International Reservation Taxis for Foreigners in Seoul    

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International Taxis (aka foreigners' taxis) were introduced in Seoul in May 2009 as an option for tourists. Basically, they are supposed to provide translation services in English and Japanese based on a reservation system (Chinese will be available in September 2009). The taxi are entirely orange and all drivers should have passed foreign languages tests run by the city. There are three types: mid-size, deluxe and large-size. (Note that as of 2011, Seoul city has been introducing orange taxi that are not only for 'foreigners'. The plan is to have all city registered taxis be orange with license plates that show first a 2-digit combination starting with'3' such as 33,34,etc.

Metered Fares:
International taxis have a 20% higher metered rate than regular cabs.  There is no additional surcharge over and above the fare shown on the meter. The taxi accepts T-Money cards and other credit cards as well, and must be reserved. However, if the taxi was not reserved but flagged down, the fare is supposed to be the same as for regular taxis whether the passenger is Korean or foreign.

Fixed Fares:
A fixed fare is charged from the airport to three locations downtown or vice versa. For example, it costs 65,000 won for mid-size taxis and 95,000 won for deluxe taxis from Incheon International Airport to the Gwanghwamun area, which is some 60-kilometers away.

Charter Rates:
Charter rates are also available: W50,000 won for three hours, W80,000 for five hours and a maximum of W200,000 per day.

Info/Reservations
Call Center  at 1644-2255 (English and Japanese available) around the clock and online at www.internationaltaxi.co.kr or www.intltaxi.co.kr.  It is possible to reserve an International Taxi online (from outside Korea) and arrange for it to meet your flight.  If reserved online, you will receive an email with the taxi license plate number, the driver's name and cell number.  If reserved in country, you will also receive this information by both email and via SMS message on your cell phone, if you have given your cell phone number as part of your contact information when you made the reservation.   The taxis are assigned in advance, and will be generally on-time.

There are exclusive information desks, taxi stands, and waiting areas for international taxis at Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport. Several spots in downtown Seoul, such as Insa-dong, Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market have international taxi stands.

K4E Comment:  The major advantage is that, unlike the regular call taxis or the black deluxe ones, you'll find someone who speaks English when you call, as opposed to the operator hanging up on you as soon as you say something in English.
The 'foreigners' taxi system appears to prefer having people email a date/time for pick-up from/to the international airport.

K4E Editor's Note: Korea4Expats.com wants to provide you with as complete and accurate information as possible, so should you find any errors or omissions in the contents above please let us know at info@korea4expats.com