Getting a taxi in Korea can be stressful if you don’t speak Korean.
Hailing one on the street doesn’t always work, and many foreigners quickly realize that Uber is limited or unreliable.
How to Use Kakao Taxi in Korea is the easiest way to solve this problem.
This guide walks you through exactly how the app works, how to book a ride, what payment options you can use, and what to expect as a foreigner.
📑 Table of Contents
- What Kakao Taxi Is
- Why Foreigners Use Kakao Taxi in Korea
- Is Kakao Taxi Available in English
- How to Use Kakao Taxi in Korea Step by Step
- Payment Methods Foreigners Can Use
- Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Kakao Taxi vs Uber in Korea
- Tips for a Smooth Ride
What Kakao Taxi Is
How to Use Kakao Taxi in Korea is something most foreigners learn quickly after arriving.
Kakao Taxi is Korea’s most widely used taxi-hailing app.
It works like Uber, but it connects you with licensed Korean taxis instead of private drivers.
The app is part of Kakao, one of the biggest tech companies in Korea, so it’s reliable and widely accepted.
If you’re traveling, studying, or living in Korea, this is usually the easiest way to get a taxi without speaking Korean.
Why Foreigners Use Kakao Taxi in Korea
Foreigners prefer Kakao Taxi because it solves several common problems:
- You don’t need to explain your destination in Korean
- Pickup and drop-off locations are set in the app
- Drivers are registered and regulated
- You can track the ride on your phone
In most cities, taxis arrive quickly, even late at night.
Is Kakao Taxi Available in English?
Yes. Kakao Taxi has an English interface.
Once your phone language is set to English, most of the app menus automatically switch.
Some driver messages may still appear in Korean, but they’re usually simple confirmations.
You don’t need a Korean phone number to install the app, but having one makes verification easier.
How to Use Kakao Taxi in Korea Step by Step
Step 1: Download the App
Kakao Taxi is part of the Kakao T app.
Make sure you download the correct version for your phone.
- Android users: Download Kakao T from the official Google Play Store
- iPhone users: Download Kakao T from the official Apple App Store
If you’re visiting Korea and don’t have mobile data yet,
setting up an eSIM in advance makes using taxi and map apps much easier.
Once installed, allow location access so the app can find nearby taxis.
Step 2: Download the App
Search for Kakao T in your app store and install it.
Step 3: Set Language and Permissions
Allow location access so the app can find nearby taxis.
Step 4: Enter Your Destination
You can search by:
- Place name
- Hotel
- Landmark
The map helps confirm you picked the right spot.
Step 5: Choose Taxi Type
Most users select the standard taxi option.
Premium options exist but aren’t necessary for everyday travel.
Step 6: Confirm Pickup Location
Double-check your pin, especially in busy areas.
Step 7: Request the Taxi
Nearby drivers receive the request and one will accept.
Step 8: Track and Ride
You’ll see the driver’s location and car details until arrival.
Payment Methods Foreigners Can Use
Kakao Taxi supports several payment options, but availability depends on your setup.
Common options include:
- Credit or debit cards
- App-based payment services
- Paying the driver directly
Many foreigners prefer paying inside the app to avoid communication issues.
If you’re also using public transportation, learning how rechargeable transit cards work can be helpful for everyday travel.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Here are issues foreigners often face and how to prevent them:
Driver can’t find you
→ Stand near a clear landmark and double-check your pin.
Driver sends a message in Korean
→ It’s usually a simple question like “Are you there?”
Replying with a short confirmation is enough.
Taxi cancels
→ This happens sometimes. Just request another one.
Kakao Taxi vs Uber in Korea
Many travelers ask whether Uber works in Korea.
Uber exists but is limited and less commonly used.
Kakao Taxi covers more areas and has more drivers available.
For most situations, Kakao Taxi is the more reliable choice.
Tips for a Smooth Ride
- Turn on GPS before requesting a taxi
- Avoid requesting pickup in restricted traffic zones
- Screenshot the ride details just in case
- Be ready a few minutes early
For longer trips between cities,
it also helps to know how train booking works in Korea.
Once you’ve used it a couple of times, the process becomes second nature.
Final Thoughts
Learning How to Use Kakao Taxi in Korea makes getting around much easier, especially if you don’t speak Korean.
Whether you’re here for a short trip or staying longer, this app quickly becomes one of the most useful tools on your phone.