By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
Seoul's plan to recruit taxi drivers for foreign tourists has been overwhelmed with applications, with even foreign degrees being sent in, reflecting the tight job market here.
In January, the Seoul Metropolitan Government started recruiting taxi drivers capable of speaking foreign languages fluently for a squad of ``luxury taxis for foreign tourists'' that will run from March.
Among nearly 900 applicants, it initially sorted out 235 in the first screening procedure and will announce some 150 successful candidates by the end of the month.
Kim Jin-baik, 46, is among the applicants who passed the screening. He speaks English and French fluently, having graduated from a French university.
After living in European countries for about 15 years, he returned to Seoul in 2006 and had worked at a big company until recently. However, he had to quit and has worked as a cabbie for a taxi firm for about three months.
Like any other taxi driver, he is struggling to make ends meet amid fewer customers due to the weak economy.
``It's a tough job. I have to spend almost half a day behind the wheel for a low income,'' he said. But he is holding onto the job on hopes for winning the right to own and run one of the individual taxis given to those with at least four years of taxi driving experience.
He said he is applying for the job for a better income.
Of cab drivers in Seoul, those with such unique backgrounds and outstanding capabilities like Kim are few but less rare. Before making their debuts as drivers, finalists will undergo various education programs, including manners and legal and administrative knowledge.
One applicant, identified only as Kim, lived in Germany for two decades. Another candidate was found to have lived in the United Kingdom and Japan for six years and four years, respectively, working as a Korean bank branch manager.
Other notable individuals include a veteran simultaneous interpreter who once worked at the National Assembly, a retired staff member of the United States Forces Korea and a former Interpol investigator, according to city government officials.
``Some interviewees were so fluent in foreign languages that we had a difficult time understanding what they said,'' said a Seoul government official and interviewer. ``We expect that they, with proficient language skills, will help upgrade taxi services for foreign customers.''
The special cabbie service will be available around the clock by calling 1644-2255.