I was walking out of my apartment building in Jongno on a weekday afternoon, heading to pick up my younger one from school, when I noticed a Tesla parked nearby with a international taxi sign on it. That alone was enough to make me stop — I had not seen one before. But when I looked closer, I noticed something else printed on the side: “International Taxi” and “Foreign Language Service,” with a phone number underneath.
I took a photo.
I live in one of the most tourist-heavy neighborhoods in Seoul. There is a hotel right next to my apartment building, and on any given day the streets around Gyeongbokgung and Insadong are full of foreign visitors navigating the city on their own. And yet I — a Korean local who has lived here for years — had never actually stopped to think about what that “International Taxi” sign meant or how it worked.
It turns out it is one of the most useful services in Seoul for foreign visitors, and almost nobody talks about it.
What Is the International Taxi?
Seoul’s International Taxi service was introduced in 2009 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government specifically for foreign travelers. The drivers are licensed taxi drivers who can communicate in at least one foreign language — English, Japanese, or Chinese — which immediately removes the single biggest source of anxiety most tourists have about taking taxis in Korea.
This is not a premium luxury service with inflated prices. It operates as a regular licensed taxi with metered fares for city trips. Keep in mind that the meter rate runs slightly higher than a standard Seoul taxi — a reasonable premium for the language service included. The cars vary — which is why I happened to spot a Tesla that afternoon. Drivers choose their own vehicles, and some go for something a little more impressive than the standard sedan.
How to Book One
You do not need a Korean phone number to use this service, which is exactly what makes it useful for short-term visitors.
The simplest option is calling 1644-2255 directly. If you are calling from outside Korea, the number is +82-1644-2255. You can make reservations online 24/7 at international taxi homepage. The English and Japanese call center operates during regular business hours, with support available for urgent airport trips.
The official website at intltaxi.co.kr is the most reliable way to book, with a mobile-friendly interface that works well on any smartphone. The booking process asks for your departure point, destination, travel date, and number of passengers, then shows you the fare before you confirm.
Airport Transfers: Where This Service Really Shines
The International Taxi is particularly well set up for airport arrivals. At Incheon International Airport, there is a dedicated International Taxi information desk where you can make reservations, check existing bookings, and get help in your language. There is also a separate waiting area specifically for these taxis, so you are not competing with the general taxi queue after a long flight.
For airport routes, flat-rate zone fares apply rather than the meter — meaning you know the price before you get in. Fares to central Seoul destinations generally run in the range of 65,000 to 90,000 won depending on your destination zone. Night surcharges apply separately, so if you are arriving late, factor that in.
When Regular Taxis Are Fine — And When This Is Worth It
If you are comfortable with Kakao T or K.ride and your destination is easy to show on a map, a regular taxi works perfectly well for most trips around Seoul. Korean taxi drivers are generally honest and the meter is always running.
But if you are arriving in Korea for the first time, carrying heavy luggage, traveling with elderly family members, or simply want the reassurance of being able to explain your situation clearly in your own language — the International Taxi removes a layer of stress that is hard to put a price on.
The number is worth saving before your trip even if you never end up using it: 1644-2255.