Taxis in Korea: Kakao T, Uber, and how you actually pay the driver
Most people in Korea call taxis with Kakao T, which now takes sign-ups with an overseas phone number and has an English screen. Uber also works in the big cities, but it books the same local taxis. If your foreign card won't go through in the app, you pay the driver directly.
Park English2026-09-252 min read
You can still wave down a taxi in the street, and in busy areas that is often the fastest way. For everything else, Korea runs on one app.
Kakao T
Kakao T is the taxi app most Koreans use. It's made by the same company as KakaoTalk.
- Signing up. You can register with an email, Google or Apple account and an overseas phone number. Approval for overseas numbers can take a few days, so do it before your flight.
- Language. English is in the settings.
- Paying. Auto-pay with a foreign credit card is often rejected, because Korean payment systems want identity checks a foreign card can't pass. When that happens, choose to pay the driver directly: cash, a card, or a T-money card.
- Later. Once you have a Korean bank card, register it. From then on the app charges you and you just get out.
Uber
Uber works in Seoul and other large cities, and it's handy in week one because it takes the card you already have. Just know that it books the same local taxis. You're not getting a different kind of car.
Which to use when
| Situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| A busy street with taxis passing | Wave one down |
| Late at night or a quiet area | Kakao T |
| First week, no Korean card yet | Uber, or Kakao T and pay the driver |
| Airport to your new apartment | Ask your school first; many arrange the pickup |
Small things that help
- Show the pin, not the words. Open the destination in Naver Map or KakaoMap and show the screen.
- Carry a little cash or a T-money card for the first few weeks, while your card situation settles.
- Late-night fares cost more in most cities. The meter adds it automatically.
Your school will usually help you through the first week of all this. If you're still looking for a school, browse our job board or register with Park English and we'll match you with a school.