If you're visiting Seoul, one of the first practical questions is how to get around the city efficiently—especially when it comes to taxis.
In Korea, Kakao Taxi (also known as Kakao T) is the most widely used taxi-hailing service. However, many international travelers also rely on Uber for its familiar interface and seamless payment system.
This guide explains how Kakao Taxi actually works for foreigners, what limitations you may encounter, and when it makes more sense to use Uber instead.
If you're deciding between different transport options, my comparison of T-money, Climate Card, and K-Pass breaks down which one works best for travelers.
1. Kakao Taxi vs Uber Taxi in Seoul
Here’s a practical comparison based on real usage:| Category | Kakao Taxi (Kakao T) | Uber Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Local Korean platform | Global platform |
| Taxi availability | Very high | More limited |
| Dispatch success | High (especially in busy areas and late hours) | Moderate |
| Payment | Pay to driver recommended | In-app payment (international cards supported) |
| Setup | Kakao account required | Existing Uber account works |
| Language support | English available (some Korean interface elements remain) | Full multilingual support |
| Best for | Getting a taxi quickly | Easy setup and payment |
*Scroll horizontally to see the full table on mobile.
2. Can Foreigners Use Kakao Taxi?
Yes, foreigners can use Kakao Taxi. However, the experience is slightly different from local users.Account Setup
To use Kakao Taxi, you need a Kakao account.This is often linked to KakaoTalk.
- You can sign up using an email address
- A Korean phone number is not required for basic account creation
Some features may request phone number verification, which can be limiting for short-term visitors.
Payment (Most Important)
Kakao Taxi is primarily designed for the Korean payment system.While international card registration is sometimes possible, it may not always work reliably depending on the card and device.
If you're planning to use public transport as well, my T-money card guide explains how to pay easily across buses, subways, and taxis in Seoul.
The most stable method is:
Request the taxi through the app and pay directly to the driver.
In Seoul taxis:
In Seoul taxis:
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are widely accepted
- Cash is also accepted
3. How to Use Kakao Taxi (Step-by-Step)
Here is the simplest and most reliable way for foreigners:- Install Kakao T app
- Log in with your Kakao account
- Set your pickup location (GPS auto-detect)
- Enter your destination (English works for major places)
- Select a taxi type (General Request is most common)
- Choose “Pay to the driver”
- Confirm vehicle details and board the taxi
4. When Kakao Taxi Works Best
Kakao Taxi is particularly useful in situations where finding a taxi is difficult:- Rush hours
- Late night
- Busy districts like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon
- Areas where street hailing is unreliable
5. When Uber Is a Better Option
Uber also operates in Seoul, but differently from other countries.- It mainly connects you with licensed taxis
- Private ride services (like UberX) are limited in Korea
- Easy sign-up (no additional verification required)
- Reliable international card payment
- Familiar interface for global users
- It’s your first time in Korea
- You want a quick and simple setup
- You prefer in-app payment without complications
6. Practical Tips for Using Taxis in Seoul
- No tipping culture: You only pay the metered fare
- Estimated fares: Prices shown in the app are estimates and may vary with traffic
- Lost items: Kakao Taxi records ride history, making it easier to contact drivers
- Pickup accuracy: Use clear landmarks or subway exits for smoother pickup
- Vehicle options: Larger taxis are available if traveling in groups
7. Final Recommendation
The most efficient way to use taxis in Seoul is not choosing one app—but using both strategically.👉 Use Uber for convenience and easy payment
👉 Use Kakao Taxi when availability matters most
For many travelers, the most reliable approach is:
Call a taxi with Kakao Taxi and pay directly to the driver.
This avoids setup issues while maximizing your chances of getting a ride quickly.
Seoul has one of the most advanced taxi systems in the world, but the user experience can vary depending on your familiarity with local apps.
By understanding how Kakao Taxi and Uber work differently, you can move around the city more efficiently and avoid common frustrations.
More Seoul Travel & Shopping Guides:
📍 Transport Guide: [How to Use T-money Card in Seoul]📍 Best Time: [Best Time to Visit Seoul]
📍 Shopping: [Seongsu Shopping Guide]