Quick Summary
Kakao T's purpose is taxi calling, airport taxi, premium taxi, and driver location tracking. It is the most popular transportation app in Korea.
Key takeaways
- Purpose: taxi, airport taxi, premium taxi, and driver location tracking.
- Most popular transportation app in Korea.
- One of the ASK KOREA Top 3 Essential Apps, alongside KakaoMap and Papago.
- Recommended to install before arriving in Korea, especially for airport pickup.
- Part of the Korea Survival Set: KakaoMap + Kakao T + Papago.
Why It Matters
Korea is a highly app-based society. Many daily activities, including calling transportation, are much easier when using local apps like Kakao T instead of trying to hail a taxi on the street.
Without Kakao T
Calling transportation becomes confusing and getting around becomes more difficult, especially for airport transfers or late-night trips.
Most popular transportation app
Kakao T is the most popular transportation app in Korea, used daily by foreigners and locals alike.
Part of the Korea Survival Set
KakaoMap + Kakao T + Papago make up the ASK KOREA recommended Korea Survival Set — if you install only three apps before arriving in Korea, start with these.
Real survival situation
Need a taxi? Open Kakao T, set your destination, and call the taxi.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 01
1. What is Kakao T for?
Kakao T's purpose is taxi, airport taxi, premium taxi, and driver location tracking. It is the most popular transportation app in Korea.
- 02
2. Install the app
Download Kakao T before arriving in Korea — it is one of the ASK KOREA Top 3 Essential Apps.
- 03
3. Allow location permission
Allow location access so Kakao T can detect your pickup location and match you with a nearby driver.
- 04
4. Search / set your destination
Enter your destination, for example your hotel or the airport.
- 05
5. Follow route guidance and call the taxi
Confirm your pickup point and destination, then call the taxi. You can track the driver's location in real time.
- 06
6. Types of taxis available
Kakao T supports general taxi, airport taxi, and premium (Black) taxi options.
- 07
7. Use it together with KakaoMap
In a real survival situation such as needing a taxi: open Kakao T, set the destination, and call the taxi. Combine with KakaoMap for finding the exact destination address.
Important Tips
Install before arrival
Kakao T is one of the three essential apps (with KakaoMap and Papago) — install before you land in Korea.
Don't skip Kakao T
One of the most common foreigner mistakes is not installing Kakao T and relying only on street taxis.
Save your hotel and airport route
Save key addresses in advance so you can request a taxi quickly.
Track your driver
Use the driver location tracking feature to know exactly when your taxi will arrive.
Save screenshots
Take screenshots of key addresses as backup in case of connectivity issues.
Use Papago together with Kakao T
Combine with Papago if you need to communicate with the driver in Korean.
Common Mistakes
Don't
Not installing Kakao T before arrival.
Do
Kakao T is the most popular transportation app in Korea and one of the ASK KOREA Top 3 Essential Apps — install it before arrival.
Don't
Only using Google Maps and street hailing for taxis.
Do
Use Kakao T to call transportation reliably — it is the most popular transportation app in Korea.
Don't
Having no translation app when talking to the driver.
Do
Use Papago together with Kakao T for communicating with your driver.
Don't
No offline backup of your destination address.
Do
Save screenshots of your hotel and airport route as backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kakao T used for?+
Taxi, airport taxi, premium taxi, and driver location tracking. It is the most popular transportation app in Korea.
Should I install Kakao T before arriving?+
Yes. It can make airport arrival and daily transportation much easier.
What is the recommended app combination with Kakao T?+
KakaoMap + Kakao T + Papago make up the Korea Survival Set, the ASK KOREA recommended combination.
Which app should I use if I need a taxi and don't speak Korean?+
Open Kakao T, set your destination, and call the taxi. Use Papago if you need to translate anything with the driver.
Official Resources
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