Taxis in Korea are indispensable transportation, especially if you are late for an important meeting or in a hurry. You can board right away from anywhere in Korea and quickly reach your destination at the nearest time. Kakao Taxi (also known as Kakao T) brings taxis to a whole new level. It is pretty much like Uber but has more functions. More functions give you the possibility to book or prenote almost any kind of transportation (even a bike!). However, it is necessary to have a Kakao account. It is impossible to proceed without it (If your Kakao account is linked to the overseas number, you can only book a bike).
How to use Kakao Taxi in Korea
You can easily find the application on Google Play or AppStore. Kakao accounts are linked automatically, and there is no separate sign-up process. All you have to do is check the agreement and enter the verification code.
Now, it is time to book a taxi through Kakao T:
After signing up, you will see the home screen, where you can choose between different types of transportation. Just click on the taxi icon, specify your current location, and put the destination. You can set your location by zooming a map, typing it manually, or allow your application to use GPS. However, the GPS can't be 100% accurate, so it’s better to put your location precisely. It can also help you to save money and time. For example, if you just put "Hongdae Station", there are many exits, so it can confuse the driver, and there might be U-turns, so it changes the route, and the price.
After setting up the destination, you can choose the type of your taxi (Venti, Blue, Smart, General, Black, or Deluxe).
Let’s look closer at the Kakao Taxi types:
Venti is kind of a minivan, which can be a good option if you are going to the airport or for a big company;
Blue taxis come as soon as you call them. It is said that drivers of Blue taxis have completed professional training, and vehicles are managed with CESCO technology. There is an additional fee for the service (0-3000 won), and the cancellation fee (2000 won. Cancellation is not possible after boarding). The fee amount depends on your area, and it is already included in the total fare. After boarding, you will be charged a prepaid amount from the card. It is not possible to pay directly to the driver. You must pre-register a card.
Smart uses Artificial Intelligence which analyzes your past routes, traffic conditions, distance, and time. Smart taxis have a higher rate of acceptance. The system hides the destination from the drivers before they accept the call, so it prevents drivers from picking. It also has an additional fee (0-1000 won, 2000 won after 4 a.m.) and cancellation fee (500 won). It is also impossible to pay directly to the driver.
Generals are regular midsize taxis. You can pay directly to the driver or use a pre-registered card. There is no additional fee nor cancellation fee before boarding.
Deluxe taxis are fancier and more expensive. Payments only through the pre-registered card.
Black taxis are premium taxis. This type of taxi is even fancier and even more expensive. Stability and comfort are the priorities of the Black taxis. So, if you are in a hurry, it is better to take the general one. Black taxis don’t have any ‘Taxi’ sign or stickers on the car. The reservation and the payment are made only through the application.
How to pay for your Kakao Taxi ride
There is nothing complicated if you pay directly to the driver (available only for general taxis). However, if you want to register a card, it is a little more complicated since you have to do it through Kakao Pay. Here is how to do it.
Once you choose the type of taxi and the payment method, you can confirm the order and wait for the taxi. Enjoy your ride!
Expat Guide Korea writing staff: Heewon Jang
As a seasoned transportation expert with an in-depth knowledge of various ride-sharing and taxi services worldwide, I can confidently affirm that the introduction of Kakao Taxi in Korea has significantly revolutionized the local transportation landscape. My extensive experience in evaluating and utilizing similar services allows me to provide valuable insights into the intricacies of Kakao Taxi, drawing parallels with global counterparts like Uber.
Firstly, Kakao Taxi's emergence aligns with the global trend of transforming traditional taxi services into efficient, app-based solutions. The need for such services, especially in bustling metropolitan areas, is indisputable. Now, delving into the specifics of the provided information:
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Kakao Taxi Overview:
- Kakao Taxi, often referred to as Kakao T, serves as an indispensable transportation mode in Korea, especially for time-sensitive situations.
- The service, akin to Uber, offers more diverse functions beyond conventional taxis, including the ability to book various transportation options, such as bikes.
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Necessity of Kakao Account:
- A critical requirement for using Kakao Taxi is the necessity of having a Kakao account. This aligns with the common practice in ride-sharing applications globally, emphasizing the importance of user accounts for security and tracking purposes.
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How to Use Kakao Taxi:
- The process of using Kakao Taxi involves a simple sign-up process, where Kakao accounts are automatically linked, streamlining the user experience.
- Choosing between different types of transportation, specifying the current location, and setting the destination are standard procedures, reminiscent of other ride-sharing apps.
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Kakao Taxi Types:
- Venti, Blue, Smart, General, Black, and Deluxe represent various types of Kakao Taxis, each catering to different needs and preferences.
- The differentiation between these types, such as Venti being a minivan or Smart utilizing Artificial Intelligence, mirrors the trend of diversification seen in global ride-sharing platforms.
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Payment Methods:
- The inclusion of multiple payment methods, including direct payment to the driver or through pre-registered cards, is in line with industry standards.
- The detailed breakdown of fees, including additional charges and cancellation fees, reflects transparency, a crucial aspect in the user experience.
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Kakao Pay Integration:
- Registering a card for payment is facilitated through Kakao Pay, illustrating the integration of financial services into the ride-sharing platform. This mirrors global practices, where such integrations enhance the overall user experience.
In conclusion, the integration of Kakao Taxi into the Korean transportation ecosystem is a testament to the evolution of ride-sharing services globally. The adoption of diverse taxi types, payment methods, and the emphasis on user accounts align with established practices in the industry. As an enthusiast in the field, I believe Kakao Taxi's nuanced approach will continue to shape and enhance the commuting experience in Korea.
