Korea Taxi Apps Explained: Best Options for Foreigners
- FLip Korea
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
If you're planning to navigate South Korea and are considering ride-hailing options, here's a comprehensive guide comparing Kakao T, Uber (UT) and K-Ride, covering their availability, pricing, app usage, and more.
🚖 Kakao T: South Korea’s Leading Ride-Hailing App
Kakao T is the most widely used taxi-hailing app in South Korea, developed by Kakao Mobility. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports multiple languages, including English, making it accessible for both locals and tourists.
Key Features:
App Availability: Available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Language Support: Supports English, Japanese, and Korean.
Taxi Options:
Standard: Regular taxis.
Deluxe/Black: Premium vehicles with higher fares.
Venti: Larger vehicles suitable for groups or extra luggage.
Payment Methods:
In-app payment using Korean credit/debit cards.
Cash or card payment directly to the driver.
T-Money transportation
How to Use Kakao T:
Download and Install: Search for "Kakao T" in your app store and install the app.
Set Up Account: Register using a Kakao account. You can create one with a foreign phone number.
Book a Ride:
Open the app and select the taxi option.
Enter your pickup and drop-off locations.
Choose your preferred taxi type.
Select your payment method.
Confirm and request the
Note: If you don't have a Korean payment method, you can choose to pay the driver directly in cash or by card.
❗ Important Note on Registration
To register and use Kakao T, you must have a Korean phone number. Here's why:
Verification SMS: The app sends a verification code to a Korean mobile number.
Kakao Account Linkage: Requires a Korean number to fully activate the ride-hailing features.
No Foreign Number Support: As of now, foreign numbers (even with roaming) cannot be used to create or verify a Kakao T account for taxi use.
If you're visiting Korea and don’t have a Korean number, consider these alternatives:
Get a Korean SIM card or eSIM at the airport or online in advance.
Use apps like Klook or Trazy to pre-book taxis with English support.
Try Uber (UT) as it allows registration with an international number and supports global payment cards.
📱 App: Kakao T on App Store | Google Play
🚘 Uber (UT) in South Korea: Limited Availability
Uber, operating under the name UT in partnership with T Map Mobility, has a presence in South Korea but is less prevalent compared to Kakao T
Availability:
Cities: Primarily available in major cities like Seoul and Busan.
Coverage: Limited compared to Kakao T, with fewer drivers and longer wait times.
Key Features:
App Usage: The standard Uber app automatically switches to UT when used in South Korea.
Language Support: Available in English.
Payment Methods: In-app payment using international credit/debit cards.
Ride Options: Offers standard and premium rides, depending on availability
Note: Due to limited driver availability, especially during peak hours, wait times can be longer, and fares may be higher compared to Kakao T. Availability: Seoul, Busan, and some major areas only
📱 App: Uber on App Store | Google Play
🆕 K-RIDE – The Best Option for Foreign Tourists
K-RIDE is a newly launched taxi-hailing app tailored specifically for foreign visitors in South Korea. It is designed to eliminate the barriers that tourists often face with Kakao T.
Why It’s Great for Tourists:
✅ No Korean phone number needed
✅ 100% English interface
✅ Works with international credit cards
✅ Supports airport pickups and long-distance taxi booking
✅ Live chat customer support in English
Service Coverage:
Currently available in Seoul, Incheon, and some metropolitan areas.
Expanding to more cities and major tourist spots.
Price:
Fares are based on the official meter rates + booking fee (usually ₩3,000–₩5,000).
Transparent pricing shown upfront in the app.
📱 App: K-RIDE for iOS | K-RIDE for Android
💰 Price Comparison
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on time, distance, and demand.
📱 App Downloads
Kakao T:
Uber (UT):
K-Ride:
For Local Use (with Korean SIM) | ➤ Kakao T – Reliable, full-featured, but requires a Korean number. For Global Visitors | ➤ K-RIDE – Easiest to use, no local phone needed.
For Occasional Urban Rides | ➤ Uber (UT) – Use if K-RIDE isn’t available.
For most travelers in South Korea, Kakao T is the preferred choice due to its extensive coverage, multiple payment options, and user-friendly interface. While Uber (UT) is available in select cities, its limited availability and higher fares make it a less convenient. For Global Visitors K-RIDE is preferred because it has all the features for an international ride.
Ensure you have the necessary apps downloaded and set up before your trip to navigate South Korea with ease.
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