Ride sharing has exploded in popularity across South Korea in recent years. The convenience of hailing a car right from your smartphone with the tap of a button has revolutionized transportation options for locals and visitors alike. With the best ride sharing apps in South Korea, you can now easily book affordable rides whenever you need to get around Seoul, Busan, Incheon or other major cities.

In this blog post, we explore the leading ride-share platforms currently available to users in South Korea in 2023. We compared factors like driver supply, fares, rider promos and user experience to rank the apps that deliver exceptional service. Whether you want to grab a ride to a trendy Hongdae restaurant or make your early morning flight out of Incheon Airport, these highest-rated services will get you there reliably.

Get ready for an efficient journey experience with these ride-sharing apps!

Content Highlights

• Kakao T is the leading app, offering diverse features like taxi hailing, bike sharing, and carpooling. Other options include UT, Tada, SoCar, Green Car, and more.
• Kakao T is praised for its easy-to-use design and English language support, ensuring a hassle-free experience. It provides real-time tracking, emergency functions, and lower rates compared to traditional taxis.
• Uber faced challenges entering South Korea, encountering resistance from the taxi industry and struggling to differentiate itself. Regulatory issues and a lack of localization contributed to its initial failure.
• South Korea offers a range of ride-sharing and ride-hailing options. We have compared 50 top apps and services.

Overview of Ride Sharing Apps in South Korea

South Korea is home to a wide variety of ride-sharing apps that make getting around easier than ever. The most popular ride-hailing app is Kakao T (formerly known as KakaoTaxi), which provides an easy way to hail a taxi or book other transportation services.

It has become increasingly popular among locals and tourists alike because of its comprehensive features, such as pre-booking for early pickup times and sharing the fare with friends or family via social networks.

Other renowned apps are UT, Tada South Korea’s first ride-hailing service using private cars, and SoCar, a car-sharing platform for short-term rentals. Green Car is another option available for those looking for ecotourism rides, featuring electric vehicles exclusive to cities in South Korea.

All these apps prioritize safety and security by enforcing background checks on drivers and including GPS tracking during trips, along with extra emergency features like panic buttons within the app itself.

15 Best Ride Sharing Apps in South Korea

The top-performing apps highlighted below were chosen based on customer reviews and ratings for their seamless booking process, transparent pricing, solid driver network and availability even during peak hours.

Read on to discover which ride sharing smartphone apps South Korean locals and visitors love for Buxi, KakaoTaxi, Papa, and other useful features that today’s best ride sharing apps in South Korea deliver on every ride. We cover what sets each leading platform apart in terms of coverage area, vehicle options, promotions and more.

Kakao T

Kakao T, the brainchild of South Korean tech giant Kakao, has established itself as the country’s leading transportation service app, surpassing competitors like Uber. Its popularity stems from a combination of factors, including its user-friendly interface, affordable rates, and diverse range of transportation options.

Kakao T’s intuitive interface and multilingual support make it accessible to a wide audience, including foreigners. Its real-time tracking feature and emergency button prioritize user safety. Additionally, its competitive fares, particularly during off-peak hours, attract locals and tourists.

Kakao T caters to various transportation needs, offering regular taxis, bike-sharing, connected scooters, and carpooling services. This comprehensive range of options sets it apart from traditional taxi services and other ride-hailing apps.

Macaron Taxi

Macaron Taxi has earned its reputation as a standout ride-hailing app in South Korea, distinguished by its exceptionally user-friendly interface. Navigating through the app is a seamless experience, offering users an effortless process to conveniently book rides. A notable strength lies in the app’s versatility, providing a diverse array of vehicle options to accommodate various preferences and requirements.

While the app excels in delivering a smooth experience, some users may find the pricing slightly elevated. Despite this consideration, Macaron Taxi remains a favored choice for those who value a hassle-free and straightforward ride-hailing experience in the South Korean landscape.

Buxi

Buxi has garnered a solid reputation in the ride-sharing landscape, primarily for its commendable reliability and user-friendly attributes. The app stands out with its straightforward interface, contributing to a hassle-free navigation experience for users. One of Buxi’s key strengths lies in its commitment to providing competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious passengers.

The inclusion of a real-time tracking feature further elevates the overall positive experience, offering users enhanced visibility and assurance regarding their ride. With a focus on affordability and dependability, Buxi emerges as a reliable choice for those who prioritize both cost-effectiveness and a seamless ride-sharing experience.

Tmap Taxi

Onda Taxi

Papa

Uber in South Korea

Uber’s entry into the South Korean market was met with considerable resistance and challenges, leading to its initial failure to gain traction. The company faced significant pushback from the taxi industry and failed to differentiate its services from existing transportation options adequately.

