Seoul’s “Taxi QR Complaint System.” (Photo courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government)
SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — Seoul city officials said Tuesday that hundreds of complaints filed by foreign visitors since the launch of a QR-based taxi reporting system have revealed widespread concerns over overcharging, prompting stepped-up enforcement against illegal fare practices.
Since introducing the “Taxi QR Complaint System” in June last year — the first such program in the country — the city has received 487 reports from foreign passengers. The largest share involved alleged fare overcharges, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The system allows passengers to scan QR codes posted inside taxis and submit real-time surveys detailing illegal or improper conduct during their rides.
City authorities said they are investigating drivers flagged through the system and have already imposed administrative penalties, including fines, in eight confirmed cases.
Citizens are using taxis at the Seoul Station bus transfer center. (Yonhap)
In one instance cited by officials, a taxi driver who transported a foreign passenger from Gimpo International Airport to Yeonhui-dong in December was found to have charged 56,000 won, despite the meter showing a fare of 32,600 won. The violation was reported through the QR system and later confirmed by city inspectors.
To encourage reporting, Seoul has expanded promotional materials inside taxis and at major tourist destinations, while also publicizing the system through official social media channels.
The city has also introduced measures aimed at preventing fare disputes before they occur. Taxi receipts now include English-language information indicating the final fare, pick-up and drop-off times, and whether any late-night or holiday surcharges were applied. A hotline number for complaints is printed at the bottom of each receipt.
The changes were implemented last month in cooperation with Tmoney Mobility, the operator of taxi payment terminals.
“Breaking the cycle of illegal fare practices requires making it easier for foreign passengers to report problems,” Yeo Jang-kwon, head of Seoul’s transportation bureau, said in a statement. “Drivers found to have violated the rules will face stronger penalties.”
With the city preparing for what officials describe as the “3-3-7-7 tourism era” — a push to attract more international visitors — Seoul said it would continue efforts to ensure taxis are safe, transparent and convenient for foreign travelers.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
