Yeosu City in South Jeolla Province announced that it will officially launch the 'Seomseom Yeosu Free Call Taxi,' a branded taxi service, starting January 1, 2026, and implement the 'Voucher Taxi for All Taxis in the City' initiative.
This project aims to eliminate the call usage fee (1,000 KRW) previously borne by citizens, thereby reducing the burden of taxi use for residents, ensuring quicker dispatch for transportation-vulnerable groups, revitalizing the taxi industry, and addressing concerns over monopolization by large corporations expanding their taxi call businesses. The ultimate goal is to enhance transportation convenience for citizens and vulnerable groups, as well as to boost the local economy.
Until now, phone-based call services have primarily been used by seniors and other digitally disadvantaged groups. Going forward, the system will be improved and operated so that all generations can conveniently use free taxi calls via both telephone and mobile app.
In particular, the "Seomseom Yeosu Free Call" service, introduced to continuously address the inconvenience citizens face during peak commuting hours due to difficulties using large corporate call taxis, is expected to provide a more stable taxi environment in the region.
Additionally, the city will expand the voucher taxi service, currently limited to 60 taxis for transportation-vulnerable individuals (such as non-wheelchair users with disabilities), to include all taxis in the city starting in 2026. This is expected to significantly improve tangible mobility convenience for transportation-vulnerable groups by reducing waiting times and enhancing service quality.
A city official stated, "The Seomseom Yeosu Free Call Taxi aims to reduce the burden on citizens and provide a transportation welfare service that is convenient for everyone, including tourists. We will make every effort to improve mobility rights, especially for seniors and transportation-vulnerable groups."
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