Navigating transportation in Korea is made easier with taxis, but knowing the right phrases is key. This guide provides essential Korean expressions for hailing a taxi, giving directions, interacting during the ride, and handling payment, ensuring a smooth and confident journey.
Table Of Content
Core Expression: Taking a Taxi
- Expression: 택시 타기
Pronunciation: [taek-si ta-gi]
Meaning: Taking a taxi (This phrase literally means “taxi riding” and is the noun form representing the act of taking a taxi.)
Hailing a Taxi
This section covers phrases used when you need to catch a taxi on the street or find a taxi stand.
- Expression: 택시!
Pronunciation: [taek-si!]
Meaning: Taxi! (Used to hail a taxi on the street) - Expression: 빈차 있어요?
Pronunciation: [bin-cha i-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Is there an empty taxi? - Expression: 택시 승강장 어디예요?
Pronunciation: [taek-si seung-gang-jang eo-di-ye-yo?]
Meaning: Where is the taxi stand? - Expression: 저기요, 택시 좀 불러주세요.
Pronunciation: [jeo-gi-yo, taek-si jom bul-leo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Excuse me, please call a taxi for me. - Expression: 카카오 택시 불렀어요.
Pronunciation: [ka-ka-o taek-si bul-leo-sseo-yo.]
Meaning: I called a Kakao Taxi. - Expression: 이 택시 타도 돼요?
Pronunciation: [i taek-si ta-do dwae-yo?]
Meaning: Can I take this taxi? - Expression: 어디 가세요?
Pronunciation: [eo-di ga-se-yo?]
Meaning: Where are you going? (Often asked by the driver) - Expression: 기본 요금 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: [gi-bon yo-geum eol-ma-ye-yo?]
Meaning: What is the base fare? - Expression: 예약했어요.
Pronunciation: [ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo.]
Meaning: I have a reservation. - Expression: 잠시만요.
Pronunciation: [jam-si-man-yo.]
Meaning: Just a moment. (If you need a second before getting in) - Expression: 문 좀 열어주세요.
Pronunciation: [mun jom yeo-reo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please open the door. (Less common now with automatic doors, but useful) - Expression: 트렁크 좀 열어주세요.
Pronunciation: [teu-reong-keu jom yeo-reo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please open the trunk.
Giving Directions to the Driver
Clearly communicating your destination is crucial. Use these phrases to guide the driver.
- Expression: [장소] 가주세요.
Pronunciation: [[jang-so] ga-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please go to [Place]. (e.g., 서울역 가주세요 – Seoul Station, please.) - Expression: 이 주소로 가주세요.
Pronunciation: [i ju-so-ro ga-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please go to this address. (Show the address) - Expression: 직진해주세요.
Pronunciation: [jik-jin-hae-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please go straight. - Expression: 오른쪽으로 가주세요.
Pronunciation: [o-reun-jjok-eu-ro ga-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please go right. / Please turn right. - Expression: 왼쪽으로 가주세요.
Pronunciation: [oen-jjok-eu-ro ga-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please go left. / Please turn left. - Expression: 유턴해주세요.
Pronunciation: [yu-teon-hae-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please make a U-turn. - Expression: 저기서 세워주세요.
Pronunciation: [jeo-gi-seo se-wo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please stop over there. - Expression: 다음 신호등에서 세워주세요.
Pronunciation: [da-eum sin-ho-deung-e-seo se-wo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please stop at the next traffic light. - Expression: 여기서 내려주세요.
Pronunciation: [yeo-gi-seo nae-ryeo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please let me off here. - Expression: 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: [eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?]
Meaning: How long will it take? - Expression: 가장 빠른 길로 가주세요.
Pronunciation: [ga-jang ppa-reun gil-lo ga-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please take the fastest route. - Expression: 네비게이션 따라가 주세요.
Pronunciation: [ne-bi-ge-i-syeon tta-ra-ga ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please follow the navigation system.
During the Taxi Ride
These phrases can be useful for communication while you are in the taxi.
- Expression: 좀 더 빨리 가주세요.
Pronunciation: [jom deo ppal-li ga-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please go a bit faster. (Use cautiously) - Expression: 좀 천천히 가주세요.
Pronunciation: [jom cheon-cheon-hi ga-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please go a bit slower. - Expression: 에어컨/히터 좀 켜주세요.
