In most countries, Red means “Stop” and Green means “Go.” However, in this Korean Taxi Guide, I will explain why the logic here is flipped upside down.
You are standing on a street in Seoul. A taxi approaches. The light is RED. Naturally, you think “It’s busy” and let it pass. Then, a taxi with a GREEN light comes. You wave frantically. Surprisingly, it zooms past you.
Why? Because in Korea, Red (빈차) means “Empty,” and Green (예약) means “Reserved.”
Welcome to Level 1. Let me tell you about the night I was stranded because I didn’t know my colors.
The Facepalm Files: The Color Blindness
Flashback: 2 years ago. Gangnam Station, Midnight.
I missed the last subway. Therefore, I needed a cab. I saw hundreds of taxis. Many had bright red signs. I thought, “Wow, everyone is busy tonight.”
I waited for 30 minutes. Finally, I saw a green light! I waved my hand. However, the driver ignored me and kept driving. I felt rejected. “Is it because I’m a foreigner?”
No. It was just ignorance. In short, I was waving at reserved cars.
Enter “Ssam” (The Driver)
I called Ssam to rescue me. “Ssam, the green taxis won’t stop!”
Ssam laughed. “Alice, you are looking at the wrong signals.”
He added a crucial point to my Korean Taxi Guide: “The Red sign says ‘Bin-cha’ (Empty Car). It is red to be visible at night. On the other hand, the Green sign says ‘Ye-yak’ (Reserved). You were waving at ghosts.”
Level 3 Wisdom: The Ultimate Korean Taxi Guide
Hailing a cab on the street is old school. To survive, you need to follow these rules.
1. The App: Kakao T (Essential)
Although Uber exists, Kakao T is the king.
- Why: 99% of taxis use it. Therefore, if you don’t use it, you fight against invisible reservations.
- Link: Download Kakao T on Google Play or App Store.
2. The Color Code (Car Types)
Not all taxis are equal. Part of this Korean Taxi Guide is knowing the colors.
- Silver/Orange: Standard. Cheapest.
- Black: Deluxe. More expensive, safer driving.
3. The “Refusal” Myth
People think drivers refuse foreigners. Often, it’s not racism; it’s destination. Solution: Use the app. If they accept on the app, they usually cannot refuse.
Level 4: The Deep Dive (Ssam’s Insight)
(Why are drivers so fast?)
The “Pali-Pali” Drivers
Foreigners are scared of Korean taxi speeds. Why? It’s not just personality; it’s economics.
1. Low Base Fare Compared to Tokyo, Seoul taxis are cheap. Consequently, drivers need to carry many passengers to make a living. Time is money.
2. The Hard Life Many drivers work 12-hour shifts. Therefore, when the road opens up, they step on the gas. If you are scared, just say: “Cheon-cheon-hi ga-juseyo” (Please go slowly).
Alice’s Bottom Line: Look for Red
If you see a Red Light, wave. If you see a Green Light, let it go.
Better yet, just use Kakao T. Use this Korean Taxi Guide to navigate like a pro.
Survival Hangul: Taxi Talk
- “기사님” (Driver/Sir)
- “여기서 내려주세요” (Let me out here)
- “카카오택시 불렀어요” (I called Kakao Taxi)
Read This Next (Before You Make Another Mistake)
Found your way home? Next steps.