Shocking Korean Taxi Fare Reported by Japanese Media: "Another National Embarrassment"

Taxi Driver Turns Off Meter and Hides License Registration
Overcharging Foreign Tourists Sparks Outrage and Crackdown in Seoul

A Japanese media outlet has reported a scene in which a Korean taxi driver charged a Japanese passenger four times the metered fare for a ride from Myeongdong to Hongdae in Seoul, sparking controversy.

On September 4, TBS NEWS DIG in Japan reported, "As illegal taxi practices targeting foreign tourists continue, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is stepping up enforcement." The report highlighted cases of refusing short-distance passengers and overcharging. In the broadcast, reporters posed as tourists and took a taxi from Myeongdong to Hongdae. The taxi driver turned off the meter during the ride and covered up the taxi license registration card.

A Korean taxi driver is charging a Japanese person 45,000 won to go from Myeongdong to Hongdae. Photo by TBS Japan Broadcasting capture

When the reporters got into the taxi, the driver greeted them in Japanese, saying, "Nice to meet you." He then offered to take them to a casino for 10,000 yen (about 94,000 won) per person and said he could introduce them to entertainment venues, asking for their contact information. Upon arriving at the destination, Hongdae, the driver claimed the fare was 45,000 won but said he would reduce it to 40,000 won if paid in cash. Typically, the taxi fare from Myeongdong to Hongdae is about 12,000 won. This driver demanded four times the normal price. When the reporters asked for a receipt after paying, the driver said, "There is no receipt."

The driver was later caught in a crackdown. When the reporters revealed they were filming for a broadcast and asked why he had overcharged, the driver claimed, "I waited for an hour in Myeongdong for the passengers." When asked why he did not use the meter, the driver replied, "I already paid the fine," and quickly left the scene.

The outlet stated, "According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the areas where most of the damage occurs are tourist hotspots such as Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Itaewon," and advised, "The city is strengthening enforcement and tourist surveys, so please report any incidents if you are affected."

Meanwhile, the broadcast was captured and shared on domestic online communities. Netizens who saw it responded with outrage, saying, "This is a national disgrace," "The taxi driver's license should be revoked," and "The fines should be increased."

With the peak tourist season underway, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has been conducting a 100-day intensive crackdown since last month on illegal taxi practices such as overcharging and refusing rides to foreign tourists.