Uber initially offered a free service, UberBLACK, to test the market before launching its full-fledged ride-hailing app. This attempt proved unsuccessful, forcing the company to rethink its approach and develop an improved reentry strategy.

The traditional taxi industry viewed Uber as a threat and actively resisted its entry, raising concerns about driver background checks, vehicle maintenance standards, and the potential impact on their livelihoods. Authorities echoed these concerns, leading to regulatory actions such as the ban on Uber in Seoul due to inadequate safety measures and the suspension of UberX in March 2019.

Table: Comparison of the top Ride Sharing Options in South Korea

UT

UT is a joint venture between Uber and SK Telecom’s T Map, aiming to compete in the ride-sharing market of South Korea. This new development comes after Uber’s failed attempt at entering the Korean market in 2015.

The UT app merges the original taxi-hailing service of T Map with the popular ride-hailing service offered by Uber to provide residents with an array of transportation options. To start, Uber has invested $150 million into its entity and owns a 51 percent stake in this newly formed venture.

Through this investment, it is clear that both companies are confident they can capture a significant share of South Korea’s ridesharing industry. Additionally, UT also provides customers with important features such as background checks on drivers and GPS tracking for extra security while traveling.

Tada

Tada offers a unique transportation service that allows private car owners to offer rides to passengers. It has revolutionized the traditional taxi industry by providing comfortable, convenient, and safe journeys for users due to its easy-to-use smartphone app, which enables individuals to book a ride in just three taps.

The app provides real-time tracking of drivers, so passengers always know when they will arrive, as well as features an English language option for foreign users. Other information, such as payment details, are also taken care of within the app, making it even easier for customers traveling through South Korea.

In addition, Tada also aims to promote environmental consciousness with its green cars feature that utilizes electric vehicles for faster journey times and improved fuel efficiency.

SoCar

SoCar is the top car-sharing platform in South Korea, offering app-based services for convenient and reliable transportation solutions. With over 7 million users and more than 1.4 million registered vehicles, SoCar dominates the market share with an impressive 80% dominance in its country of origin.

In addition to providing car-sharing services and renting out vehicles for short trips of a few hours, the company has also added several features such as T Map integration and special payment plans that provide further convenience for customers wanting to rent a vehicle.

With competitive pricing structures compared to traditional car rental companies and enhanced user experiences through its mobile app features, SoCar is becoming increasingly popular amongst commuters seeking an affordable yet comfortable way to get around quickly without relying on unreliable public transportation systems or raising cost concerns when using taxis/UBERs.

BanBan

BanBan is a pioneering ride-hailing app in South Korea that provides an exclusive service for female passengers driven by an all-female fleet. Launched in 2019, BanBan aims to make ride-sharing safer and more comfortable for women, especially late at night.

The app has robust safety features, including real-time GPS tracking, an emergency SOS button to connect to police, and the ability to share ride details with emergency contacts. All drivers undergo extensive verification checks, including criminal background screening and verification of vehicle ownership. Cars are equipped with CCTV cameras for added security monitoring.

Users can conveniently book rides, track arrival times, rate drivers, and pay seamlessly within the app. BanBan also provides detailed profiles of drivers, including years of experience, vehicle details, and customer feedback. The service is available in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon.

Poolus

Poolus is a popular South Korean rideshare app that allows users to find carpool matches or book seats on commuter shuttle buses. It aims to provide an affordable and sustainable transport option by letting people share rides along common routes.

The app uses an algorithm to match riders intelligently and drivers based on proximity, route, and schedule. Users can view profiles, ratings, and feedback to choose reliable carpool partners. For shuttles, they can conveniently book and pay for seats on buses servicing fixed routes during peak hours.

Poolus handles all payment and scheduling through the app. It also tracks live locations and expected arrival times. Users can rate trips and provide feedback to build a trusted community. By promoting shared rides, Poolus helps reduce congestion, emissions, and transport costs.

Hello Cab

Hello Cab allows users to hail traditional taxis and licensed call drivers through its mobile app. It provides an easy way to book safe rides from established taxi companies without needing to call each one individually.

Users simply enter their pickup and drop-off locations and can view fare estimates beforehand. After booking a ride, the app provides vehicle details, driver name, contact information, and expected arrival time. Users can also track the ride in real-time.

Payment is handled seamlessly within the app after the ride. Users can save multiple addresses and payment methods for quick future bookings. Hello Cab partners with major taxi operators across South Korea to provide wide coverage.

Snapcar

Snapcar offers premium rideshare services in South Korea using high-end vehicles from luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, and Audi. It caters to business travelers and those seeking a more upscale ride experience.

