How to Dodge Myeongdong's Late-Night Taxi Overcharging
Past midnight in Myeongdong, an argument breaks out at a taxi stand. The meter reads 8,900 won, but the driver is asking for 20,000. This is how the most common small scam a visitor to Korea encounters usually starts.
At a glance: Report overcharging to the Dasan Call Center at 120 (foreign-language support available) or the Tourist Police at 1330 · Confirmed violations carry a license suspension of up to 30 days · The best defense is booking through an app like Kakao T, which locks in the fare before you ride.
From September 14 to 22, the Seoul city government ran a special crackdown on taxi overcharging timed to the Chuseok holiday. Any confirmed violation triggers an immediate license suspension of up to 30 days. That focused crackdown has ended, but drivers who leave the meter off or quote a flat fee late at night in tourist-heavy areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Itaewon remain a year-round complaint.
The defense is simple. Instead of hailing an empty cab off the street, use a ride-hailing app such as Kakao T: it shows the estimated fare before you depart and charges your registered card automatically, leaving no room for haggling. If the app feels unfamiliar, at minimum check that the meter is running before you get in, and look up the rough fare to your destination beforehand (Myeongdong to Hongdae runs around 15,000 won) so an inflated number is obvious right away.
If you do get overcharged, ask for a receipt on the spot and photograph the taxi's license plate. The Dasan Call Center (120) offers foreign-language support, and the Tourist Police (1330) can respond in person with interpretation. One small dispute can color an entire trip's impression — and filing a report also protects the next traveler who steps into that same cab.