I take taxis all the time - with a toddler and bags, it’s just easier. Let me teach you how to not panic when the driver starts talking to you.
Korean Taxi Basics
Before we start, some things to know:
- Kakao T app - The Korean Uber. Download it. Life-changing.
- Most drivers don’t speak English - Hence this guide
- Taxis are cheap - A 20-minute ride might be 10,000-15,000 won ($8-12)
- Night rates apply - More expensive after midnight
- Tipping doesn’t exist - Don’t tip. It’s awkward.
Quick Overview
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ~로 가주세요 | ~ro gajuseyo | Please go to ~ |
| 여기서 세워주세요 | yeogiseo sewojuseyo | Please stop here |
| 얼마예요? | eolmayeyo? | How much? |
| 카드 돼요? | kadeu dwaeyo? | Can I pay by card? |
| 트렁크 열어주세요 | teureongkeu yeoreojuseyo | Please open the trunk |
| 에어컨 켜주세요 | eeokeon kyeojuseyo | Please turn on the AC |
| 빨리 가주세요 | ppalli gajuseyo | Please hurry |
| 천천히 가주세요 | cheoncheonhi gajuseyo | Please go slowly |
1. ~로 가주세요 (~ro gajuseyo) - “Please go to ~”
When to Use It
This is THE phrase. Just add your destination + 로 가주세요.
Formula: [Destination] + 로/으로 + 가주세요
- Ends in vowel: ~로 (ro)
- Ends in consonant: ~으로 (euro)
Real Example
Common Destinations
| Place | Korean | How to say it |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul Station | 서울역 | 서울역으로 가주세요 |
| Hongdae | 홍대 | 홍대로 가주세요 |
| Myeongdong | 명동 | 명동으로 가주세요 |
| Incheon Airport | 인천공항 | 인천공항으로 가주세요 |
| This address | 이 주소 | 이 주소로 가주세요 (show phone) |
DO:
- Show the address on your phone as backup
- Say the neighborhood name if you know it
DON’T:
- Just say the hotel name without area (there might be multiple)
2. 여기서 세워주세요 (yeogiseo sewojuseyo) - “Please stop here”
When to Use It
When you want to get off! The driver might not stop exactly at your destination, so this phrase helps.
Variations:
- 여기요 (yeogiyo) - “Here” (super casual, works)
- 여기서 내릴게요 (yeogiseo naerilgeyo) - “I’ll get off here”
- 저기서 세워주세요 (jeogiseo sewojuseyo) - “Please stop over there”
Real Example
Useful Add-ons
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 저기 | jeogi | Over there |
| 코너 | koneo | Corner |
| 건물 앞 | geonmul ap | In front of the building |
| 횡단보도 앞 | hoengdanbodo ap | Before the crosswalk |
3. 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) - “How much?”
When to Use It
When you arrive and need to pay. Though honestly, just look at the meter - it’s right there on the dashboard.
Real Example
Number Cheat Sheet
| Korean | Number |
|---|---|
| 천 원 | 1,000 won |
| 오천 원 | 5,000 won |
| 만 원 | 10,000 won |
| 이만 원 | 20,000 won |
| 오만 원 | 50,000 won |
4. 카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?) - “Can I pay by card?”
When to Use It
99% of taxis accept cards. But asking is polite, and some older drivers still prefer cash.
Alternatives:
- 카드로요 (kadeuoyo) - “Card please” (statement)
- 카드로 할게요 (kadeuro halgeyo) - “I’ll pay by card”
Real Example
When to Use It
Have luggage? Ask the driver to pop the trunk before loading.
Real Example
Luggage-Related Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 짐 | jim | Luggage/stuff |
| 트렁크 | teureongkeu | Trunk |
| 짐 좀 도와주세요 | jim jom dowajuseyo | Please help with luggage |
| 트렁크 닫아주세요 | teureongkeu dadajuseyo | Please close the trunk |
6. 에어컨 켜주세요 / 꺼주세요 (eeokeon kyeojuseyo / kkeojuseyo)
When to Use It
Korean summers are brutal. Korean winters are freezing. You’ll need this phrase.
