Illegal Taxi Activities Targeting Foreigners in Korea | Complete Guide

 

What Are Illegal Taxi Activities Against Foreigners?

 

Illegal taxi activities against foreigners refer to unlawful and unfair practices by taxi drivers targeting foreign tourists or residents. These go beyond simple service complaints and constitute serious legal violations that significantly damage Korea's tourism image.

 

 

 

 

Why Are Foreigners Primary Targets?

• Lack of understanding of Korea's taxi system
• Language communication barriers
• Insufficient information about appropriate fares
• Unfamiliarity with reporting procedures

 

Main Types of Illegal Activities

1. Fare Overcharging (Meter Manipulation)

• Non-use of meter: Forcing flat-rate payments
• Meter tampering: Artificially accelerated fare increases
• Illegal additional charges: False claims for tolls, highway fees, etc.

2. Service Refusal and Discrimination

• Ride refusal: Rejection based on destination or nationality
• Detour driving: Deliberately taking longer routes
• Forced passenger drop-off: Forcing passengers to get off before reaching destination

3. Service-Related Illegal Acts

• Rude behavior: Abusive language or discriminatory remarks
• Unsafe driving violations: Speeding, reckless driving
• Lost item negligence: Intentional failure to return lost belongings

4. Fraudulent Activities

• Fake taxis: Operating unlicensed vehicles
• Tourist trap pricing: Outrageous fare demands near tourist areas
• Forced shopping: Mandatory stops at specific stores

Case Studies and Current Situation

Analysis of Actual Reported Cases

According to Seoul Metropolitan Government's foreign tourist complaint statistics over the past 3 years, fare overcharging accounts for 45% of all cases, representing the highest proportion.

Major Affected Areas

• Incheon International Airport → City Center: Airport taxi overcharging
• Myeongdong, Dongdaemun: Concentrated illegal activities around tourist areas
• Hongdae, Gangnam: Frequent meter manipulation during late-night hours

Scale of Damage

• Average overcharge amount: 2-5 times the normal fare
• Monthly average complaints: Approximately 200-300 cases
• Main affected nationalities: China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Western countries (in order)

How to Report and Respond

Immediate Response Methods

1. What to Do at the Scene

• Record taxi information: Note license plate, driver details
• Request receipt: Always ask for a fare receipt
• Take photographs: Capture meter, interior situation
• Record conversations: Audio record when possible

2. Reporting Contacts by Agency

Reporting Agency Phone Number Operating Hours Features

Dasan Call Center	120	24 hours	Multilingual service
Taxi Control Center	02-6970-3434	24 hours	Immediate response
Tourism Complaint Center	1330	24 hours	Foreign language consultation
Consumer Dispute Committee	1372	Weekdays 9AM-6PM	Damage compensation mediation

3. Online Reporting Methods

• Seoul City Website: Taxi illegal activity reporting section
• Taxi Apps: In-app reporting features (KakaoT, Tada, etc.)
• Korea Tourism App: Visit Korea app complaint reporting
• Consulate Reporting: Report to respective country's consulate

Prevention Tips and Precautions

Prevention Guidelines

1. Pre-Taxi Use Preparations

• Install taxi apps: Use reliable apps like KakaoT, Uber
• Prepare destination in Korean: Have exact address ready in Korean
• Check estimated fare: Pre-confirm fare via app or internet
• Prefer cards over cash: Card payments leave records

2. How to Identify Legitimate Taxis

• Taxi sign: Check if "TAXI" light is properly illuminated
• Fare table: Verify fare table is posted inside vehicle
• Driver ID: Confirm driver license certificate is displayed
• Meter operation: Ensure meter starts immediately upon departure

3. Handling Suspicious Situations

• When meter isn't used: Immediately demand to get off
• Excessive detours: Request destination reconfirmation
• Unreasonable fare demands: Clearly express refusal
• When threatened: Immediately call 112

 

 

Related Laws and Penalties

Taxi Transportation Business Act Violations

1. Fare Violation Acts

• Ride refusal: Fine up to 300,000 KRW
• Illegal fare collection: Fine up to 1 million KRW + license suspension
• Meter manipulation: License revocation + fine up to 2 million KRW

2. Service Violation Acts

• Rude behavior: Warning or fine up to 300,000 KRW
• Passenger safety violations: License suspension + fine
• Forced shopping: May apply fraud charges

Special Protection Measures for Foreigners

Tourism Promotion Act Application

• Tourist-targeted fraud: Enhanced penalties (up to 5 years imprisonment)
• Repeat violations: Extended business suspension
• Mass complaints: Intensified special enforcement

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Conclusion: Checklist for Safe Taxi Use

✅ Before Using Taxi

• [ ] Install reliable taxi app
• [ ] Prepare destination address in Korean
• [ ] Check estimated fare in advance
• [ ] Prepare card or transportation card

✅ During Taxi Ride

• [ ] Confirm proper meter operation
• [ ] Monitor route being taken
• [ ] Immediately protest any illegal acts
• [ ] Take photos/videos if necessary

✅ After Taxi Ride

• [ ] Keep receipt
• [ ] Report any illegal activities discovered
• [ ] Contact immediately if items are lost
• [ ] Write reviews to help other users

 

Illegal taxi activities against foreigners are serious issues that affect not only individual victims but also Korea's national image. With accurate information and appropriate response methods, these situations can be sufficiently prevented and addressed.

If you experience any inconvenience while using taxis, please don't hesitate to report to relevant agencies and help create a healthy taxi culture together.

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📞 Emergency Contact Information
Taxi Illegal Activity Reports: 120 (Dasan Call Center)
Tourism Complaint Reports: 1330
Emergency Situations: 112

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Additional Resources for Foreign Visitors

Useful Korean Phrases for Taxi Use

English Korean Pronunciation

Please use the meter	미터기를 사용해 주세요	Mi-teo-gi-reul sa-yong-hae ju-se-yo
This is too expensive	너무 비싸요	Neo-mu bi-ssa-yo
I want a receipt	영수증을 주세요	Yeong-su-jeung-eul ju-se-yo
Please stop here	여기서 세워 주세요	Yeo-gi-seo se-wo ju-se-yo
Call the police	경찰을 불러 주세요	Gyeong-chal-eul bul-leo ju-se-yo

Tourist-Friendly Taxi Options

• KakaoT: Most popular Korean taxi app with English interface
• Airport Railroad Express (AREX): Reliable airport transportation
• Hotel Shuttle Services: Many hotels provide airport transfers
• International Taxi: Designated taxis for foreign tourists

Embassy Contact Information

For serious incidents, contact your country's embassy in Seoul:

• US Embassy: +82-2-397-4114
• UK Embassy: +82-2-3210-5500
• Japanese Embassy: +82-2-2170-5200
• Chinese Embassy: +82-2-738-1038

 

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