How Taxi Fares Work in Korea, From Base Fare to Late-Night Rates

Taxis in Korea are metered, widely available, and often the easiest way to reach places that are awkward by subway or bus. Fares are not the same everywhere, and the type of car you flag down sets the rate. In a regular Seoul taxi the meter starts at 4,800 won, as of the Korea Tourism Organization's (KTO) taxi page, last updated January 22, 2026. Rates change, so treat all figures here as estimates.

1. Regular, deluxe, and international taxis

KTO describes three kinds of taxi you are likely to meet:

• Regular taxis have yellow license plates and a "TAXI" sign on the roof. These are the standard, lower-cost option.
• Deluxe taxis are usually black, use more expensive vehicles, and offer a higher standard of service at higher standard rates.
• International taxis have drivers who speak at least one foreign language, such as English, Japanese, or Chinese. KTO says the Seoul Metropolitan Government introduced them in 2009, mainly for trips involving Incheon and Gimpo airports and Seoul.

KTO also notes that most taxis charge by the meter and that tips are not expected.

2. Base fares by city

The base fare covers the first 2 kilometers in a regular taxi. KTO lists these regular-taxi base fares:

After the first 2 kilometers, the meter adds distance charges. KTO says this varies by region but can be estimated at about 100 won for every 130 to 150 meters.

3. A worked example

Here is a distance-only estimate for a regular taxi in Seoul, using KTO's figures. It assumes no extra charges for time of day or leaving the region.

• Trip: 5 km
• Base fare: 4,800 won for the first 2 km
• Remaining distance: 3 km, or 3,000 meters
• Distance charge: 3,000 meters at 100 won per 150 meters is 2,000 won; at 100 won per 130 meters it is about 2,300 won
• Estimated total: roughly 6,800 to 7,100 won

For an 8 km trip, the same method gives roughly 8,800 to 9,400 won. Real fares can differ, since KTO's per-meter figure is an estimate and KTO notes that additional charges may apply depending on time and on driving out of the region, but this gives you a sense of scale before you get in.

4. Deluxe taxi fares

Deluxe taxis use a different formula. According to KTO, the base fare in Seoul is 6,500 won for the first 3 km, then 200 won for every 151 meters. Using those numbers, the same 5 km trip comes to about 9,100 won, and an 8 km trip to about 13,100 won. KTO adds that standards can vary by taxi company, so check before a long ride.

5. Late-night surcharges

KTO says late-night fares usually apply from 22:00 to 04:00, with the surcharge changing by time. The most expensive window is 23:00 to 02:00.

6. How international taxis charge

International taxis run on their own fare system. According to KTO:

• From the airport to Seoul: a fixed fare table based on the destination area
• Within Seoul, or leaving Seoul: the meter fare plus a 20% surcharge
• Maximum surcharge: up to 60% when leaving the region between 22:00 and 04:00 under the late-night policy

So you pay a premium for a driver who speaks a foreign language.

7. Finding or calling a taxi

You can hail a taxi on the street or wait at a taxi stand. KTO says stands are common at bus terminals, major subway stations, and large shopping malls, and visitors in Seoul can call the city's 120 helpline (+82-2-120) to ask where the nearest stand is.

For app-based booking, KTO describes:

• k.ride: a foreigner-focused version of Kakao T operated by Kakao Mobility. KTO says it works in English, Chinese, and Japanese, accepts overseas credit cards, and allows sign-in with Google or Apple. Its listing in KTO's app guide adds that you can see estimated routes and fares in advance.
• Uber Taxi: available in Korea through the regular Uber app, with built-in message translation.
• Call taxis: booked by phone or app, sometimes with a small call fee on top of the fare.

KTO also mentions tourist taxis in places like Seoul, Gangneung, and Jeju, where the driver also acts as a guide. These require advance booking.

8. Tips for a smooth ride

• Have your destination written in Korean, or show it on a map app.
• Ask for an international taxi if you need to discuss the route in another language, and accept the 20% premium as part of that.
• If you want a fare estimate before you ride, use an app that shows one.

9. Key takeaways

• Regular taxis have yellow plates; deluxe taxis are usually black and cost more.
• Seoul's regular base fare is 4,800 won for the first 2 km, with about 100 won added per 130 to 150 meters.
• A 5 km regular-taxi ride in Seoul works out to roughly 6,800 to 7,100 won before any extra charges.
• Late-night surcharges apply from 22:00 to 04:00 and peak between 23:00 and 02:00.
• International taxis add 20% to the meter within Seoul, in exchange for a foreign-language driver.