In Korea, you can still hail a taxi directly from the street, but these days, many people use the Kakao T app to call a taxi in advance.
I personally found Kakao T very useful while I was preparing for my wedding. There were days when I had very little time to move from one appointment to the next, so I would call a taxi through the app shortly before my appointment ended. It made getting around much easier without having to wait outside for a taxi.
One of the biggest advantages of Kakao T is that you can enter your destination before calling a taxi. You can also check the estimated fare and arrival time in advance, and if you set up mobile payment, you can pay directly through the app.
Because the destination is already entered before you get into the taxi, it can also be very convenient for travelers who are not comfortable speaking Korean.
Step 1. Set Up the Kakao T App
After installing the Kakao T app, you will need to log in. If you live in Korea and already have a Kakao account, the process is fairly simple.
You should also allow the app to access your location. This is important because Kakao T uses your current location to show nearby taxis and set your pick-up point.
However, if you are only visiting Korea for a short trip, you probably do not have a Kakao account.
In that case, you can use the k.ride app instead.
With k.ride, you can sign in using accounts such as Google or Apple without having a Kakao account. It also supports mobile payments and multiple languages, which can make it easier for international travelers.
In this guide, I will mainly explain how to use Kakao T.
However, the basic process of using k.ride is quite similar, so if you understand how Kakao T works, you should not have much difficulty using k.ride either.
Step 2. How to Call a Taxi
The first thing to do is enter your destination.
After choosing your destination, you can set your pick-up location. Check your current location carefully and make sure the pick-up point is on the correct side of the road.
When entering your destination, it is also a good idea to double-check the address. Some hotels, restaurants, or buildings may have similar names, so make sure you have selected the correct location before calling the taxi.
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of taxi you choose.
Kakao T offers several options, such as regular taxis, Blue, Venti, and Black, depending on your location and availability.
The main differences are usually the type of vehicle and the level of service. Some options may also include additional service or call fees, so check the price before confirming your ride.
Step 3. Paying After You Arrive
There are generally two ways to pay:
- Pay through the app
- Pay directly with a card
If you want to pay through the app, it is convenient to register your card in advance.
However, registering a payment method can sometimes be inconvenient for short-term travelers.
If you prefer not to register a card in the app, paying the driver directly with an accepted card after arriving at your destination may be an easier option.
Local Tips
- If you are traveling with several people, it may sometimes be more convenient and cost-effective to use a larger taxi rather than splitting into multiple regular taxis.
- When calling a taxi, try choosing a location where the driver can easily stop, such as in front of a large building or along a main road. This is especially helpful if you have luggage.
- In Korea, subways and buses are usually cheaper and, depending on traffic, can sometimes be faster than taxis. I have also written a separate guide on how to use buses in Seoul, which may be helpful if you plan to use public transportation.
- During morning and evening rush hours, taxi rides can take much longer because of traffic, so it is a good idea to check traffic conditions before deciding how to travel.
- If you have difficulty getting in and out of a regular taxi, consider checking larger vehicle options, which may provide more space and make the ride more comfortable.
This is not a sponsored post. I wrote this guide based on my own experience to help international visitors and travelers use taxis more easily in Korea.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email and I will be happy to help.