Essential Korean Phrases for Taking a Taxi in Korea
Taking a taxi in Seoul can be a convenient way to get around, especially when you are carrying shopping bags, traveling late, or heading somewhere that is difficult to reach by subway.
But what should you say when you get into a taxi in Korea?
What if the driver asks where you are going? How do you ask to stop at a particular place? And how can you make sure you pay correctly?
Welcome to this practical Korean mini lesson by VISIT HONGDAE.
You do not need to speak fluent Korean. Learn these essential phrases, save them on your phone, and use them whenever you need a taxi in Korea.
1. Before You Get In: Tell the Driver Your Destination
The most important thing is to make your destination clear. If possible, prepare the address in Korean or open the location on your map before you get into the taxi.
| Korean | Easy Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요, 기사님. | an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, gi-sa-nim | Hello, driver. |
| 여기로 가 주세요. | yeo-gi-ro ga ju-se-yo | Please take me here. |
| 이 주소로 가 주세요. | i ju-so-ro ga ju-se-yo | Please take me to this address. |
| 홍대입구역으로 가 주세요. | hong-dae-ip-gu-yeo-geu-ro ga ju-se-yo | Please take me to Hongik University Station. |
| 여기까지 얼마나 걸려요? | yeo-gi-kka-ji eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo | How long will it take to get here? |
이 주소로 가 주세요.
ee ju-so-ro ga ju-se-yo
“Please take me to this address.”
Show the driver the Korean address on your phone as you say it. This is often easier than trying to pronounce a street name.
2. Useful Words You May Hear from the Driver
Sometimes, the driver will ask you a question. Here are a few expressions worth recognizing.
| Korean | Easy Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 어디로 가세요? | eo-di-ro ga-se-yo | Where are you going? |
| 목적지가 어디예요? | mok-jeok-ji-ga eo-di-ye-yo | Where is your destination? |
| 여기 맞아요? | yeo-gi ma-ja-yo | Is this the right place? |
| 네, 맞아요. | ne, ma-ja-yo | Yes, that's right. |
| 아니요, 여기 아니에요. | a-ni-yo, yeo-gi a-ni-e-yo | No, this isn't the place. |
Mini dialogue
Driver: 어디로 가세요?
Where are you going?
You: 이 주소로 가 주세요.
Please take me to this address.
Driver: 여기 맞아요?
Is this the right place?
You: 네, 맞아요.
Yes, that's right.
You can also show the destination directly on your phone if speaking feels difficult.
3. During the Ride: Make Simple Requests
| Korean | Easy Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 여기서 세워 주세요. | yeo-gi-seo se-wo ju-se-yo | Please stop here. |
| 조금 천천히 가 주세요. | jo-geum cheon-cheon-hi ga ju-se-yo | Please drive a little more slowly. |
| 에어컨 좀 켜 주세요. | e-eo-keon jom kyeo ju-se-yo | Could you turn on the air conditioning? |
| 창문 좀 열어 주세요. | chang-mun jom yeo-reo ju-se-yo | Could you open the window? |
| 얼마나 더 걸려요? | eol-ma-na deo geol-lyeo-yo | How much longer will it take? |
A useful distinction:
- 여기서 세워 주세요. — Please stop here.
- 여기서 내려 주세요. — Please let me off here.
Both are useful when you want to get out at a particular location. Make sure the taxi can stop safely and legally before asking the driver to pull over.
4. Paying for Your Taxi
In Korea, many taxis accept credit cards, cash, and eligible transportation cards. Payment options can vary, so it is useful to know these expressions.
| Korean | Easy Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 카드로 결제할게요. | ka-deu-ro gyeol-je-hal-ge-yo | I'll pay by card. |
| 현금으로 낼게요. | hyeon-geu-meu-ro nael-ge-yo | I'll pay in cash. |
| 얼마 나왔어요? | eol-ma na-wa-sseo-yo | How much is the fare? |
| 영수증 주세요. | yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo | A receipt, please. |
| 감사합니다. | gam-sa-ham-ni-da | Thank you. |
Good to know: Regular taxis generally use a meter to calculate the fare. Check the amount displayed and confirm whether you have already paid through a taxi app before making another payment.
You do not normally need to tip taxi drivers in Korea.
5. If You Are Using a Taxi App
If you book a taxi through an app, you may not need to explain your destination to the driver because the destination is already registered.
However, you should check that the vehicle's license plate matches the details shown in your booking before getting in.
| Korean | Easy Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 제가 부른 택시 맞아요? | je-ga bu-reun taek-si ma-ja-yo | Is this the taxi I booked? |
| 차량 번호가 맞아요. | cha-ryang beon-ho-ga ma-ja-yo | The vehicle number matches. |
| 여기서 기다리고 있었어요. | yeo-gi-seo gi-da-ri-go i-sseo-sseo-yo | I was waiting here. |
If the taxi is not the one shown in your booking, do not get in. Check the app details again.
6. Your Complete Taxi Conversation
Let's put everything together in one simple conversation.
Driver: 어디로 가세요?
Where are you going?
You: 안녕하세요, 기사님. 이 주소로 가 주세요.
Hello, driver. Please take me to this address.
Driver: 네, 알겠습니다.
Okay, understood.
You: 여기까지 얼마나 걸려요?
How long will it take to get there?
Driver: 한 20분 정도 걸려요.
About 20 minutes.
You: 네, 감사합니다.
Okay, thank you.
When you arrive
You: 여기서 세워 주세요.
Please stop here.
You: 카드로 결제할게요.
I'll pay by card.
You: 감사합니다.
Thank you.
The driver's response is an example; actual travel time and conversation will vary.
7. Your Taxi Korean Cheat Sheet
Save this section or take a screenshot before your trip.
- Please take me here: 여기로 가 주세요.
- Please take me to this address: 이 주소로 가 주세요.
- Where are you going? 어디로 가세요?
- How long will it take? 얼마나 걸려요?
- Please stop here: 여기서 세워 주세요.
- I'll pay by card: 카드로 결제할게요.
- A receipt, please: 영수증 주세요.
- Thank you: 감사합니다.
One Last Tip from VISIT HONGDAE
You do not have to memorize every sentence. If you remember just one, make it 이 주소로 가 주세요 — “Please take me to this address.”
Keep your destination's Korean address ready on your phone, check your taxi booking details when using an app, and make sure you know how you will pay.
A little preparation can make taking a taxi in Korea much less stressful.
Save this guide before your next ride in Seoul!
