Wondering if I need cash for taxis in South Korea or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
Honestly, South Korea spoiled me because taxis here are so modern. Every single taxi I used in Busan and Seoul took card without a problem. I just tapped my credit card, and it went through instantly. No awkward excuses, no machines “not working.” If you install Kakao T, you can even set your card and pay automatically. I still carried a little won of cash just in case, but I never once needed it. Compared to other places, it’s seamless.
Taxis in Seoul were a mixed bag. My card worked fine in three out of four rides, but one night the POS machine was “broken” - maybe true, maybe not. He was polite and patient while I looked for cash, so I didn’t feel scammed. I recommend asking upfront or using Kakao T if you’re nervous about communication. It’s not like Japan where cash is king, but Korea still has those “just in case” moments where cash can save you stress.
I lived in Itaewon for a month and used Kakao T for almost every taxi ride. If you’ve got a Korean SIM and a local debit card, it’s by far the smoothest way to get around. But when I used a street taxi without the app, I always asked "카드 돼요?" (do you take card?) before hopping in. Most said yes and swiped my Mastercard without issues. But in smaller cities like Mokpo, drivers preferred cash. So I always had around ₩30,000 just in case.
Used cabs in Jeju and Seoul. Half the time I paid by card, but once in Gwangju, the driver flat-out refused and insisted on cash. It wasn’t a scam - his machine literally wouldn’t turn on. I ended up withdrawing at a nearby CU. After that, I always carried ₩20,000 in backup. If you’re hoping for Uber-style app rides, forget it - Kakao T is solid but not always easy to set up if you’re just visiting.
Most taxis in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon accept credit cards, T-money, or even Samsung Pay - look for the little card logos on the window. But I’ve still had drivers (especially older ones or late-night rides) claim their machine wasn’t working and ask for cash. Apps like Kakao T let you pay directly through the app, but require a Korean number and often a Korean payment method. If you’re not fluent in Korean, stick with card but carry some cash just in case.