Pronunciation: [e-eo-keon/hi-teo jom kyeo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please turn on the air conditioner/heater. - Expression: 창문 좀 열어주세요/닫아주세요.
Pronunciation: [chang-mun jom yeo-reo-ju-se-yo/da-da-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please open/close the window. - Expression: 라디오 소리 좀 줄여주세요.
Pronunciation: [ra-di-o so-ri jom jul-yeo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please turn down the radio volume. - Expression: 길이 많이 막히네요.
Pronunciation: [gi-ri ma-ni ma-ki-ne-yo.]
Meaning: There’s a lot of traffic. - Expression: 혹시 다른 길 아세요?
Pronunciation: [hok-si da-reun gil a-se-yo?]
Meaning: Do you happen to know another route? - Expression: 거의 다 왔어요?
Pronunciation: [geo-ui da wa-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Are we almost there? - Expression: 저 건물 앞에서 내려주세요.
Pronunciation: [jeo geon-mul ap-e-seo nae-ryeo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please drop me off in front of that building. - Expression: 여기서 잠깐 기다려 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: [yeo-gi-seo jam-kkan gi-da-ryeo ju-sil su in-na-yo?]
Meaning: Could you please wait here for a moment? - Expression: 미터기 켜셨어요?
Pronunciation: [mi-teo-gi kyeo-syeo-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Did you turn on the meter? - Expression: 안전 운전 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: [an-jeon un-jeon bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.]
Meaning: Please drive safely.
Paying the Fare
Know how to handle payment and ask for receipts with these expressions.
- Expression: 얼마 나왔어요?
Pronunciation: [eol-ma na-wa-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: How much is it? / How much did it come out to? - Expression: 요금이 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: [yo-geum-i eol-ma-ye-yo?]
Meaning: What is the fare? - Expression: 카드로 계산할게요.
Pronunciation: [ka-deu-ro gye-san-hal-ge-yo.]
Meaning: I’ll pay by card. - Expression: 현금으로 계산할게요.
Pronunciation: [hyeon-geum-eu-ro gye-san-hal-ge-yo.]
Meaning: I’ll pay with cash. - Expression: 영수증 주세요.
Pronunciation: [yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please give me a receipt. - Expression: 잔돈은 괜찮아요.
Pronunciation: [jan-don-eun gwaen-chan-a-yo.]
Meaning: Keep the change. (Tipping isn’t customary, but this can be used if desired) - Expression: 여기에 서명하면 되나요?
Pronunciation: [yeo-gi-e seo-myeong-ha-myeon doe-na-yo?]
Meaning: Should I sign here? (For card payments) - Expression: 감사합니다. 안녕히 가세요.
Pronunciation: [gam-sa-ham-ni-da. an-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo.]
Meaning: Thank you. Goodbye. (Polite closing) - Expression: 수고하셨습니다.
Pronunciation: [su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da.]
Meaning: Thank you for your hard work. / Well done. (Common polite phrase to service workers) - Expression: 거스름돈 주세요.
Pronunciation: [geo-seu-reum-don ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Please give me the change. - Expression: 할증 요금 붙었어요?
Pronunciation: [hal-jeung yo-geum bu-teo-sseo-yo?]
Meaning: Is the late-night surcharge applied? - Expression: 통행료 포함된 가격인가요?
Pronunciation: [tong-haeng-nyo po-ham-doen ga-gyeok-in-ga-yo?]
Meaning: Does the price include tolls?
Korean Culture Notes: Using Taxis
Understanding local customs enhances your taxi experience in Korea.
- Types of Taxis: Standard taxis (일반 택시 – ilban taek-si) are usually orange, white, or silver. Deluxe taxis (모범 택시 – mobeom taek-si) are black with a yellow sign, offer more space, higher service standards, and cost more. There are also larger van taxis (대형 택시 – daehyeong taek-si) available.
- Hailing: You can hail taxis on the street (look for the red ‘빈차’ – bincha – sign meaning ’empty car’), find them at designated taxi stands, or use ride-hailing apps like Kakao Taxi, which is extremely popular and convenient.
