
Travelling around South Korea is convenient, affordable, and efficient, especially when using Kakao Taxi.
For visitors who don’t speak Korean, Kakao Taxi has become the go-to ride-hailing app, offering English support, licensed drivers, and wide availability across the country.
This guide explains how to use Kakao Taxi, where it works, how much it costs, and how it compares to Uber , with a focus on Kakao Taxi for foreigners.
What Is Kakao Taxi?

Kakao Taxi is a ride-hailing service operated by Kakao Mobility, part of the Kakao ecosystem (the same company behind KakaoTalk).
Unlike some global ride-hailing platforms, Kakao Taxi works mainly with official, licensed taxis, making it legal, regulated, and widely trusted in South Korea.
The app is available in English, making it very accessible for international visitors.
Can Foreigners Use Kakao Taxi?

Yes — foreigners can use Kakao Taxi easily.
Kakao Taxi for foreigners is designed with:
Feature | Details for Foreigners |
|---|---|
🌐 English-language interface | Kakao Taxi app is available in English, making it easy for non-Korean speakers |
📍 Easy destination input | Enter hotel names, landmarks, or popular attractions without language barriers |
💳 Credit card payment | International credit and debit cards are supported for cashless rides |
📱 Korean phone number | Not required in most cases, making sign-up simple for tourists |
How to Use Kakao Taxi (Step-by-Step)
Using Kakao Taxi is simple, even for first-time visitors.
Step 1: Download the Kakao Taxi app (Kakao T) on iOS or Android

Step 2: Set your pickup and destination

Step 3: Choose a taxi type

Step 4: Confirm your ride and track your driver in real time

Kakao Taxi App: Taxi Types Explained
The Kakao Taxi app offers multiple options depending on comfort and group size:
Taxi Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
🚕 Regular Kakao Taxi | Standard metered taxi; cheapest and most common option | Budget travellers, short city rides |
🚖 Kakao Blue | Higher service standards with cleaner vehicles and trained drivers | Comfortable everyday travel |
🚘 Kakao Vent | Larger vehicles with more space for luggage | Groups, families, airport transfers |
👑 Kakao Black | Premium black sedans with fixed pricing | Luxury travel, business trips |
Kakao Taxi Price: How Much Does It Cost?
Kakao Taxi prices are based on official taxi meters, similar to street taxis.

Typical Kakao Taxi price:
Trip Type | Kakao Taxi Price Overview |
|---|---|
🚕 Short city rides | Affordable and budget-friendly |
✈️ Airport to city | Cheaper than private transfers |
🌙 Late-night rides | Small surcharge may apply |
Kakao Taxi payment methods:
Category | Details |
|---|---|
💰 Fares | Based on taxi meters for most services; prices are similar to street taxis; late-night surcharges may apply |
💳 Payment methods | Credit & debit cards, KakaoPay, and in some cases cash (depending on the driver) |
Kakao Taxi in Seoul

Kakao Taxi Seoul coverage is excellent, with fast pickup times across:
Area | Notes |
|---|---|
📍 Myeongdong | Popular shopping and tourist area |
🎶 Hongdae | Lively nightlife and university district |
🏙️ Gangnam | Business, shopping, and entertainment hub |
🌍 Itaewon | International area with diverse dining |
🚆 Seoul Station | Major transport hub and airport rail links |
It’s especially useful late at night when trains stop running.
Kakao Taxi in Busan

Kakao Taxi Busan is widely used by locals and tourists alike. It’s ideal for:
Use Case | Why Kakao Taxi Works Well |
|---|---|
🚆 Busan Station transfers | Convenient door-to-door travel from the main train station |
🏖️ Haeundae & Gwangalli Beach | Easy access to popular beach areas and hotels |
🌙 Late-night travel | Reliable option when public transport is limited |
Pickup times are usually quick, even during busy periods.
Kakao Taxi in Jeju

Kakao Taxi Jeju is one of the most convenient ways to get around the island, especially for travellers who don’t rent a car.
Use Case | Why Kakao Taxi Is Useful |
|---|---|
✈️ Jeju Airport transfers | Convenient and direct transport from the airport |
🗺️ Attractions with limited bus access | Ideal for reaching sights not well served by public buses |
🚗 Short trips between towns | Easy and flexible travel across nearby areas |
Availability is good, though wait times can be longer in rural areas.
Kakao Taxi vs Uber: Which Is Better?
Feature | Kakao Taxi | Uber |
|---|---|---|
Availability | Nationwide | Limited |
English support | Yes | Yes |
Licensed taxis | Yes | Limited |
Popular with locals | Very high | Low |
Best for tourists | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Useful Tips for Using Kakao Taxi

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Is Kakao Taxi Worth Using?

Absolutely. Kakao Taxi for foreigners is one of the easiest and safest ways to travel in South Korea.
Whether you’re exploring Seoul, relaxing in Busan, or sightseeing in Jeju, the Kakao Taxi app offers comfort, transparency, and convenience.
Compared to taxis in many countries, Kakao Taxi is affordable. Short city rides are inexpensive, and even longer trips (such as airport transfers) are often cheaper than private transfers.
For most visitors, Kakao Taxi is better than Uber and more convenient than public transport, especially when carrying luggage or travelling late at night.
FAQ: Kakao Taxi
What is Kakao Taxi?
Kakao Taxi is South Korea’s leading ride-hailing service that connects passengers with licensed taxis via the Kakao Taxi app (Kakao T). It’s widely used in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and other major cities.Can foreigners use Kakao Taxi?
Yes. The app has an English interface, allows destination input via landmarks or hotel names, and supports credit card payments. A Korean phone number is usually not required.How do I use Kakao Taxi?
Download the Kakao T app, set your pickup and destination, choose a taxi type (Regular, Blue, Vent, Black), confirm the ride, and track the driver in real time.How much does Kakao Taxi cost?
Fares are based on taxi meters. Short city rides are budget-friendly, airport transfers are cheaper than private taxis, and late-night rides may have a small surcharge. Payment options include credit/debit cards, KakaoPay, and sometimes cash.Is Kakao Taxi better than Uber in South Korea?
Yes. Kakao Taxi has better coverage, faster pickups, and more options, while Uber is limited in availability and less popular with locals.Where can I use Kakao Taxi?
It works nationwide, including Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and other major cities. Ideal for airport transfers, sightseeing, and late-night travel.

