Byeon Chang-heum on Taxi Base Fare Question: "About 1200 Won"

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byeon Chang-heum is responding to a question from Kim Hee-guk, a member of the People Power Party, during the government inspection session held at the National Assembly plenary session on the afternoon of the 5th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hanah Na] Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byeon Chang-heum responded "about 1,200 won" to People Power Party lawmaker Kim Hee-guk's question about the basic taxi fare.

At the government economic questioning session held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 5th, lawmaker Kim asked Minister Byeon, "The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is in charge not only of housing but also roads, railways, and airports. Have you ever taken the subway, taxi, or bus?" to which Minister Byeon replied, "Yes."

Then, when lawmaker Kim asked, "What is the basic taxi fare?" Minister Byeon hesitated, saying, "Because I pay by card." When lawmaker Kim pressed for an answer again, Minister Byeon said, "I don't check the fare," and answered, "about 1,200 won."

After hearing Minister Byeon's answer, lawmaker Kim pointed out, "The basic taxi fare is 3,800 won," and said, "Can the minister in charge of transportation policy properly perform his duties if he does not even know the basic public transportation fare?"

Meanwhile, the 1,200 won fare Minister Byeon mentioned is the Seoul city bus fare. Although the basic taxi fare varies by region, in Seoul it is 3,800 won.

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