KAKAO T – Taxi in Seoul Guide for Tourists
‘One of the biggest concerns for first-time visitors to Korea is using taxis. Language barriers, navigation difficulties, and fare calculations can all seem quite daunting. But don’t worry! Everything becomes much easier with ‘Kakao T’.
Korea’s leading mobility platform. Just like using Uber worldwide, you can use Korean taxis easily and conveniently through this app.
Today, I’ll guide you through the detailed process of using taxis in Korea with Kakao T to ensure your perfect Korean journey. Follow this guide, and you’ll soon become a master at using Korean taxis!
Intro
Introduction to KakaoT
- What is Kakao T
- Why You Should Use
1. What is Kakao T?
‘Kakao T’ (formerly Kakao Taxi), Korea’s most widely used taxi-hailing service, is an essential app that will make your Korean travels much more convenient. If Uber is globally famous, Kakao T can be considered Korea’s representative mobility platform.
2. Why You Should Use Kakao T in Korea
Let’s look at three reasons why using the Kakao T app is beneficial when traveling in Korea.
1) Reasonable Fares
-No need to negotiate fares as meter rates are strictly applied.
-You can check estimated fares before calling a taxi.
-Real-time route tracking prevents unnecessary detours.
2) User-Friendly
-Supports three languages: English, Japanese, and Korean.
-No need to verbally communicate your destination (input through app).
-Once a taxi is dispatched, you can track its real-time route to your pickup location.
3) Safe Operation
-Driver information can be checked in advance once a taxi is assigned.
-Real-time route tracking shows your exact location.
-Trip records are maintained, making it easy to track lost items.
Setup
Getting Ready to Use KakaoT
- Creating a Kakao Account
- Installing Kakao T App
- Payment Method Registration
Now, let’s look at what you need to prepare to use Kakao T.
First, you need to install both KakaoTalk and Kakao T apps. Don’t worry! You can create an account without a Korean phone number. Any phone number that can receive SMS is sufficient.
💡 Tip
If you plan to use only WiFi without a SIM card that can receive text messages during your Korea trip, make sure to complete your Kakao T setup before departure following these instructions!
1. Creating a Kakao Account
To use Kakao Taxi, you first need a Kakao account. Let’s look at the step-by-step process of creating a Kakao account.
‘Kakao T’ (formerly Kakao Taxi), Korea’s most widely used taxi-hailing service, is an essential app that will make your Korean travels much more convenient. If Uber is globally famous, Kakao T can be considered Korea’s representative mobility platform.
STEP 1. Installing KakaoTalk
To download KakaoTalk, simply search for ‘KakaoTalk’ in your phone’s App Store (for iPhone users) or Play Store (for Android users). You can download and install it for free with just a few taps.
STEP 2. Registering an Account
First, open the KakaoTalk app you just downloaded and tap the ‘Sign Up’ button. Next, you’ll need to enter your email address. Finally, fill in your personal information and review and accept the terms of service.
2. Installing Kakao T App
Now that you’ve created your Kakao account, it’s time to install the Kakao T app.
STEP 1. App Download
First, go to the App Store (for iPhone users) or Play Store (for Android users) and search for ‘Kakao T’. Then download and install the app for free.
STEP 2. Login
Once you have installed the app, open Kakao T and sign in with your Kakao account that you created earlier.
Next, you’ll need to verify your account – select your country code from the list and enter your phone number to receive a verification code.
STEP 3. Language Settings
The Kakao T app automatically displays in English or Japanese if your phone’s system language is set to either of these languages. You can also easily change the language whenever needed.
Then look at the bottom menu of your screen, where you’ll find several icons – tap the profile icon, which is labeled ‘My info’.
As you scroll down through the menu options, you’ll find ‘Language Conditions’ marked with a globe icon.
You can customize the app’s language to your preference – simply select from three available options: English, Japanese, or Korean.
3. Payment Method Registration
Adding a payment method to your account will make your Kakao T experience much smoother and more convenient, allowing you to pay for rides effortlessly.
