Traveling Korea with Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Taxis, Car Seats, and Kakao T

As a father of a 5-year-old boy named Woobin, I know exactly what goes through your mind when you land at Incheon Airport with strollers, suitcases, and a tired toddler. You want to get to your hotel as fast and safely as possible. In Korea, taxis are affordable and everywhere, but for foreign parents, they can be a bit tricky. "Do I need a car seat?" "How do I call a taxi if I don't speak Korean?" Today, I’ll share my real-life experience and local tips to make your family's taxi rides stress-free.

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1. The Car Seat Dilemma: Is it Mandatory?

This is the most frequent question I get from traveler parents. Technically, according to Korean Road Traffic Law, children under the age of 6 are required to use a car seat. However, here is the reality: most standard Korean taxis do not carry car seats.

When I travel with Woobin in a regular taxi, I often have to hold him or use a portable booster. While police rarely pull over taxis to check for car seats, safety is always the priority. * Local Dad’s Tip: If safety is your top concern, I highly recommend bringing a lightweight portable car seat (like a Wayb Pico or a mifold) or booking a specialized "Ventana" or "i.M Taxi" which are larger vans that sometimes offer car seat options through advanced booking.

2. Master the Kakao T App (Your Survival Tool)

In Korea, waving your hand on the street to catch a taxi is becoming a thing of the past, especially during rush hour or in busy areas like Gangnam and Myeongdong. You must download the Kakao T app.

• Why Kakao T? It shows you the estimated fare, the route, and the driver's plate number. Most importantly, you can set your destination in the app, so you don't have to struggle with the language barrier.

• Registration Tip: Many travelers struggle with payment registration. If your foreign credit card isn't working, choose the 'Pay to the driver' (General Taxi) option. You can pay with your physical credit card or a T-Money card once you arrive.

3. Choosing the Right Taxi Type for Your Family

Not all taxis are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown for families:

• Standard Taxi (Silver, White, or Orange): The most common and cheapest. Best for a family of 3 with minimal luggage.

• International Taxi: These drivers speak English (look for the 'International' sign). They can be reserved in advance for airport pickups.

• Large Vans (Kakao Black, i.M, or Tada): If you have a bulky stroller and multiple suitcases, choose a Van. They are more expensive but offer a much smoother experience for kids. I always use these when we head to the airport because the extra space keeps Woobin from getting cranky.

4. Essential Etiquette & Safety Tips

• Automatic Doors? No: Unlike taxis in Japan, Korean taxi doors do not open automatically. You need to open and close them yourself.

• The "No-Show" Warning: If you call a taxi via an app and don't show up, you might be restricted from using the service again.

• Seatbelts are Mandatory: Ensure everyone in the back seat is buckled up. It’s the law for everyone, not just kids.

Navigating Korea with a little one can be an adventure, and understanding the taxi system is a huge part of that. While the car seat situation isn't perfect, using apps like Kakao T and choosing the right vehicle type can make your trip much smoother. Have you ever tried using a taxi app in a foreign country? Or are you worried about the car seat policy? Leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to answer your questions based on my life here in Seoul!