- Payment: Most taxis accept cash, credit cards, and T-Money transportation cards. It’s always good to confirm payment methods beforehand if possible, especially for longer distances or outside major cities.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary or expected in Korea. Offering to let the driver keep small change (잔돈은 괜찮아요 – jan-don-eun gwaen-chan-a-yo) is acceptable but not required. A simple 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da – Thank you) is sufficient.
- Communication: While many drivers in tourist areas might know basic English, having your destination written in Korean or using a map app is highly recommended. Using the phrases learned here will be greatly appreciated.
- Late-Night Surcharge: A surcharge (usually 20-30%) applies typically between midnight and 4 AM. This 할증 (haljeung) fare will be reflected on the meter.
Real Conversation Example: Going to the Hotel
Situation: A tourist (A) gets into a taxi at Incheon Airport and wants to go to their hotel in Myeongdong. Roles: A = Tourist, B = Taxi Driver
- Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 명동에 있는 XYZ 호텔 가주세요.
Pronunciation: [an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. myeong-dong-e it-neun ek-seu-wai-jet ho-tel ga-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Hello. Please go to the XYZ Hotel in Myeongdong. - Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 안전벨트 매주세요.
Pronunciation: [ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. an-jeon-bel-teu mae-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Yes, I understand. Please fasten your seatbelt. - Expression: A: 네. 혹시 얼마나 걸릴까요?
Pronunciation: [ne. hok-si eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka-yo?]
Meaning: Okay. About how long will it take? - Expression: B: 지금 시간에는 한 시간 정도 걸릴 것 같아요. 길이 좀 막힐 수도 있어요.
Pronunciation: [ji-geum si-gan-e-neun han si-gan jeong-do geol-lil geot ga-ta-yo. gi-ri jom ma-kil su-do i-sseo-yo.]
Meaning: At this time, it will probably take about an hour. There might be some traffic. - Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 가장 빠른 길로 가주세요.
Pronunciation: [al-get-seum-ni-da. ga-jang ppa-reun gil-lo ga-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: I understand. Please take the fastest route. - Expression: B: 네, 그렇게 하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: [ne, geu-reo-ke ha-get-seum-ni-da.]
Meaning: Yes, I will do that.
(Later, arriving near the hotel)
- Expression: B: 거의 다 왔습니다. 저기 보이는 건물이 호텔입니다.
Pronunciation: [geo-ui da wat-seum-ni-da. jeo-gi bo-i-neun geon-mur-i ho-tel-im-ni-da.]
Meaning: We are almost there. That building you see over there is the hotel. - Expression: A: 아, 네. 저 호텔 정문 앞에서 세워주세요.
Pronunciation: [a, ne. jeo ho-tel jeong-mun ap-e-seo se-wo-ju-se-yo.]
Meaning: Ah, yes. Please stop in front of the hotel’s main entrance. - Expression: B: 네. 도착했습니다. 요금은 58,000원입니다.
Pronunciation: [ne. do-chak-haet-seum-ni-da. yo-geum-eun o-man-pal-cheon-won-im-ni-da.]
Meaning: Okay. We have arrived. The fare is 58,000 won. - Expression: A: 카드로 계산할게요. 여기요.
Pronunciation: [ka-deu-ro gye-san-hal-ge-yo. yeo-gi-yo.]
Meaning: I’ll pay by card. Here you go. - Expression: B: 네. (결제 처리 후) 영수증 여기 있습니다.
Pronunciation: [ne. (gyeol-je cheo-ri hu) yeong-su-jeung yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da.]
Meaning: Okay. (After processing payment) Here is your receipt. - Expression: A: 감사합니다. 수고하셨습니다!
Pronunciation: [gam-sa-ham-ni-da. su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da!]
Meaning: Thank you. Thank you for your hard work!
Practice Tips
Now that you have these essential taxi phrases, how can you practice them?~ Try role-playing the conversation example with a friend or language partner! Before your trip, practice saying potential destinations like “명동 가주세요” (Myeongdong ga-ju-se-yo) or “인천공항 가주세요” (Incheon Gonghang ga-ju-se-yo). Listen to the pronunciations carefully and repeat them. Don’t be afraid to use the phrases, even if you start with just the destination and “가주세요” (ga-ju-se-yo – please go). Korean taxi drivers appreciate the effort! Keep practicing, and you’ll be navigating Korea by taxi with ease! 화이팅! (Fighting!)
