Step 1: Downloading the App
Search: Go to your phone's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iPhone).
Find: Search for "Kakao T" or "카카오 T".
Install: Download and install the app. The app icon is a yellow circle with a black 'T' inside.
Step 2: Setting Up the App
Open the App: Launch the Kakao T app.
Agree to Terms: The app will ask for your agreement to its terms and conditions. You'll need to check the boxes to agree.
Phone Number Verification:
Enter your phone number, including the country code. If you have a Korean phone number, it will be automatically detected.
The app will send a verification code via text message (SMS).
Enter the 6-digit code into the app to verify your phone number.
Connect to Kakao Account (Optional but Recommended):
The app will ask if you want to connect your KakaoTalk account. This is recommended as it helps with communication and using other Kakao services.
If you don't have a KakaoTalk account, you can skip this step.
Location Access:
The app will ask for permission to access your location. You must allow this for the app to work correctly, as it needs to know your current location to hail a taxi.
Step 3: Hailing a Taxi
Open the Kakao T App: The main screen will show a map with your current location.
Select "Taxi" Service: At the top of the screen, you will see different service options. Tap the "택시" (Taxi) icon.
Set Your Destination:
The app will automatically set your current location as the pickup point (출발지). You can adjust this by dragging the map or entering an address manually.
Tap the "어디로 갈까요?" (Where are you going?) bar to enter your destination.
You can type in the name of a place (e.g., "Seoul Station," "Gyeongbokgung Palace") or an address.
The app will show you a list of matching locations. Select the correct one.
Choose Taxi Type and Payment Method:
After setting your destination, you will see a list of different taxi types and estimated fares.
Kakao T Blue (카카오 T 블루): These are taxis that are managed by Kakao. They are usually clean and have good service. They will automatically accept your ride request. The fare is slightly higher.
General Taxi (일반 택시): These are regular taxis. They may take a bit longer to find, but the fare is a standard metered fare.
Payment Method: You can select your payment method (결제수단).
In-app Payment (앱 내 결제): You can register a credit card in the app. The fare will be automatically charged when the ride ends. This is the most convenient option.
Direct Payment (직접 결제): You pay the driver directly with a credit card, cash, or a T-money card.
Call a Taxi:
Once you have selected your taxi type and payment method, tap the "호출하기" (Call a taxi) or "블루 호출하기" (Call Kakao T Blue) button.
The app will start searching for a nearby driver.
Wait for Confirmation:
Once a driver accepts your request, the app will show you the driver's name, their car's license plate number, the car type, and the driver's current location on the map.
You will also see an estimated arrival time.
Step 4: Riding the Taxi
Wait at the Pickup Point: The app will show you where the taxi is on the map. Wait at the location you set as your pickup point.
Get in the Taxi: When the taxi arrives, confirm the license plate number matches the one shown in the app.
Enjoy the Ride: You can follow your journey on the map within the app.
End of the Ride:
If you chose in-app payment, the fare will be automatically charged to your registered card. You can simply get out of the taxi when you arrive.
If you chose direct payment, you will pay the driver with a card or cash. The fare is based on the meter.
Don't forget to take all your belongings with you!
Useful Phrases and Tips:
To the driver: "안녕하세요!" (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo) - "Hello!"
To confirm your destination: "OOO로 가주세요." (OOO-ro ga-ju-se-yo) - "Please go to OOO." (Replace OOO with your destination name or address).
To ask for a credit card payment: "카드 결제되나요?" (Ka-deu gyeol-je doe-na-yo?) - "Can I pay by card?"
Don't worry if the driver seems quiet. It's common for taxi drivers in Korea to focus on driving.
The app will send you notifications about your ride status, so make sure your notifications are turned on.
By following these steps, you should be able to use the Kakao T app to get a taxi easily and conveniently in South Korea. Have a great trip!
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
