Taxi Translation in Seoul: How Foreigners Can Get Language Help
Last verified: October 10, 2026 · Primary sources: Seoul Metropolitan Government and 120 Dasan Call Foundation.
You do not need fluent Korean to use a taxi in Seoul. The simplest strategy is to show the destination in Korean on your phone. If a conversation becomes difficult, Seoul also offers foreign-language support through 120, and visitors can choose the city’s International Taxi service when they want a multilingual driver.
Option 1: show the Korean address
Seoul’s official taxi guide explicitly recommends preparing your destination address in Korean because many taxi drivers are not multilingual. Search the place in NAVER Map, open the business or address page, and show the Korean place name and street address to the driver.
Option 2: use 120 for three-way interpretation
Call 02-120 → 9 during the foreign-language service hours. The 120 Dasan Call Foundation lists English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Mongolian, and says three-way interpretation is available when needed. This can help when you and the driver need to clarify a destination or practical issue.
Hours: weekdays 09:00–18:00, excluding public holidays. Because the service is not 24 hours, save the Korean address before a late-night ride.
Option 3: book Seoul International Taxi
Seoul’s International Taxi service is designed for foreign visitors. The city states that multilingual drivers are selected and that reservations can be made through 1644-2255, airport information desks, the official website and the user app. International Taxi offers airport, sightseeing, business and everyday transportation services.
International Taxi can cost more than a regular Seoul taxi. Its advantage is easier communication and foreign-visitor-oriented service rather than the lowest possible fare.
Option 4: use a taxi app
A taxi app reduces the need to explain your destination verbally because the destination is sent electronically to the driver. Seoul’s official guide notes that international taxi-app services can be easier for visitors who do not have a Korean mobile number or Korean credit card. Always check the app’s current signup and payment requirements before relying on it.
How do foreigners pay for a Seoul taxi?
For ordinary Seoul taxis, the city’s official guide says you can pay in cash or by credit card, and compatible public-transportation cards can also be used. If you use an app with in-app payment, check whether your overseas-issued card is accepted before requesting the ride.
For Seoul International Taxi, the city specifically lists domestic and international credit cards, prepaid transportation cards and cash among available payment methods.
What to prepare before getting in
- Destination name in Korean
- Full Korean street address
- Hotel phone number if applicable
- A screenshot in case mobile data drops
- One backup payment method
Useful Korean
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 여기로 가 주세요 | Please take me here. |
| 이 주소로 가 주세요 | Please go to this address. |
| 카드 돼요? | Can I pay by card? |
| 통역이 필요해요 | I need interpretation. |
If there is a service problem
Seoul says taxi complaints can be made through the 120 Dasan Call Center. Record the full license plate number because the city specifically advises keeping it for a report.
Official sources
- Seoul Metropolitan Government — Taxi Guide
- Seoul Metropolitan Government — International Taxi
- 120 Dasan Call Foundation — Foreign-language consultation
Featured photo: Dave Kim / Unsplash. Illustrative only.
