Essential Korean Phrases for Taxi Drivers in Seoul

After three years of living in Seoul, I've learned that knowing a few key Korean phrases can transform your taxi experience from stressful to smooth. Korean taxi drivers are generally helpful, but they appreciate when foreigners make an effort to communicate. Let me share what I've learned so you don't have to figure it out the hard way.

Getting the Taxi's Attention

Start with the basics. When hailing a taxi, just raise your hand like anywhere else. But when the driver pulls over, be ready to communicate your destination clearly.

"Gieok gatseumnida" (기억 같습니다) - "I remember" - Use this if you've been somewhere before and want to explain the location based on landmarks.

"Naebigeisyeon isseoyo?" (네비게이션 있어요?) - "Do you have navigation/GPS?" - This is your first question. Most modern taxis have GPS (naebigeisyeon), which makes life easier. If they don't, be prepared to describe your destination differently.

Giving Your Destination

This is crucial. Most drivers won't know English addresses, so use these phrases:

"Gangnam-gu Apgujeong-ro, [building name] gajji juseyo" (강남구 압구정로, [건물명] 가지 주세요) - "Please take me to [building name] in Gangnam-gu Apgujeong-ro"

"Beopsadong-ro 8-gil, 123 beongji juseyo" (법사동로 8길, 123번지 주세요) - Use the specific address number if you have it

Pro tip: Use Kakao Map or Naver Map apps to show the driver the location on your phone. Just point at the screen and say "yeogiro juseyo" (여기로 주세요) - "Please go here." This works 99% of the time, even if there's a language barrier.

Common Requests and Phrases

"Cheonch'eonhi juseyo" (천천히 주세요) - "Please drive slowly" - Honestly, this might help your heart rate

"Gadeun gil malgo, keun gil dallajuseyo" (가는 길 말고, 큰 길 달아주세요) - "Please take the main road, not the small streets" - Useful during rush hour

"Sunsagan eolmana geollyeoyo?" (순산가 얼마나 걸려요?) - "How long will this take?"

"Yogi seoseo naelyeojuseyo" (여기 서서 내려주세요) - "Please stop here and let me out"

Payment and Tipping

Tipping isn't mandatory in Korea, but here's what you should know:

"Singyongka doem?" (신용카 돼?) - "Can I pay with credit card?" - Always ask first. Some older drivers might only take cash

Standard fare starts around 3,800 KRW, with 100 KRW per 142 meters or 35 seconds

After 10 PM, there's a 20% surcharge (yaban yogeumryul)

If you round up or leave small change, drivers appreciate it, but it's not expected

What I Wish I'd Known Earlier

Don't assume the driver understands English. Even if they say they do, showing your destination on a map app is always safer. Also, drivers sometimes take longer routes—it's not always malicious, just unfamiliarity with your exact destination. Stay calm and patient.

My recommendation: Download Kakao Map (available on App Store and Google Play) or Naver Map before you need it. Having your destination pinned and ready saves so much confusion and makes drivers genuinely grateful.