💡 Tip
Even without registering a payment method, you can still pay directly using:
-Cash
-Credit cards (international cards accepted)
-T-money card
However, your taxi call type will be limited to GENERAL REQUEST only.
Guide to Kakao T Taxi Types
Blue Partners
Call Blue Partners if you need to move quickly.
A comfortable vehicle driven by a courteous driver who has completed professional training will come to you!
Blue Partners use an automatic dispatch system which does not show a destination to drivers before matching.
Information
Service fee is included in the fare. The service fee is applied flexibly within a pre-set amount depending on the call volume. Service fee: 0-5,000 KRW (Specially for Daegu & Gyeongsangbuk-do: 0-1,000 KRW)
A cancellation fee will be charged if you cancel more than 1 minute after a taxi is matched.
If you do not board the taxi within 3 minutes after the driver’s arrival, your ride may be canceled and a cancellation fee will be charged.Cancellation fee: 2,000KRW
(Specially for Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do: 500 KRW)
Kakao Mobility is a brokerage service provider, and transportation services for Blue Partners brand taxis are provided by its partners.
Details regarding the partners can be found the Terms of Service.
When you call Blue Partners, an occupied taxi may be matched. If you are, you will not be charged a cancellation fee until your assigned taxi’s previous ride is completed.
If you prefer a more roomy and comfortable ride, call a Venti taxi.
A friendly driver will welcome you with a larger vehicle that can accommodate multiple passengers or a single passenger who just wants more room!
Kakao T’s automatic assignment system, which does not show the driver your destination, is applied to Venti taxis.
Information
Maximum Occupancy : 5
The base rate is 4,000 KRW, and the driving fee is incurred by the time and distance of a trip.
The discount rate or peak rate may apply, depending on the real-time request volume.
When the discount rate applies
Apply a discount to the driving fee (exclusive of the base rate of 4,000 KRW)
When the peak rate applies
Apply a peak premium to the total fare (inclusive of the base rate of 4,000 KRW)
A cancellation fee of 4,000 KRW may apply if you cancel a ride 1 minute after vehicle dispatch.
Your dispatch may be cancelled if you do not show up for your ride until 3 minutes after your driver arrives and cancellation(4,000KRW) fees will be charged.
Passengers may be restricted from Venti taxis if their packages can cause accidents or damage to the vehicle.
Prohibited items: Large furniture or electronics, objects that can be destroyed or may damage the vehicle during the ride. (Venti cannot be used as a moving truck).
Large items allowed on Venti: Venti passengers’ luggage, golf clubs and golf bags.
Call Black, Kakao’s premium mobility service on your special day.
A friendly driver will greet you in a luxury vehicle that is not marked as a taxi.
Kakao T’s automatic assignment system, which does not show the driver your destination, is applied to Black taxis.
Information
-The base rate is 6,000 KRW, and the driving fee is incurred by the time and distance of a trip.
-The discount rate or peak rate may apply, depending on the real-time request volume.
When the discount rate applies
Apply a discount to the driving fee (exclusive of the base rate of 6,000 KRW)
When the peak rate applies
-A cancellation fee of 5,000 KRW may apply if you cancel a ride 1 minute after vehicle dispatch.
-Your dispatch may be cancelled if you do not show up for your ride until 3 minutes after your driver arrives and cancellation(5,000KRW) fees will be charged.
Apply a peak premium to the total fare (inclusive of the base rate of 6,000 KRW)
Ride a Deluxe taxi driven by an experienced driver!
Kakao T’s automatic assignment system, which does not show the driver your destination, is applied to deluxe taxis.
Information
-If you cancel the ride 1 minute after vehicle dispatch, a cancellation fee of 2,000 KRW may apply.
-Your dispatch may be cancelled if you do not show up for your ride until 3 minutes after your driver arrives and cancellation(2,000KRW) fees will be charged.
The service fee will be included in the total fare. It will be flexibly imposed by request volume within the following range:Service fee: 0~5,000 KRW
Calling a nearby taxi.
A taxi will be assigned when a nearby driver accepts the call.
