Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kiddirts · Joined: 25 Jul 2003

Do you notice that cab drivers are more aggressive (go through red lights, speed, weave, etc...) when you have a Korean in the car with you? But if you are alone or with other foreigners, they take their sweet time on the ol' pay-meter, let other cars pass, stop at red lights, don't even move when they're supposed to? I even had a few guys given me the longest run around in an area I was familiar with...a 6,000 won taxi ride from Kangnam Station to Coex Mall in no traffic jam. I've gotten into fights with some, I hate it. The worst is when you pay him and he doesn't shut of the meter at your stop and he's fiddling around for like 20 seconds trying to get your change and he gives you less change because of it. It's not the 100 won that pisses me off, it's the fact that HE DID IT ON PURPOSE to get an extra 100 won. When I first got here I actually had to put a choke on a guy when he took my girl's 20,000 and wouldn't give her any change coming from Hongdai to Kangnam because he never put on the meter. Any other night this is exactly an 11,000 won ride. Any good stories out there?

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

I have a solution......

YOU tell him which way to go.

Like left = whenchok
right = oranchok
straught = cheekchin

That way he can't stuff you around and problem solved

snufalufagus · Joined: 10 May 2004

I don't know ..... I've, twice, screamed at the top of my lungs to get the driver to stop so I could get the hell out of the car because of the maniacal driving ... and I've driven (recreationally) in stock cars

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Well, no horror stories in Korea, but I'm not living in Seoul. I'm sure they are a very different animal.
In Manilla, I took a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Everytime the driver tooted the horn, (which, if you have ever been to Manilla, is every 5 seconds!), the meter went up by 10 pesos!
I asked him why...he smiled, pushed a button and continued honking away, but no longer at my expense.
I was upset, but 10 pesos is what....5 cents?

Yeah, that "fumbling wiht the change" thing is goofy.

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

Most taxis are boring, and usually their driving gives me some fear.

I had a really good one one night, though. Old friendly cabbie. He was driving standard, and got me where I wanted super fast and quite cheap, in TRAFFIC. He was a pro. I was front seat and buckled up, felt safe.

capa21 · Joined: 03 Nov 2003

Taxi drivers in Seoul are a little crazy at times. The most dangerous cab ride of my life was in Cuba though. I've never gone so fast in a cab. At the same time, you gotta trust the cab drivers. Just buckle up and hang on. As for getting ripped off with the fare, thats a different story and something no one should tolerate.