Seoul Introduces QR-Based Taxi Complaint Reporting System

JAKARTA - The Seoul City Government has launched a QR code-based reporting system aimed at protecting foreign tourists from the practice of price fraud and other illegal taxi practices.

City officials say tourists can quickly report incidents such as improper use of argo or excessive tariffs in English, Mandarin, or Japanese via this new system. This system will be very useful for those who do not have time to participate in face-to-face interviews with city authorities.

The system is connected to a city government-owned commercial vehicle monitoring platform. Thus, officers can re-examine the complaints filed with a taxi operational record and, if necessary, impose sanctions such as fines and operational suspensions, city officials said.

"We are committed to ensuring all tourists can enjoy safe and reliable transportation services," said Yeo Jang-gwon, head of the city's transportation division, as reported by The Korea Times Aug. 25.

"We will continue to make it easier for them to provide input and will enforce the rules more effectively," he added.

Since June 19, leaflets the size of the business card have been distributed to foreign tourists at Incheon and Gympo International Airports. If they want to make a QR report, they can simply scan the QR code on the card, according to the city government.

Over the past 10 years, the city government has also implemented on-site law enforcement as part of efforts to monitor and prevent illegal taxi practices in main tourist areas including airports; Itaewon, popular nightlife and shopping areas; and Gangnam Station, major transit and shopping areas.

In 2024 alone, Seoul has conducted 7,435 interviews with foreign tourists and found 345 violations. During the first five months of this year, 143 violations were identified.