Bonghwa's Night Rides: Taxi Fare System Set for Change

Base Taxi Fare to Rise to 4,500 Won from February
At a Crossroads Between "Adjustment to Reality" and Service Improvement

The base taxi fare in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, will be raised starting in February 2026. Due to ongoing inflation and the accumulating management burden on the taxi industry, the county has determined that an adjustment to the fare system is unavoidable.

Bonghwa County Increases Base Taxi Fare by 4,500 Won Starting February

Bonghwa County announced that, beginning February 1, the base taxi fare in the region will increase by 500 won, from the current 4,000 won to 4,500 won.

This adjustment follows the taxi fare standard revision plan confirmed by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Price Countermeasures Committee and marks the first fare increase in Bonghwa County in approximately three years.

Along with the base fare hike, the per-distance fare system will also be partially revised.

The fare per distance will be adjusted from 100 won per 131 meters to 100 won per 128 meters, making the distance-based fare calculation more detailed.

The county aims to enhance the rationality of the fare structure through these changes, while also seeking to improve the business environment for the industry.

To minimize inconvenience for residents due to the fare increase, the county will focus its administrative resources on advance publicity.

In addition to providing information via the county website and electronic display boards, the county plans to fully inform the public about the fare changes by posting banners in each town and township, as well as making announcements at various meetings and events.

The taxi industry has also pledged to improve service in line with the fare increase. Training on courteous service for drivers will be conducted, and efforts will be strengthened to maintain vehicle cleanliness, comply with traffic regulations, and eliminate illegal or unfair fare practices through voluntary inspections and internal guidance.

A Bonghwa County official stated, "This taxi fare adjustment is an unavoidable decision made after comprehensively considering inflation, the management difficulties faced by the transportation industry, and the need to realistically reflect drivers' wages," adding, "We will maintain strict service quality management, supervision, and enforcement to ensure transportation convenience for residents and visitors is not compromised."

Bonghwa County also plans to continue inspecting and improving overall public transportation services, including taxis, to guarantee residents' mobility rights and to gradually strengthen a transportation welfare system tailored to local conditions.