Used to explain a light-weight two-wheeled cart pulled or pedaled by an individual on the entrance, the time period “rickshaw” dates again to the nineteenth century and is usually related to Asian international locations like Thailand and India. That is even supposing guests to New York Metropolis also can ebook excursions on comparable carts generally known as “pedicabs” round well-liked vacationer areas resembling Occasions Sq. and Central Park.
Rickshaws are additionally regularly utilized by vacationers within the southeastern South Korean metropolis of Gyeongju, and earlier this week, the Korea Tourism Group secured a partnership with Uber that permits vacationers to ebook rides instantly by the app.
The pilot program is at present out there by the Uber Taxi service that lets riders ebook a conventional metered taxi as a short lived initiative operating till November 2. It was made out there throughout the dates when the annual Asia-Pacific Financial Cooperation discussion board brings 1000’s of worldwide guests into the town.
Uber Taxi rickshaw choice rolled out in South Korean metropolis as quick take a look at
“This is an event prepared so that domestic and international visitors can experience Gyeongju’s beautiful attractions as APEC approaches,” an Uber spokesperson in South Korea stated of the initiative.
“We will continue to work with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and local governments to brand Korea as a global destination that can be traveled safely and conveniently.”
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Those using Uber in Gyeongju currently see an “Uber Taxi rickshaw” choice on the app and are in a position to ebook the sort of trip alongside a round path to well-liked vacationer sights such because the Cheomseongdae observatory and the Hwangridan-gil procuring avenue.
Uber didn’t verify whether or not a wider rollout is coming, whether or not such an choice might finally be completely out there in Gyeongju, or whether or not it’s going to develop to different cities the place rickshaws are used.
The South Korean metropolis of Gyeongju is commonly known as a “museum without walls” because of its massive variety of temples.
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Will we ever see Uber Rickshaw in different cities? Unlikely, however…
Whereas Uber Rickshaw’s future is unknown, native media report that the choice proved instantly well-liked amongst each APEC attendants and common guests to Gyeongju.
Usually known as a “museum without walls” for its massive variety of temples and royal palaces, Gyeongju is experiencing a major enhance in worldwide vacationers amid the sustained recognition of South Korea as a journey vacation spot during the last half-decade.
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A document 1.3 million vacationers from the US visited South Korea in 2024, whereas the 16.37 whole worldwide guests characterize a 48% enhance from the earlier 12 months.
A number of separate journey stories ranked South Korea as having the fastest-growing tourism business of any nation on the planet. Transportation firms have responded to the demand with new choices for attending to — and touring inside — South Korea.
United Airways will launch a brand new route between Newark and Seoul in September 2026. South Korean low-cost airline Parata Air has additionally lately utilized for U.S. Division of Transportation permission to begin operating a brand new flight from Seoul to LAX in 2025.
Parata Air CEO Yoon Chul-min known as the proposed route an effort to “transcend the boundaries of full-service and low-cost carriers” with extra price range transatlantic choices.
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