Seoul lets residents hail taxis by phone to aid digital access
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Seoul, South Korea expanded its taxi service to allow residents and visitors to request rides by phone, aiming to support people without smartphones or those uncomfortable using apps.
The 120 Dasan Call Foundation added an automated route on August 13, enabling callers to reach the 120 Companion Call Taxi center by dialing 02-120 and pressing 6. This change streamlined the process, removing the previous requirement to speak with a counselor before connecting to the taxi service.
Before the new system, the dedicated center received 750 calls over six days, averaging 125 calls per day. After the automated route launched, the center handled 948 calls in six days, increasing the daily average to around 160 calls. Seoul first launched the 120 Companion Call Taxi service in July 2025 as a way for people to book taxis without using a smartphone application.
The city implemented this solution in response to the growing need to include all residents in its digitally advanced transportation system.