Controls:
- 켜주세요 (kyeojuseyo) - Please turn ON
- 꺼주세요 (kkeojuseyo) - Please turn OFF
Real Example
Comfort Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 에어컨 | eeokeon | Air conditioning |
| 히터 | hiteo | Heater |
| 창문 | changmun | Window |
| 창문 열어도 돼요? | changmun yeoreodo dwaeyo? | Can I open the window? |
| 음악 줄여주세요 | eumak juryeojuseyo | Please turn down the music |
7. 빨리 가주세요 (ppalli gajuseyo) - “Please hurry”
When to Use It
Running late? This is your phrase. But use it wisely - Korean taxi drivers are already pretty fast.
Softer version: “좀 빨리 가주실 수 있어요?” (Could you go a bit faster?)
Real Example
When to Use It
Some taxi drivers are… aggressive. If you’re feeling carsick or scared, use this.
Real Example
🏠 Cera’s Real Life
Pregnant + Korean taxi = not a great combo. I asked every driver to “천천히” for 9 months.
No shame in asking. Your comfort matters.
Complete Taxi Script
Here’s a typical ride from start to finish:
My Experience
Pro tip: Just show the driver your phone with the address.
Even if you can say it, Korean addresses are confusing and drivers appreciate seeing it on Naver/Kakao Maps. I still do this even though I’m Korean.
Addresses like “강남구 테헤란로 123길 45” are a mouthful.
Korean streets are narrow and one-ways are everywhere.
Sometimes the driver can’t stop exactly where you want.
Just say “여기 괜찮아요” (yogi gwaenchanayo - here is fine) and walk the rest.
The meter is digital and very clear.
But asking “얼마예요?” is polite and shows you’re ready to pay. Typical fares:
- Base fare: 4,800 won (Seoul, 2025)
- Airport to Seoul: 60,000-80,000 won
- 20-minute ride: 10,000-15,000 won I haven’t carried cash in years.
Even traditional market ajummas take KakaoPay now. Some taxi card machines are slow though.
If you’re in a rush, cash is faster.
5.
트렁크 열어주세요 (teureongkeu yeoreojuseyo) - “Please open the trunk” With a stroller, diaper bag, AND luggage? I become that annoying passenger who takes forever to load.
Drivers are usually patient, but I always apologize with “죄송해요, 짐이 많아서” (sorry, I have a lot of stuff).
Some drivers blast the AC so cold you need a jacket.
Others barely turn it on.
Don’t suffer in silence - just ask! I’ve said “빨리 가주세요” exactly once - rushing to the hospital when my water broke.
The driver was like “네???” and turned into a race car driver. Don’t overuse this.
Korean drivers already drive…
enthusiastically.💡 Usage TipsDO:
- Use it for genuine emergencies
- Explain why if possible (flight, meeting, etc.)
DON’T:
- Use it just to save 2 minutes
- Expect the driver to break traffic laws
DO:
- Use it for genuine emergencies
- Explain why if possible (flight, meeting, etc.) DON’T:
- Use it just to save 2 minutes
- Expect the driver to break traffic laws
8.
천천히 가주세요 (cheoncheonhi gajuseyo) - “Please go slowly”
Pro Tips
- Use Kakao T or Tada app - No need to speak, destination is pre-set
- Screenshot your address - Show it if communication fails
- Naver Maps > Google Maps - Better for Korean addresses
- Late night = higher fare - After midnight prices increase
- Black taxis (모범택시) - More expensive but nicer service
Related Posts
- Korean Cafe Ordering - For your cafe stop after the ride
- Korean Convenience Store Phrases - For 3AM taxi + snack runs
I once took a taxi with my toddler who screamed the entire ride. The driver just turned up the radio. Respect.