12/02/2023
Exploring the bustling metropolis of Busan, with its stunning coastlines, vibrant markets, and towering skyscrapers, is an adventure in itself. While public transport is efficient, taxis offer unparalleled convenience, especially when navigating unfamiliar areas or carrying luggage. They are generally a very convenient and cheap way to travel around the city. However, with a few different types of taxis to choose from, understanding your options can significantly enhance your travel experience. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the most common taxi services in Busan, their unique features, and provide crucial tips for a hassle-free journey.
Understanding Busan's Diverse Taxi Landscape
Busan's taxi fleet is varied, designed to cater to different needs and budgets. From the ubiquitous General Taxis to the more luxurious Deluxe options, and the specialised Brand and Busan Call Taxis, there's a ride for every occasion. Knowing the distinctions will help you make an informed choice and ensure you get to your destination comfortably and efficiently.
The Common Workhorse: General Taxis
The General Taxi is by far the most common sight on Busan's streets. These taxis are typically grey and easily identifiable by a blue light on top. When a General Taxi is vacant, the roof lamp will be lit, and a red 'vacant' sign will be visible through the windscreen. They are the most economical option for everyday travel.
- Appearance: Usually grey, with a blue light on the roof.
- Starting Fare: 2,200 won for the first 2km.
- Subsequent Charge: 100 won for each additional 143m.
- Traffic/Slow Travel Charge: 100 won for every 34 seconds if travelling at less than 15km/h or stuck in traffic.
- Night Surcharge: Fares increase by a 20% premium between midnight and 4 am.
Luxury on Wheels: Deluxe Taxis (Mobeom)
For those seeking a more comfortable and premium experience, the Deluxe Taxi, also known as Mobeom Taxi, is the ideal choice. These taxis are distinctively black with a yellow sign on top. As the name suggests, 'deluxe' refers to the enhanced comfort of the vehicle, a broader range of services offered, and the assurance that drivers have excellent, clean driving records and extensive experience. This premium service comes at a higher price point, roughly double that of a General Taxi, but offers a smoother, more reliable ride, especially beneficial for business travellers or those prioritising comfort.
- Appearance: Black, with a yellow sign on the roof.
- Starting Fare: 4,500 won for the first 3km.
- Subsequent Charge: 200 won for each additional 160m.
- Traffic/Slow Travel Charge: 200 won for every 38 seconds if travelling at less than 15km/h or stuck in traffic.
- Night Surcharge: Unlike General Taxis, there is no late-night surcharge for Deluxe Taxis, making them a potentially cost-effective option for late-night long-distance journeys.
- Additional Benefits: More comfortable cars, often accept credit cards, and drivers are highly experienced.
Specialised Services: Brand Taxis and Busan Call Taxis
Beyond the general and deluxe options, Busan also features specific brand taxis that offer a consistent service experience.
Deungdae Call Taxis
Deungdae Call Taxis are a private taxi company operating in Busan. They are easily recognisable by their grey colour, an orange lamp on the roof, and an orange sticker on the side of the car. Despite being a private entity, Deungdae Call Taxis charge the same rates and offer similar services as the General Taxis, providing another reliable option for your travel needs.
What is a Busan Call Taxi?
Busan Call Taxis are another prominent service, easily distinguished by their grey colour, a blue light on the roof, and a blue sticker on the side of the car. These taxis are run by a dedicated taxi company and are designed for maximum availability. A key feature of Busan Call Taxis is their 24-hour operation, facilitated by two drivers working 12-hour shifts. This ensures that a Busan Call Taxi is almost always available on the street, making them a highly reliable choice, especially during off-peak hours or when you need a taxi quickly. They charge the same rates as the General Taxis.
- Appearance: Grey, with a blue light on the roof and a blue sticker on the side.
- Operation: Run by a dedicated company, operating 24 hours a day with two drivers per vehicle.
- Starting Fare: 2,200 won for the first 2km.
- Subsequent Charge: 100 won for each additional 143m.
- Traffic/Slow Travel Charge: 100 won for every 34 seconds if travelling at less than 15km/h or stuck in traffic.
- Night Surcharge: Fares increase by a 20% premium between midnight and 4 am, similar to General Taxis.
Both Deungdae Call Taxis and Busan Call Taxis offer the same fare structure and general service level as the General Taxis, providing consistent and reliable options for travellers.
Comparing Busan's Taxi Services
To help you quickly differentiate between the services, here's a comparative overview:
| Taxi Type | Colour/Identification | Starting Fare | Night Surcharge (Midnight-4am) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Taxi | Grey, blue roof light | 2,200 won (first 2km) | 20% premium | Most common, economical |
| Deluxe Taxi (Mobeom) | Black, yellow roof sign | 4,500 won (first 3km) | None | Comfortable cars, experienced drivers, often accepts credit cards |
| Deungdae Call Taxi | Grey, orange roof lamp/sticker | 2,200 won (first 2km) | 20% premium | Private company, similar to General Taxi service |
| Busan Call Taxi | Grey, blue roof light/sticker | 2,200 won (first 2km) | 20% premium | Company-run, 24-hour operation with 2 drivers, highly available |
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey in Busan
While many tourists use taxis in Busan every day without issues, a few tips can make your experience even smoother and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Communication is Key: Destination and Interpretation
If you don’t speak Korean, it is highly recommended to have your destination written down in Korean. This can be on a piece of paper, your phone, or ideally, a business card from your hotel. This eliminates any language barriers and ensures the driver understands exactly where you need to go.
