Korean footballer Koo Ja-cheol gets an Uber ride in Seoul.
After quietly launching in beta on the streets of Seoul in June, now Uber is launching officially in the South Korean capital.
Uber says it selected Seoul as its second Asian launch – after Singapore earlier this year – because the Android-loving city has the highest smartphone penetration in the world. Plus, with a population of more than 10 ລ້ານ, Seoul is the biggest market Uber has entered so far.
Uber is adding a local twist to its high-end autos by adding some Hyundai Equus models alongside its usual BMWs and Mercs. The minimum fare in the city is 12,000 Won ($10.70), and a ride from COEX Mall or conference center in Gangnam district up to Seoul station will cost about $32. Definitely not cheap, but the limo-like service is a level above local taxi companies. I dread to think how it’d cost to go all the way out to Incheon airport, which is technically a totally different city.
(Editing by Anh-Minh Do)