Calling a Taxi in Korea: A Guide

Hello! Today, we'll learn a useful phrase for hailing a taxi in Korea: "택시를 불러주세요!" (Please call a taxi!). This phrase is essential for traveling or living in Korea, allowing you to easily ask for help when you need a taxi. This article will explain the meaning and pronunciation of "택시를 불러주세요!" in detail, including various applications and practical tips.

1. Meaning and Pronunciation of "택시를 불러주세요!"

1) Expression
택시를 불러주세요!
(taek-si-reul bul-leo-ju-se-yo)
→ Meaning: Please call a taxi!
2) Pronunciation
택시 (taek-si): Pronounced similarly to the English word "taxi", but with a clearer pronunciation of the "taek" part.
를 (reul): Pronounced like 'rul', smoothly transitioning.
불러주세요 (bul-leo-ju-se-yo):
"bul-leo" is similar to the English "boo-leo", but shorter.
"ju-se-yo" should be pronounced with a gentle pause between each syllable.
3) Importance of Honorifics
In Korean, using polite expressions like **"불러주세요"** is considered good manners.
This expression is very useful when requesting something from staff in public places such as restaurants, hotels, and cafes.

2. Various Applications

1) Similar Request Expressions
"택시를 예약해 주세요!" (Please book a taxi for me!)
→ When you want to make a reservation in advance.
"공항으로 가는 택시를 불러주세요!" (Please call a taxi to the airport!)
→ Request including the destination clearly.
"택시가 어디에서 기다리나요?" (Where is the taxi waiting?)
→ When checking the location of an already booked taxi.
2) Expressions Including Destination
"서울역으로 가는 택시를 불러주세요!"
(Please call a taxi to Seoul Station!)
"호텔 앞으로 택시를 불러주세요!"
(Please call a taxi in front of the hotel!)

3. Basic Taxi-Related Expressions

1) When Getting in a Taxi
"이 택시 강남 가나요?"
(Does this taxi go to Gangnam?)
"미터기를 켜주세요."
(Please turn on the meter.)
"현금으로 결제할 수 있나요?"
(Can I pay in cash?)
2) Telling the Taxi Driver Your Destination
"서울역으로 가주세요."
(Please go to Seoul Station.)
"인천공항으로 가주세요."
(Please take me to Incheon Airport.)
3) Questions about Fare
"요금이 얼마인가요?"
(How much is the fare?)
"카드 결제 되나요?"
(Can I pay by card?)

4. Situations Where You Can Use "택시를 불러주세요!"

1) At a Hotel
When asking for help from a hotel lobby staff:

"안녕하세요, 공항으로 가는 택시를 불러주세요."
(Hello, please call a taxi to the airport.)
2) At a Restaurant
When asking a staff member after finishing your meal:

"죄송하지만, 택시를 불러주실 수 있나요?"
(Excuse me, can you please call a taxi for me?)
3) On the Street
When asking a passerby for help:
"근처에서 택시를 탈 수 있는 곳이 어디인가요?"
(Where can I get a taxi nearby?)

5. Useful Tips

1) Using Map Apps
You can directly call a taxi using the Kakao T (Kakao T) or Tmap Taxi (Tmap Taxi) app.

Kakao T Download Link:

Android: Kakao T - Google Play Storehttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=ko&id=com.kakao.taxi&pli=1
iOS: Kakao T - App Storehttps://apps.apple.com/kr/app/%EC%B9%B4%EC%B9%B4%EC%98%A4-t-%ED%83%9D%EC%8B%9C-%EB%8C%80%EB%A6%AC-%EC%A3%BC%EC%B0%A8-%EB%B0%94%EC%9D%B4%ED%81%AC-%ED%95%AD%EA%B3%B5-%ED%80%B5/id981110422
Tmap Taxi Download Link:

Android: Tmap - Google Play Store
iOS: Tmap - App Storehttps://apps.apple.com/kr/app/%ED%8B%B0%EB%A7%B5-%EB%8C%80%EC%A4%91%EA%B5%90%ED%86%B5-%EB%8C%80%EB%A6%AC%EC%9A%B4%EC%A0%84-%EC%A3%BC%EC%B0%A8-%EB%A0%8C%ED%84%B0%EC%B9%B4-%EA%B3%B5%ED%95%AD%EB%B2%84%EC%8A%A4/id431589174⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
2) Prepare Your Destination
Since taxi drivers may not speak English, it's a good idea to write down your destination in Korean.
Example: "서울역" (Seoul Station) or "인천공항 제1터미널" (Incheon Airport Terminal 1)
3) Understanding Taxi Fares in Korea
Regular taxis (silver): Basic fare approximately 4,800 won (as of 2024).
Deluxe taxis (black): Basic fare approximately 7,000 won.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it easy to hail a taxi in Korea?
A: In large cities, you can hail a taxi by raising your hand on the street. However, it's more convenient to book one using an app, especially late at night or during peak hours.

Q: What if the taxi driver doesn't speak English?
A: Show them a map or have your destination written down in Korean. The "Kakao T" app is useful as the driver can see the destination immediately.

Q: Are taxis safe in Korea?
A: Yes, taxis in Korea are relatively safe, and most drivers are friendly. However, using a taxi app is more convenient and reliable.

7. Practical Conversation Examples

Example 1: Requesting at a Hotel
Tourist: "안녕하세요, 공항으로 가는 택시를 불러주세요."
(Hello, please call a taxi to the airport.)
Staff: "네, 잠시만 기다려 주세요."
(Sure, please wait a moment.)
Example 2: Requesting on the Street
Tourist: "택시를 어디서 잡을 수 있나요?"
(Where can I catch a taxi?)
Local: "이쪽으로 가시면 택시 정류장이 있어요."
(Go this way, and there's a taxi stand.)

8. Today's Summary

**"택시를 불러주세요!"** is an essential phrase in Korea, easily used to request a taxi anytime, anywhere. Remember the expressions and tips learned today, and confidently use them when hailing a taxi!
Have you ever taken a taxi in Korea? Or are there any other Korean phrases you'd like to learn? Please let us know in the comments!