Users can book cars on-demand via the app by choosing from a wide selection of the latest models featuring amenities like leather seats, sunroofs, WiFi, and premium sound systems. Rides can be booked by the hour or full day with insurance and gas costs included.

Snapcar delivers vehicles to the requested location along with vetted drivers. Users have access to 24/7 roadside support and can rent child safety seats as required. With its focus on nicer cars, insured drivers, and customized services, Snapcar provides an exclusive alternative to regular rideshares.

Green Car

Green Car is a leading ride-hailing service in South Korea that contributes to sustainable transportation goals. It offers an economical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional taxis, providing users with access to clean, electric cars for their transportation needs.

Green Car’s vehicles are powered by renewable energy sources such as solar power and hydroelectricity, helping reduce emissions and other environmental impacts associated with regular automotive travel.

Furthermore, using private cars reduces traffic congestion from shared ride services such as Uber and Kakao T. Moreover, Green Car has improved user safety through features like GPS-based real-time tracking of driver/passenger coordinates throughout the journey as well as pre-trip background checks conducted on all drivers registered on the platform.

Safety and Security Measures

[Video Credits @YourKoreaFriend]

Ride Sharing Apps in South Korea provide a variety of safety features such as background checks on drivers, GPS tracking and trip details, as well as in-app emergency features.

Background Checks on Drivers

Rideshare companies prioritize passenger safety and often require drivers to pass a rigorous screening process. Companies like Uber and Kakao T conduct background checks that include motor vehicle record (MVR) checks as well as criminal background checks, to ensure the safety of their passengers.

To further guarantee security, these companies also require driver applicants to have a clean driving record. Additionally, Uber is committed to conducting employee background screenings at least once every year on all active partners and providing response teams dedicated to ensuring safe ride experiences for its riders.

With such measures being taken by such rideshare companies, users can rest assured knowing that they will be traveling safely anytime with these apps.

GPS Tracking and Trip Details

Ride-sharing apps in South Korea have advanced safety measures that utilize GPS tracking and trip details to provide users with additional protection. These features make it possible for users to view details such as the driver’s exact location, travel route, estimated arrival time, and more.

This ensures that passengers can always monitor the ride and quickly contact emergency services if needed. By making this data visible to riders during their journey, ride-sharing apps can add peace of mind while also helping reduce any unwanted incidents from occurring.

The government has also implemented smartphone tracking for new airport arrivals as part of its strategy for coronavirus prevention. In addition, they recently launched a GPS-based app that monitors those designated to be quarantined at home or who may have come into contact with infected individuals on their recent travels.

In-app Emergency Features

In ride-sharing apps in South Korea, in-app emergency features are designed to ensure the safety and security of riders. These features enable riders to quickly contact an Emergency Response Center or other emergency services if they feel threatened at any point during a ride.

Key features include an emergency button, GPS tracking, which allows the app to pinpoint their exact location, and details about the driver and trip for users’ records. The Ministry of Interior Affairs also fixed possible security flaws in the latest quarantine version of this application so that it is even safer for users.

Uber recently launched new safety measures, such as a panic button feature incorporated into its US app for added protection during rides, calling attention to rider safety overall across various markets, including South Korea.

All these efforts give extra confidence to riders who use ride-sharing apps in South Korea so they can trust that they can get help when needed with just one tap on their phone screens.

Top Ride Sharing and Ride Hailing Apps in South Korea

Here is a table comparing 50 top ride sharing and ride-hailing apps in South Korea across key details like coverage area, operating hours, and vehicle options:

Benefits of Ride Sharing Apps in South Korea

Ride-sharing apps offer increased convenience, affordability, and accessibility to transportation services in South Korea.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Ride-sharing apps such as Kakao T have revolutionized transportation in South Korea, offering a reliable and convenient way to get around. Featuring an easy-to-use interface with efficient navigation and real-time tracking, users can easily locate their rides with confidence.

On top of that, Kakao T offers multiple payment options for added convenience, so passengers can quickly pay for their ride hassle-free. Users’ reviews and feedback on the app reflect this positive experience. Many comments on how simple it is to use the app while praising its affordability compared to traditional taxis or buses.

With its diverse features and user-friendly design, Kakao T makes riding easy for all by simplifying transportation methods in South Korea without compromising the user experience!

Lower Costs Compared to Traditional Taxis

Ride-sharing apps in South Korea are more cost-effective than traditional taxis, offering transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surcharges. The global ride-sharing market is expected to reach a value of $226 billion by 2028, indicating potential cost savings for users.

