Access from Gimhae International Airport to Busan! How to Get There by Taxi and Tips

There are various transportation options from the airport such as limousine buses, local buses, and trains, but taking a taxi is undoubtedly the most convenient. Although slightly more expensive compared to other means of transport, a taxi allows you to travel privately without worrying about other travelers. In addition, you won’t have to walk with heavy luggage to stations or bus stops, and you can save time.

In this article, we introduce the method and tips for using taxis from Busan’s Gimhae International Airport to the city.

Korean Taxi Types

In Busan, as in the rest of Korea, there are two types of taxis. One is the regular taxi, and the other is the model taxi. Regular taxis typically come in colors such as orange, white, or silver, and their service quality depends on the driver; whether they speak English can vary.

Model taxis feature more upscale vehicles that are black in color. The interiors are spacious and comfortable. They also tend to have better service, with many drivers speaking English. However, fares for model taxis are generally higher than those for regular taxis.

There are also larger “jumbo taxis” that can accommodate 6–10 passengers, making them ideal for families or groups. Their fares are the same as those of model taxis.

Additionally, officially licensed taxis in Korea have yellow license plates and display “TAXI” on the roof. It is recommended to avoid using any taxis that are not officially certified in Korea.

At Gimhae International Airport, the taxi stands are located just outside the arrival halls of each terminal, making them easy to find.

[Reference] Approximate Taxi Fare and Travel Time from Gimhae International Airport to Busan City

How long does it take and how much will it cost by taxi from Gimhae International Airport to Busan?

Below are approximate fares and travel times:

・Seomyeon Area: Approximately 25 minutes, 14,000 KRW
・Nampo-dong (Chagalchi) Area: Approximately 35 minutes, 15,000 KRW
・Haeundae Area: Approximately 50 minutes, 22,000 KRW

The initial fare is 3,000 KRW for regular taxis and 5,000 KRW for model taxis. Regular taxis incur a 20% surcharge for late-night service (from 00:00 to 04:00) and for travel to cities outside the local area, whereas model taxis and jumbo taxis do not have such surcharges.

Note that at night, there may be issues such as fare evasion or the meter not being activated, so please take care.

Tips When Using Taxis from Gimhae International Airport

Here are some important points to note when using taxis from Gimhae International Airport:

・To prevent any issues, always use officially licensed Korean taxis with yellow license plates.
・Taxis in Korea are operated manually, so you should open and close the doors yourself.
・Upon boarding the taxi, check that the meter is activated and in use.
・Be aware that some drivers may not speak English; therefore, prepare a note with your hotel name and address written in Korean.
・When getting off the taxi, open the door yourself, but first check that there are no vehicles or motorcycles approaching.

Since Korean taxi practices differ somewhat from those in your country, please take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe ride.

Busan Tourist Police

If you encounter any issues such as overcharging or other taxi-related troubles at the airport or during your ride, you can contact the police (phone number: 112) or the Korea Tourism Organization’s Tourist Complaint Center. In Busan, there are Tourist Police offices located at Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, and Nampo-dong International Market. They handle crime prevention, enforcement against illegal activities, tourist complaints, and provide tourist information. If you face any troubles, consider consulting with them.

When doing so, be sure to take a picture of the taxi driver’s identification card located next to the driver’s seat or write down the taxi’s license plate number on your smartphone. This will help the police or the official in charge understand the situation more clearly.

◎ Summary

How did you like it? Taxis in Korea are convenient, though the practices differ slightly from those in your country. To ensure a safe taxi ride, choose only officially licensed Korean taxis, check that the meter is running, and have your destination prepared in Korean. With a few precautions, you can avoid major troubles.

We hope you enjoy a safe and pleasant trip in Busan—a city that is familiar even to travelers from Asian countries. Enjoy your journey!

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Access from Gimhae International Airport to Busan! How to Get There by Taxi and Tips