From February 1, the basic taxi fare in Seoul will increase to four-thousand-800 won.

According to the Seoul city government on Monday, the base fare for mid-sized cabs in the capital will rise by one-thousand won. The initial minimum distance, for which the base fare is applied, will also be shortened to 1-point-6 kilometers from the current 2 kilometers.

After the base fare, 100 won will be charged for every 131 meters, instead of the current 132 meters as well.

As part of efforts to increase nighttime taxi services, last month the city also allowed cab drivers to charge a nighttime surcharge from 10 p.m. instead of midnight. 

The city government's decision comes amid growing complaints about a shortage of cabs in Seoul, sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following taxi fares, subway and bus fare hikes for the first time in eight years are also pending.