Starting Saturday, taxi fares in Seoul shoot up for the first time in more than five years.

The base fare for taxis will rise to 3,800 won ($3.37) from current 3,000 won for the first 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). Late night fare from midnight to 4 a.m. will start from 4,600 won, up from 3,600 won. The base fare for deluxe and jumbo taxis will increase to 6,500 won from 5,000 won.

Taximeters will also run faster. The travel distance per 100 won will be shortened to 132 meters (433 feet) from 142 meters (466 feet), and the base time for an incremental 100 won charge will be reduced to 31 seconds to 35 seconds.

Late night fare will be calculated based on a roundup figure for the unit of 10 won. For example, a passenger will need to pay 4,000 won if the taximeter displays 4,040 won but 4,100 won for 4,050 won.

The Seoul city government will update taxi meters for 15 days, starting Feb 16, and place a taxi fare table during the upgrade period to minimize confusion.

By Woo Je-yoon and Cho Jeehyun

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