Transportation of Korea

4) Taxi

Taxis are a popular form of public transportation in Korea. There are many taxi stands in most busy city areas and taxis may also be hailed on the streets.

Certain taxis can be requested by phone, though the fare for these special call taxis((02)414-0150/5)is somewhat higher.

An increasing number of taxi drivers speak some English.

Available taxis are identified by a red light just inside the passenger-side windshield.

Medium-Sized Taxis

The fare is calculated from both the distance traveled and the time taken.

Fares are 1,300 for the first 2 km and 100 for each additional 279 m.

If the taxi is going less than 15 km per hour due to traffic congestion, an additional charge of 100 every 60 seconds is added to the basic fare.

The fare between Kimpo Airport and downtown Seoul is usually around 10,000.

It costs approximately 20,000 to travel between Kimpo Airport and Chamshil, although it could be higher if there is a lot of traffic.

Fares increase 20% between midnight and 4 a.m.

Deluxe Taxis

Deluxe taxis, called mobom taxis in Korean, are black with a yellow sign on the top and the words "Deluxe Taxi" written on the side. They offer a higher standard of service. Fares are 3,000 for the first 3 km and 200 for each additional 250 m or 60 seconds if the speed drops below 15 km per hour.

The usual fares between Kimpo and downtown, and Kimpo and Chamshil are about 23,000 and 35,000 respectively, but could be more or less depending on the traffic.

Car phones are available and receipts are given. There is no late-night surcharge. Deluxe taxi stands are located at hotels, bus and subway stations, bus terminals and on major city streets.

Transportation Complaint Center (02)585-2101/2, 735-0101

Goodwill Guide Taxi

English Sticker

Do you have any problems communicating with taxi drivers?
Please contact Goodwill Guide Taxi.
There are two kinds of Goodwill Guide Taxis, English and Japanese. The drivers can speak either Japanese or English.
You may call a taxi of your language by telephone (3431-5100), or you can recognize the English or Japanese Goodwill Guide Taxi sticker on the rear window of the taxi.
The Goodwill Guide Taxi also provides a concise tour guide of Seoul and its vicinity.
You may find some tourist information brochures and guide books in the taxi. Of course, the fare is same as a normal deluxe taxi.

Japanese Sticker


5) Car Rental

Rental cars are available for those visitors who choose to drive in Korea. Drivers must meet the following requirements to rent a car:

  • Have more than 1 year's driving experience
  • Have an international driver's license
  • Be over 21 years of age
  • Possess a valid passport

    Driving safely in Korea takes some practice. Cars are dirven on the right side of the road and most road signs are written in Korean and English. Due to the high traffic density and complex road systems, it is probably advisable to hire a driver along with the car, especially in large cities. Visitors who wish to hire a chauffeur-driven car must be prepared to pay the driver's meals and hotel expenses as well. For further details, call the Korea Car Rental Union. ((02) 533-2503)

    <Major Car Rental Companies>

    City Name Telephone
    Seoul Donghwa
    Han Gang
    Jangwon
    Jaeil
    Korea
    Korea Express
    Kumho (Hertz)
    Meister
    New World
    88 (P'al-P'al)
    Saehan
    Sambo
    Samjee
    Samsong
    Seoul
    VIP    		 (02) 375-3694/5
    (02) 247-0022
    (02) 951-5001
    (02) 525-5011
    (02) 585-0801/5
    (02) 719-7295
    (02) 792-6982/4
    (02) 5260-600
    (02) 512-8595
    (02) 3661-8881
    (02) 896-0031
    (02) 797-5711/5
    (02) 413-8880
    (02) 662-7100
    (02) 474-0011
    (02) 838-0015
    Pusan Hankuk
    Pusan
    Youngnam    		 (051) 205-3240
    (051) 469-1100
    (051) 293-5400
    Taegu Young-il (053) 952-1001
    Inch'on Kyong-In
    New Inch'on
    P'aldo    		 (032) 525-4444
    (032) 882-0106
    (032) 864-8688
    Kwangju Line (062) 676-6362
    Taejon Ch'ungnam
    Expo
    Kana    		 (042) 523-4415
    (042) 636-6231/2
    (042) 527-2277
    Cheju Asia
    Dong-a
    Green
    Halla
    Hansong
    Cheju
    Pomhan
    Sukkwang
    Songsan
    Woori    		 (064) 748-2290/2
    (064) 743-1515
    (064) 743-2000
    (064) 755-5000
    (064) 747-2100
    (064) 742-3301/5
    (064) 748-4001
    (064) 748-2800
    (064) 746-3230
    (064)752-9600
    Korea Car Rental Union Tel (02)533-2503


    <Car Rental Rates> 

                                                          (Unit : Won)
    Group Vehicle Type 10 hours 24 hours 1 week
    A Tico 32,000 44,400 248,640
    B Pride 36,600 50,900 285,040
    C Excel, Accent 1.3 39,700 55,100 308,560
    D Accent 1.5, Elantra 1.5 41,700 57,900 324,240
    D1 Avante 1.5 44,600 62,000 347,200
    E Prince 1.8, Credos 1.8,
    Sonata 1.8    		 49,600 68,900 385,840
    F Prince 2.0, Credos 2.0,
    Sonata 2.0    		 54,300 75,400 422,240
    G Credos LSDI, Prince 2.0 DOHC,
    Galloper, Sonata Gold, Sportage    		 58,200 80,800 452,480
    H Grandeur 2.0,
    New Brougham 2.0DOHC    		 92,200 116,700 653,520
    I Grandeur 2.0 EXE,
    Grandeur 2.4,
    New Brougham 2.2 DOHC    		 102,700 130,000 728,000
    J Grandeur 3.0 Social 114,800 145,300 813,680
    K Grace 12 Passenger Super Van
    Besta 12 Passenger LST Van    		 70,900 89,700 502,320
    M Chorus 15 passenger Van
    Combi 15 Passenger Van    		 105,200 133,200 745,920
    * Fares may vary slightly from company to company.