How to Take a Taxi in Korea: Kakao T vs K-RIDE for Foreign Travelers

Taking a taxi in South Korea is not difficult.

When it does feel complicated, it’s usually because travelers haven’t decided which app to use in advance.

Korean taxis are safe, strictly regulated, and use a transparent fare system. Once you choose the right app for your travel style, the entire process becomes simple and stress-free.

For travelers in Korea, there are realistically only two taxi apps you need to know:

• Kakao T
• K-RIDE

In this guide, we’ll compare these two apps, explain their pros and cons, and help you decide which one fits your trip best.

The First Decision: Price vs Peace of Mind

Most international travelers worry about taxi fares when visiting a new country.

Here’s the key point:

• Kakao T costs the same as hailing a taxi on the street.
• K-RIDE is usually about 20–30% more expensive than Kakao T, depending on distance.

In real terms, this difference is often only $2–4 per ride. It may sound significant in percentages, but the actual amount is usually small.

So before you download anything, ask yourself just one question:

• Do I want the cheapest option?
• Or do I prefer maximum convenience and peace of mind?

Once you decide that, either app will work perfectly fine.

Kakao T vs K-RIDE: Quick Comparison

Option 1: Kakao T (Best Value & Most Common Choice)

Kakao T is the most widely used taxi app in Korea. Koreans use it daily, and foreigners can use it comfortably with a bit of guidance.

Why choose Kakao T?

• Available nationwide
• Lower fares compared to K-RIDE
• Pick-up and destination set in the app
• Estimated route and fare shown in advance
• No bargaining or extra explanation needed
• Very easy if you choose Pay Driver Directly

Once your destination is set in the app, conversation with the driver is usually unnecessary.

The Part That Confuses Many Foreigners

The most confusing step for foreigners in Kakao T is not the taxi — it’s the payment screen.

Why?

• Payment options are shown as card-style tiles
• You must swipe left or right to see options
• This interface is not very intuitive for first-time users

👉 Important Tip: Always select “Pay Driver Directly.”

When you choose this option:

• You pay after the ride
• Cash or credit card is accepted
• No need to register a card in the app

With this single setting, Kakao T becomes much easier than many travelers expect.

Kakao T: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cheapest option
• Large number of taxis, fast matching
• Works everywhere in Korea
• No prepayment required

Cons

• Kakao account needed
• Payment screen can be confusing
• Swipe-based UI is not beginner-friendly

Option 2: K-RIDE (Designed for Foreign Travelers)

K-RIDE is built specifically for international visitors. Its goal is not to compete on price, but to remove uncertainty and stress.

Why travelers prefer K-RIDE

• Very simple sign-up process
• Foreign-friendly UI/UX
• Clear in-app card payment
• Multi-language support with translation
• No need to think about payment after the ride

You don’t need to understand Korean systems, and there’s nothing to handle when you get out of the car.

The Trade-Off: Higher Fare

K-RIDE is generally more expensive than Kakao T. However, in most cases:

• The difference is only a few dollars
• The psychological comfort matters more than the cost

For first-time visitors to Korea, many travelers see this as a “peace-of-mind fee.”

K-RIDE: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Designed for foreigners
• Very easy sign-up and usage
• Clear payment process
• Minimal stress
• Available in 30+ countries

Cons

• Higher fares
• Slightly fewer taxis
• Longer wait times in suburban areas

So, Which App Should You Choose?

A simple rule works best:

• First time in Korea / language anxiety → K-RIDE
• Budget-focused / short rides → Kakao T (Pay Driver Directly)

Neither option is wrong. The most common mistake is trying to decide inside the app at the last minute.

Practical Tips for Using Taxis in Korea

1. Choose your pick-up location carefully

The app uses GPS. Stand near the roadside or in front of a large building. Avoid calling a taxi from the middle of an intersection — the car may arrive on the opposite side. This happens to Koreans too.

2. A regular taxi is usually enough

Whether you use Kakao T or K-RIDE, a standard taxi works fine unless you need extra space or special features.

3. Payment screen reminder (Kakao T)

When choosing payment, swipe to see options. Select Pay Driver Directly. International cards such as Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and Amex are commonly accepted.

Common Misunderstandings

1. Late-night surcharges exist in Korea
   Taxi fares increase significantly late at night.
   After 10 p.m., it’s recommended to use the subway when possible, or take taxis only for short distances.

2. Tipping is not expected
   There is no tipping culture for taxis in Korea.

3. Uber in Korea is different
   Uber in Korea works the same as regular taxis and mainly functions as a taxi-hailing app.
   Because Kakao T has access to a much larger number of taxis, it is usually more convenient in practice.

4. Foreigners are not overcharged
   Routes and fares are fixed by the system.
   Overcharging or taking longer routes is extremely unlikely.

One Last Thing

Korean taxis are safe, regulated, and transparent. The real issue is not the app — it’s failing to decide in advance.

Before you travel, make just one choice:

Comfort, or a slightly cheaper ride?

Once that decision is made, whether you use Kakao T or K-RIDE, taking a taxi in Korea becomes simple and reliable.

Enjoy your trip — and travel comfortably.