For those moments when the driver can’t understand you, many taxis in Busan offer a fantastic service: the Free Interpretation Service. They will provide you with a phone, allowing you to speak directly to an interpreter who can then relay your destination to the driver. This service is free of charge and incredibly helpful for tourists.
Payment Methods: Cash is King (Mostly)
Most taxis in Busan will accept payment by smart cards (like T-Money or Cashbee, which can be topped up at convenience stores). However, it is crucial not to solely rely on this, as not all taxis may have working card readers or the driver might prefer cash. Always make sure you have sufficient cash available, especially for shorter rides or if you are travelling late at night. Deluxe Taxis are generally more reliable for card payments.
Always Insist on the Meter
This is perhaps the most important rule for any taxi journey abroad. Make sure the meter is on when you start your journey. The meter ensures you are charged the correct, regulated fare based on distance and time. If a driver refuses to turn the meter on, politely decline the ride and hail another taxi. This is rare in Busan but always good practice to be aware of.
Understanding Driver Refusals
Occasionally, when you hail a taxi, the driver might refuse to take you to your destination. There could be several legitimate reasons for this, and it’s usually not personal. Common reasons include:
- Destination too close: Drivers might prefer longer fares, especially if they've been waiting a while.
- Destination too far or out of their preferred operating area: Some drivers might have specific routes or areas they prefer to work within.
- Approaching midnight: Drivers might refuse short fares just before midnight to wait for the late-night surcharge to begin, allowing them to earn more from longer rides.
If this happens, simply leave the taxi and hail down another. Busan has an abundance of taxis, so finding an alternative should not be an issue.
Detailed Fare Breakdown for Clarity
To reiterate the fare structures and provide full transparency:
- General Taxis, Deungdae Call Taxis, and Busan Call Taxis:
- Base fare: 2,200 won for the first 2km.
- Additional distance: 100 won for every 143 meters.
- Traffic/waiting time: 100 won for every 34 seconds (when speed is below 15km/h).
- Night premium (midnight to 4 am): 20% surcharge on the total fare.
- Deluxe Taxis (Mobeom):
- Base fare: 4,500 won for the first 3km.
- Additional distance: 200 won for every 160 meters.
- Traffic/waiting time: 200 won for every 38 seconds (when speed is below 15km/h).
- No night premium.
Understanding these details can help you estimate your journey cost, especially for longer trips or those occurring during the night surcharge hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which cab is best in Busan?
There isn't a single 'best' cab in Busan; it truly depends on your priorities. If you're looking for the most economical option for general travel, the General Taxis, Deungdae Call Taxis, and Busan Call Taxis are your best bet. If comfort, guaranteed credit card payment, and highly experienced drivers are paramount, and you don't mind paying double the fare, then a Deluxe Taxi (Mobeom) is the superior choice. For guaranteed 24/7 availability and reliability, especially late at night, a Busan Call Taxi is an excellent choice.
What is a Busan Call Taxi?
A Busan Call Taxi is a specific type of taxi service in Busan, run by a dedicated taxi company. They are identifiable by their grey colour, blue roof light, and blue side sticker. Their key distinguishing feature is their 24-hour operation, maintained by two drivers working 12-hour shifts, ensuring constant availability. They charge the same standard fares as General Taxis, making them a reliable and affordable option for any time of day or night.
Are taxis safe in Busan for tourists?
Yes, taxis in Busan are generally very safe for tourists. The city has a well-regulated taxi system. Following the tips mentioned, such as insisting on the meter and having your destination written in Korean, will help ensure a smooth and secure journey. Many tourists use them daily without any problems.
Can I pay for taxis with a credit card in Busan?
While many taxis, especially Deluxe Taxis, accept credit cards and smart cards, it's not universally guaranteed for all General, Brand, or Busan Call Taxis due to potential technical issues or driver preference. It's always best to have some cash on hand as a backup, particularly for General Taxis or during late-night journeys.
What if the taxi driver doesn't understand my destination?
If there's a language barrier, most taxis in Busan offer a Free Interpretation Service. The driver can hand you a phone, allowing you to speak to an interpreter who will then communicate your destination to the driver. Alternatively, always try to have your destination written down in Korean.
Is there a night surcharge for all taxis in Busan?
No, not for all. General Taxis, Deungdae Call Taxis, and Busan Call Taxis apply a 20% premium surcharge between midnight and 4 am. However, Deluxe Taxis (Mobeom) do not have a night surcharge, which can sometimes make them a more economical choice for longer, late-night journeys, despite their higher base fare.
In conclusion, Busan's taxi system is a highly efficient and user-friendly aspect of its public transport network. By understanding the different types of taxis available, their fare structures, and following a few simple tips, you can confidently navigate this magnificent city, making your travel experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
If you want to read more articles similar to Navigating Busan: Your Essential Taxi Guide, you can visit the Transport category.