Why Do Korean Taxis Have Different Colors, and Which to Take?
Short answer: Korean taxis come in different colours because they are different service types. In Seoul, regular taxis (often orange, but also white, silver or grey) are the cheapest and most common. Black taxis with a gold or yellow stripe are deluxe taxis with a higher fare, larger black vans marked "JUMBO" carry more people and luggage, and cars marked "International" are aimed at foreign visitors. For most trips, a regular taxi is the best choice.
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The main taxi types in Seoul
Regular taxis (orange, white, silver, grey)
These are the everyday taxis you can flag on the street or call by app. Many in Seoul are painted a bright orange, a colour the city promoted to make taxis easier to spot, but plenty are white or silver. Colour does not change the fare: a regular taxi uses the standard meter whatever its paint. Look for the roof sign and the lit "empty" sign on the dashboard (often shown as 빈차).
Deluxe taxis (black with a gold or yellow stripe)
Deluxe taxis, called mobeom taxis in Korean, are usually black sedans with a stripe and a "Deluxe" sign. Drivers generally need longer experience, the cars are roomier, and the meter starts higher and runs faster than a regular taxi. Deluxe taxis are commonly said not to add the late-night surcharge that regular taxis use, but check the current rules. They wait at hotels, stations and airports. If you get into a black taxi at the airport by default, you may pay noticeably more than expected.
Jumbo taxis and call vans
Jumbo taxis are larger black vans marked "JUMBO" that can take a family or a group with suitcases. Fares are similar to deluxe taxis. Be careful with vehicles marked "Call Van" or "VAN": these are a different service that may not use a meter, so agree on the price before you go.
International taxis
International taxis are run for foreign visitors and have "International" written on the car. Drivers are expected to speak some English, Japanese or Chinese, and you can book them in advance, including for airport runs. They usually cost more than a regular taxi, but they help if you don't want to deal with a language barrier.
App-based branded taxis
You will also see taxis with app branding, such as Kakao T's blue-liveried cars. These are booked through the app and may add a call fee, but often have newer cars and automatic payment. Our guide to taxi apps for foreigners in Korea explains how to set them up.
Which taxi should you take?
- Short city trips: a regular taxi. It is the cheapest and easiest.
- Group of 5 or more, or lots of luggage: a jumbo taxi, or split into two regular taxis.
- Business travel or comfort: a deluxe taxi is fine if you accept the higher fare.
- No Korean at all and need help: an international taxi, booked ahead.
Other cities follow similar ideas, but colours vary. In Busan and other cities, regular taxis can be white, silver or other colours, and black deluxe taxis are still the expensive option.
Airport taxis: compare before you choose
From Incheon Airport, taxis are convenient but a long ride into Seoul costs much more than rail, and tolls are added. If you are travelling light, the airport train is often faster in traffic. The AREX Airport Express ticket to Seoul Station can be booked ahead, and our Incheon Airport to Hongdae guide compares train, bus and taxi.
If you plan to call taxis by app, mobile data is very helpful. A Korea prepaid data SIM picked up at the airport makes maps and taxi apps work from day one.
Quick tips
- Check the colour and sign before you get in: black usually means a higher fare.
- Make sure the meter is running; avoid unmarked cars and fixed-price offers at airports.
- Show your destination in Korean (address or map pin) to avoid confusion.
- Most taxis accept cards and transit cards such as T-money; carry a little cash just in case.
- Late at night, regular taxis add a surcharge, and street taxis can be hard to find in nightlife areas.
- Fares change, so check current rates on official Seoul or Visit Korea sites.
FAQ
Are orange taxis more expensive than white ones?
No. In Seoul, orange, white, silver and grey regular taxis all use the same standard fare. Colour matters mainly for black deluxe and jumbo taxis.
How do I know if a taxi is free?
Look for a red light on the dashboard or windshield that says 빈차 ("empty car"). If it shows 예약 (reserved) or is unlit, the taxi is not available.
Can I pay by card in Korean taxis?
Generally yes. Most taxis accept credit cards and transit cards, but foreign cards occasionally fail, so keep some cash.
Do Korean taxi drivers expect tips?
No. Tipping is not expected in Korea. Paying the meter fare is enough.
Is it safe to take taxis in Korea at night?
Licensed taxis are widely considered safe. Use marked taxis or a booking app, and sit in the back seat.