South Korean Lawmaker Seeks Seoul Taxi Reforms After 6,481 Overcharging Complaints

South Korea’s Seoul wants to put brakes on taxi overcharging

A South Korean lawmaker has called for changes to Seoul’s handling of taxi overcharging complaints involving foreign tourists.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Mo Gyeong-jong said the issue could damage South Korea’s image as the country seeks to attract more visitors amid the global popularity of K-pop.

Mo cited Seoul city government data showing that only 204 of 6,481 complaints involving taxi overcharging against foreign tourists resulted in administrative measures between 2021 and August this year.

The figures were cited on Sunday, when Mo also raised concerns about the limited action taken against drivers accused of overcharging visitors.

Reward scheme has not paid out

Mo told reporters that a city scheme offering rewards to people whose complaints led to penalties against errant taxi drivers has yet to pay a single cent.

The scheme was intended to encourage complaints that could result in action against taxi drivers found to have overcharged foreign passengers.

However, Mo’s account indicates that no reward has been paid under the scheme so far.

The issue came under scrutiny in June after a Taiwanese tourist sparked an online controversy by alleging that a taxi driver had charged him nearly 10 times the expected fare.

The journey was from eastern Seoul to Incheon International Airport, according to the report of the complaint.

The case brought renewed attention to how foreign tourists may experience taxi services in Seoul and to the consequences of weak enforcement against alleged overcharging.

Mo’s warning links the complaints to South Korea’s efforts to attract visitors, making the handling of taxi disputes part of the country’s broader image among foreign tourists.

Source: South China Morning Post