Uber’s New Membership Brings Cheaper Rides and Teen-Friendly Features to Korea: Riders earn up to 10% back on fares, while parents gain new tools to monitor their children’s trips. (Image supported by ChatGPT)
SEOUL, Aug. 26 (Korea Bizwire) — Uber announced Tuesday that it will introduce its subscription-based membership program in South Korea next month, escalating competition in the country’s mobility market as rivals race to lock in loyal customers.
At a press briefing in Seoul, Uber Taxi Korea head Song Jin-woo said the service, called Uber One, would mark “a turning point” for the company in Korea by offering passengers new benefits and drivers fresh income opportunities.
The membership, priced at 4,900 won ($3.60) per month or 49,000 won annually, allows riders to earn up to 10 percent back in Uber One credits on trips booked through the platform.
Uber-affiliated taxis qualify for the full 10 percent credit, while standard taxis earn 5 percent. The service will launch after a brief beta test in select regions early next month.
The move comes just a day after Kakao Mobility rolled out its own subscription packages, priced similarly at about 5,000 won, covering taxi rides and parking services.
Uber Taxi. (Image from the company webpage)
Uber argues its program provides better value, noting that Kakao members must spend about 100,000 won monthly to benefit, compared with 50,000 won for Uber users.
Uber also unveiled a new “Uber Teens” account for minors, set to debut Aug. 29. The feature allows teenagers to book rides under parental supervision, with only top-rated drivers assigned to trips.
Parents can monitor journeys in real time, set monthly spending limits, and rely on existing safety tools such as PIN verification and emergency dialing.
Jinwoo Song, General Manager of Uber Taxi Korea (Image courtesy of Uber Taxi)
The company has been expanding its offerings in Korea, launching oversized “Taxi XL” rides for groups earlier this year and extending discounted airport rides — as low as 100 won ($0.07) — to Jeju and Busan in addition to Seoul’s airports. Song said these steps have boosted both supply and demand, creating what he called a “virtuous cycle” of growth.
Uber emphasized its commitment to working with drivers, highlighting its industry-low commission fee of 2.5 percent and ongoing upgrades to its driver app. The firm said it is continuing to expand its driver network, particularly in tourist hubs such as Busan and Jeju.
“As we grow, we will keep offering services tailored to the needs of both drivers and passengers, fulfilling our responsibility as a global mobility platform,” Song said.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
