taxi with better service, more space, and sometimes English-speaking drivers. Fares are higher.
Q13. How do I tell the driver “I’m in a hurry”?
A13. Say “빨리 가 주세요” (ppal-li ga ju-se-yo), which means “Please go quickly.”
Q14. What do the lights on top of taxis mean?
A14. Green light means available, red light means occupied. Some also show destination signs.
Q15. How can I cancel a Kakao T taxi?
A15. Open the Kakao T app and select “Cancel” before the driver arrives. Repeated cancellations may block future bookings.
Q16. Can I pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay?
A16. Not widely yet. Most taxis accept cards and Korean mobile payment apps like KakaoPay or NaverPay.
Q17. What if I leave something in the taxi?
A17. If you used Kakao T, report it through the app. Otherwise, call 120 Dasan Call Center for help (they speak English).
Q18. Is it okay to sit in the front seat?
A18. It’s not common in Korea unless the back seats are full. Most people sit in the back.
Q19. Do taxis have seatbelts in the back?
A19. Yes, by law. You should wear your seatbelt, though drivers may not remind you.
Q20. What’s the best way to say thank you at the end?
A20. Just say “감사합니다!” (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) with a smile. It’s always appreciated. 😊
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for educational and travel planning purposes only. Information may vary by region or service updates. Always check local apps and authorities for the latest travel and fare information.