Furthermore, the survey conducted in South Korea revealed that ride-hailing mobile apps have become popular and offer an opportunity for users to obtain budget-friendly transportation choices with reduced expenses compared to taxis.

Additionally, the industry has a significant market share, which is projected to continue growing shortly – thus leading to further cost advantages for riders, such as lesser costs compared to traditional taxi services and greater accessibility of economical ride options.

Increased Accessibility to Transportation Options

Ride-sharing apps in South Korea have provided residents and visitors with better access to transportation services. These services offer flexibility, convenience, cost savings, and a wide range of options beyond what traditional taxi companies provide.

Through varying service tiers such as limousines, cars for hire, buses, and vans, they enable individuals to choose their preferred option when it comes to getting from one place to another efficiently and economically.

The app-based system provides an easy way to book trips while removing the hassle associated with haggling over prices or scrambling for taxis on busy streets. Furthermore, innovative updates like integrated payment systems further simplify the overall process, resulting in a more pleasant experience for customers.

Additionally, recent upgrades have also brought expanded coverage areas, allowing travelers access even when they are far off the beaten path, making discovering remote areas easier than ever before.

User Reviews and Ratings

A review of feedback from users shows that they generally have a positive experience when using ride-sharing apps in South Korea, with many praising their convenience and affordability.

Positive Experiences and Customer Satisfaction

As with any market, customer satisfaction is essential to the success and reputation of ride-sharing apps in South Korea. Managing customer expectations has been a dominant metric for measuring how well businesses tend to meet customer needs.

Customer satisfaction is seen not only as an indicator of performance but also as perceived quality and value for money, which affects passenger experiences. Positive experiences such as reliable services, friendly service staff, and clean vehicles, among other factors, remain key ingredients towards achieving satisfactory customer experience levels in this sector.

For instance, popular ride-hailing platforms like Kakao T focus on concrete ways of ensuring their drivers are excellent at providing friendly and prompt services that match the quality level proposed by them when customers book rides via their app.

Additionally, affordability becomes particularly important since it drives users’ choice between different providers or even upsells additional services by companies who can offer riders more value for less money, a determining factor for satisfied customers.

Criticisms and Areas for Improvement

Ride-sharing services in South Korea have been met with skepticism and critical reception due to safety concerns around vague regulations, background checks on drivers, passenger protection, and overall customer experience.

For example, Kakao Corp had difficulty navigating the country’s carpooling law after acquiring Luxi, a rival ride-hailing service. In March 2020, a survey revealed that many users felt there was a lack of trust for such apps due to negative experiences or unreliable service.

Furthermore, taxi associations expressed their anger towards well-known ride-hailing mobile applications as they believed they were being unfairly pushed out of business by foreign companies who weren’t following applicable local laws and regulations.

There is concern about cars not being equipped with proper technological features such as GPS tracking to show real-time trip details. Instructors tested emergency features and calibration requirements for sensors, which enhance user experience and availability of rides when traveling away from home, especially in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Now, let’s explore some frequently asked questions regarding the best ride-sharing apps in South Korea.

1. What are the best ride-sharing apps in South Korea?

Popular ride-sharing apps in South Korea include Kakao T, Uber, Hello Cab, Poolus, and others. Keep in mind that the popularity and availability of these apps may change over time, so it’s advisable to check for the latest information and user reviews.

2. Can I pay for my rides using cash?

No, payments for rides through this app must be made with a debit or credit card linked to your account. Cash is not accepted most of the time.

3. Are there any other options besides ride-sharing apps that can get me around in South Korea?

Subways and buses are alternative methods of transportation available in some cities in South Korea, as well as taxi services which may require cash payment at the end of a trip. Throughout major cities, bicycles can also be rented from bike-sharing companies such as oBike and MoBike for short commutes within the city limits.

4. Is it safe to use ride-sharing services in South Korea?

Yes, all drivers registered with the leading ride-sharing companies have passed a standard background check conducted by their respective companies before being hired, making them reliable and trustworthy sources of transportation within South Korean cities.   

Takeaway

Ride-sharing apps are a great way to get around South Korea and explore its cities easily and affordably. Popular apps like Kakao T, UT, and Tada allow users to book safe, reliable rides with just a few taps on their phones.

These apps offer an array of benefits, including convenience, affordability, and increased accessibility to transportation options. Furthermore, they have put safety measures in place, such as background checks for drivers and GPS tracking of rides in an emergency.

Overall, ride-sharing services provide a convenient option for those traveling or living in South Korea that can help make traveling more straightforward and affordable.

For anyone looking for the most seamless experience when getting around South Korea at an economical rate, downloading the top ride-hailing mobile applications is highly recommended!