How to Use Taxis in Busan as a Foreigner

Busan is Korea's second-largest city and one of its most exciting destinations — with beaches, seafood markets, colorful hillside villages, and a completely different vibe from Seoul. But getting around by taxi as a foreigner in Busan has its own set of challenges. This guide covers everything you need to know about taking taxis in Busan, from choosing the right type to paying and communicating without Korean.

Quick Answer

Hail a regular orange or silver taxi on the street or at a taxi stand, show the driver your destination in Korean on your phone, and pay by card or cash. Kakao T can be difficult to set up without a Korean number, but it's possible with workarounds. Fares are affordable — most rides within Busan cost ₩4,000–₩15,000.

Why This Is Difficult for Foreign Travelers

Busan taxis are easy to hail but hard to communicate with. Most drivers do not speak English, and unlike Seoul, Busan has fewer bilingual signs and less tourist infrastructure outside the main beach areas. Kakao T — the dominant ride-hailing app in Korea — requires a Korean phone number for verification, blocking most tourists. Foreign credit cards aren't always accepted in taxis, and some drivers prefer cash. Knowing your destination in Korean (not just the English spelling) is essential for a smooth ride.

Practical Options

• Regular taxis (일반택시): Orange or silver taxis — the most common type. Start at ₩4,800 (as of 2024) with meter increases based on distance and time. Easy to hail on main roads, at subway exits, and outside major attractions. Most accept Visa/Mastercard, though cash is more reliable.
• Deluxe taxis (모범택시): Black taxis with a yellow sign on the roof. Higher starting fare (around ₩6,500), but drivers tend to be more professional and some speak basic English. Useful late at night or for airport/long-distance trips. Available at hotels and major transit hubs.
• Hailing on the street: Stand near the curb on a main road and raise your hand as taxis approach. Green light on the taxi roof = available. Red = occupied. In tourist areas (Haeundae, Seomyeon, Busan Station), taxi stands are clearly marked.
• Kakao T for foreigners: Kakao T requires Korean phone number verification, which blocks most tourists. Some travelers work around this using a Korean SIM card or by having a Korean contact register on their behalf. If you have a Korean SIM (available at the airport), the app works well and lets you enter destinations in Korean without talking to the driver.
• Naver Map destination entry: Open Naver Map, search for your destination, and long-press to copy the Korean name and address. Paste it into a note or screenshot it. Show this to the driver — they can read it or enter it into their GPS directly.
• Showing your phone: The most practical method. Type or paste your destination in Korean (Hangul) and show the driver's screen. Most Busan taxi drivers are accustomed to this and will immediately start driving. Don't show an English address — drivers may not recognize the romanized spelling.
• Paying in taxis: Cash is the safest option — always carry ₩10,000–₩20,000 in small bills. Many taxis have card machines that accept foreign Visa/Mastercard, but not all. Contactless (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay) is not universally supported. When in doubt, ask before getting in: "카드 돼요?" (Does card work?)

Common Busan Routes and Expected Fares

• Busan Station → Haeundae Beach: ~₩18,000–₩25,000 (25–35 min depending on traffic)
• Busan Station → Jagalchi Market: ~₩5,000–₩8,000 (10–15 min)
• Seomyeon → Gwangalli Beach: ~₩8,000–₩12,000 (15–20 min)
• Haeundae → Gamcheon Culture Village: ~₩20,000–₩28,000 (25–35 min)
• Busan Station → Seomyeon: ~₩8,000–₩10,000 (15 min)
• Haeundae → Gwangalli: ~₩5,000–₩8,000 (10–15 min)
• Note: Late-night surcharge (10 PM–2 AM) adds approximately 20% to fares.

Useful Korean Phrases for Taxis in Busan

• "여기 가주세요" (Yeogi gajuseyo) — Please take me here (show phone)
• "해운대 가주세요" (Haeundae gajuseyo) — Please go to Haeundae
• "얼마예요?" (Eolmayeyo?) — How much is it?
• "카드 돼요?" (Kadeu dwaeyo?) — Do you accept card?
• "여기서 세워주세요" (Yeogiseo sewojuseyo) — Please stop here
• "영수증 주세요" (Yeongseujeung juseyo) — Please give me a receipt
• "빨리 가주세요" (Ppalli gajuseyo) — Please go quickly (use sparingly)
• "고맙습니다" (Gomapseumnida) — Thank you

FAQ

Can I use Kakao T as a foreigner in Busan?

Kakao T requires Korean phone number verification. If you purchase a Korean SIM card at Gimhae International Airport (Busan's airport) or at a convenience store, you can register and use Kakao T normally. Without a Korean number, street hailing and the phone-showing method are more reliable alternatives.

Do Busan taxis accept foreign credit cards?

Many do, but not all. Always carry some cash as backup. Most card-accepting taxis use standard Visa/Mastercard terminals. If the driver says "카드 안 돼요" (card doesn't work), pay in cash. ATMs are available at convenience stores (GS25, CU) throughout Busan and accept most foreign cards.

Is it safe to take taxis alone at night in Busan?

Yes. Busan taxis are generally safe. All licensed taxis display the driver's name and registration number inside the vehicle. For extra security, take a photo of the taxi number and share your location with someone before getting in. Stick to official taxis — avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.

What's the best way to get from Gimhae Airport to Haeundae?

The Airport Limousine Bus (Line 1, around ₩9,000) is the cheapest option to Haeundae. A taxi costs approximately ₩40,000–₩55,000 and takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. The subway (Airport Railroad to Sasang, then transfer) is the slowest but cheapest option. For a first visit with luggage, the limousine bus or a taxi to your hotel is most convenient.

How do I report a problem with a Busan taxi driver?

Note the taxi registration number displayed inside the cab. Call 1330 (Korea Tourism Hotline, English available) to report fare disputes or complaints. You can also file a report with Busan Metropolitan City's transportation department. Always ask for a receipt — it records the taxi number and driver ID.

Need help ordering food, booking restaurants, taking taxis, or handling Korean-only apps? DOWAME helps foreign travelers in Seoul and Busan get things done without a Korean phone number or Korean card. Concierge support is available from 9 AM to midnight KST.