Information
-If you cancel the ride 1 minute after vehicle dispatch, a booster cancellation fee of 2,000 KRW may apply.
-Your dispatch may be cancelled if you do not show up for your ride until 3 minutes after your driver arrives and booster cancellation fee(2,000 KRW) will be charged.
Pay the driver directly or with your pre-registered credit card, or automatically pay with your Kakao T points. If you decide to make automatic payments with your credit card, estimated fares are settled at the time of dispatch to confirm your payment. Estimated fares are automatically canceled when you get off. (Booster is available only for automatic payment.)
A General Booster Call can be used during peak times when there is a high demand of taxis. The service fees will be added to the fares. The service fees will be charged flexibly depending on the call volume within the range of amount specified below.Booster service fees: 0~4,000 KRW
Now, let’s go through the detailed steps to register your payment method!
STEP 1.
To begin setting up your payment method, look at the bottom of your screen and locate the profile icon – it’s labeled ‘My info’. Tap this icon to proceed.
STEP 2.
In the menu that appears, look for the ‘Payment Method’ option – you’ll see it marked with a wallet icon. Tap this to continue.
STEP 3.
Scroll down through the payment options until you find ‘Non-Korean Credit Card’ – this is the option you’ll need to select if you’re using a credit card issued outside of Korea.
STEP 4.
Finally, you’ll need to enter your credit card information – this includes your card number, expiration date, and security code (CVV). Make sure to enter all details correctly to complete the registration.
Usage
Using a Taxi with Kakao T App
Now that you’ve finished setting everything up, let’s walk through the process of using Kakao T – from calling a taxi to getting to your destination safely.
STEP 1. Select Taxi
To begin calling a taxi, open the Kakao T app and look for the taxi-shaped icon on the home screen – tap this to start your journey.
STEP 2. Set Departure Location
Your current location will automatically be set as your pickup point. If the automatically set location is slightly different from your actual location or you need to adjust it, you can manually change your pickup point!
💡 Tip
If you need to change the departure location, drag the screen to move the pin (current location). You can also search and manually input a different departure location if needed.
STEP 3. Set Destination
Now it’s time to set your destination. Enter the place name or address where you want to go, then select the correct location from the search results. Take a moment to verify your destination on the map to ensure it’s correct.
💡 Tip
If the pin isn’t exactly where you want to go, don’t worry – you can fine-tune your destination by simply dragging the screen to move the pin to the precise location you want.
STEP 4. Select Call Type
We’ve already covered the different call types in detail earlier! Don’t worry if you can’t remember them all – you can always tap each call type in the Kakao T app to see a detailed description.
💡 Tip
If you haven’t added a payment method yet, you’ll need to select ‘GENERAL REQUEST’ type – this is currently the only option that lets you pay the driver directly in cash or by card.
STEP 5. Confirm Call Information and Request
Take a moment to double-check all the details before requesting your ride – verify your pickup location, destination, and estimated fare.
If you haven’t registered a payment method in the app, you’ll need to choose how you’ll pay the driver.
Below the ride details, you’ll see a “Select payment method” button – tap this to choose whether you’ll pay by cash or card directly to the driver.
First, scroll down through the payment options until you find “Other payment method.” Then select “Pay to the driver” and finish by tapping the “Apply” button at the bottom of the screen.
STEP 6) Taking the Taxi
When a taxi accepts your request, you’ll be able to track its location on the map and see important details about your ride.
For your safety, make sure to check that the license plate number of the arriving taxi matches the one shown in your app before getting in.
💡 Tip
If you’ve registered a payment method, there’s no need to handle cash or cards – the fare will be automatically charged to the credit card you registered in the app. You can simply thank your driver and exit the taxi.
💡 Tip
When paying directly to the driver, simply pay the exact meter fare – tipping isn’t customary or expected in Korean taxis, so there’s no need to pay any extra amount.
Tips for Taking Taxis
Now that you know how to use Kakao T, let’s explore some useful tips that will help you have a smooth and pleasant experience with Korean taxis during your travels.