Are you searching for the best taxi app Korea has to offer currently? Stop waving your hand on the street! Hailing a cab in Seoul or Busan without an app is a nightmare. Instead, choose the app that fits your travel style from these top 3 options.
Quick Table of Contents
- Editor’s Pick: Kakao vs Uber
- 1. Uber (UT) – For Familiarity
- 2. k.ride – For Foreigners
- 3. Kakao T – The Local King
- FAQ: Taxis in Korea
Editor’s Pick: Which App Should You Use?
Before we dive into the details, here is my honest opinion as a local expert. The taxi market in South Korea is dominated by two tech giants: Kakao Mobility and Tmap.
While Uber (UT) is powered by Tmap, I personally recommend the Kakao-based apps (Kakao T and k.ride). Why? Simply because Kakao holds a massive market share (over 90%). When you are looking for the best taxi app Korea provides, “availability” is the most important factor. You want a car to arrive in 3 minutes, not 15.
1. Uber (Rebranded as “UT”)
Best for: Travelers who want a familiar experience without installing new apps.
If you already have Uber on your phone, it automatically transforms into “UT” in Korea. It uses Tmap’s map data, but the interface remains exactly the same as the Uber app you use at home.
- Pros: No setup required. Your saved credit cards work automatically.
- Cons: Fewer cars compared to Kakao. You might struggle to find a ride in rural areas or during rush hour.
⬇️ Download Uber (UT)
📱 Android Download
🍎 Apple iOS Download
2. k.ride (The Foreigner Friendly Choice)
Best for: Travelers who hate verification issues & want premium service.
k.ride is a global version of Kakao T, specifically designed for international visitors. It solves the biggest headache when looking for the best taxi app Korea offers: Mobile Phone Verification. You don’t need a Korean number to use this app.
- Pros: Easy login with Google/Apple accounts. High availability (uses Kakao network). Supports English, Chinese, and Japanese perfectly.
- Cons: Slightly higher booking fees because it prioritizes premium vehicles like “Kakao Blue” or “Venti”.
⬇️ Download k.ride
📱 Android Download
🍎 Apple iOS Download
3. Kakao T (The Absolute King)
Best for: Finding a taxi quickly anywhere in Korea (Seoul to Jeju).
This is the app that 99% of Korean drivers use. If you want speed and availability, this is the top contender for the best taxi app Korea market leader. However, the setup can be tricky for tourists.
💡 Critical Cheat Sheet: How to Pay
Most foreigners fail to register their card here due to system errors. Here is the workaround to use it without a registered card:
- Set your destination and select “General Request”.
- Swipe the payment method to “Pay to Driver” (This is crucial!).
- When you arrive, pay the driver with your physical credit card or cash (KRW).
⬇️ Download Kakao T
📱 Android Download
🍎 Apple iOS Download
FAQ: Taking Taxis in Korea
Do I need to tip taxi drivers in Korea?
No, there is no tipping culture in Korea. You just pay the exact amount shown on the meter. If you pay in cash and tell them to “keep the change,” they will appreciate it, but it is not required.
Why can’t I hail a taxi on the street?
You can, but it is becoming harder. Most drivers now wait for calls from the best taxi app Korea services (like Kakao T) rather than looking for passengers on the street. Using an app is much faster.
Do drivers speak English?
Rarely. Most older drivers do not speak English. That is why using an app like k.ride or Kakao T is essential—you input the destination in the app, so you don’t need to talk to the driver.
Hopefully, this guide helps you navigate Korea smoothly!
👉 Read More: Seoul Subway Guide: 3 Mistakes to Avoid & Best Apps