Types of Taxis in Seoul    

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General taxies (called Ilban in Korean and referred to as Grey Taxis by expats) are usually silver with a white or blue line. There is a basic fare of W2400 that increases by increments of W100 the farther and/or longer you travel (every 144 meters). The fare is calculated by both the distance traveled and the time the trip takes. The fare between Incheon International Airport and downtown Seoul can be anywhere from W36,000 to over W100,000, depending on traffic. Expect to be asked to pay the toll fee, as well. (Note: As of May 2009 it is possible to negotiate a flat rate from Incheon International Airport into the City - for example, to Gwanwhamun, the flat rate would be W65,000.) Between midnight and 4 AM, there is an extra charge (20%) for all general taxies anywhere. Getting a general taxi is usually very easy: Yellow-canopied taxi stands are typically located near busy bus or subway stops. Where there is a taxi stand you are expected to stand in line. Elsewhere, you just hail the taxi from the street. You can hail a taxi on the street by holding your arm out parallel to the street and waving your hand up and down.

Haechi Taxi (Seoul's Signature Taxi) combines the Seoul icon Haechi, Seoul's colors (orange on white) and Seoul typeface. Introduced in May 2009, the Haechi cab is expected to replace Seoul's current fleet of taxi within the next 4 to 5 years. The fare is the same as that of the grey taxis.

Deluxe Taxies, called "mobeom" taxies in Korean, are black with a yellow sign on the top and the words "Deluxe Taxi" written on the side. The claim to offer a higher standard of service than the general taxies – however, other than being better upholstered, most expats see little difference between the ‘black’ taxies and the ‘grey’ ones. Deluxe taxies are usually allowed to park in front of hotels and they are the ones hotel staff will call for guests. However, you can ask for a ‘grey’ or 'ilban' taxi (they are usually park just out of sight of the hotel) and the staff will get you one.
The fare starts at W4500 and increase by increments of W200 based on time and distance . Taking a  taxi from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul can run to more than W100,000. (However, as of May 2009, it is possible to negotiate a flat rate from Incheon International Airport into the City - for example, to Gwanwhamun, the flat rate would be W95,000.) 
Getting a deluxe taxi is very simple. Deluxe taxi stands are located at hotels, bus and subway stations, as well as bus terminals. Black taxies can also be hailed on major city streets. Alternatively, you can call 02-1566-3030 or 02-3431-5100 (you may need the help of a Korean friend as the operators don’t always speak English). A called deluxe taxi will not charge anything over the metered fare.

International Taxis (aka foreigners' taxi) 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. The taxis are entirely orange and all drivers are required to have passed foreign language tests run by the city. 

The international taxi has a different fare system than regular cabs. Passengers who have called for these taxies have to pay a 20 percent higher metered rate as opposed to the KRW1,000 surcharge levied by other call taxis. 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 the same as for regular taxis whether the passenger is Korean or foreign.

Three type of International Taxis ㅡ mid-size, deluxe and large-size. 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 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.

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.

 

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