Last updated: January 2026
In 1989, I navigated Seoul with a paper map and asking strangers for directions.
“어디예요?” (Where is it?) — probably my most-used phrase that first year.
Now? I can’t function without my phone.
The thing is, the apps you use at home don’t work well in Korea. Google Maps is terrible here. Uber barely exists. Your usual food delivery app is useless.
You need Korean apps. They’re better anyway.
Here’s what’s actually on my phone after 35 years.
Your phone is your best travel companion in Korea.
But you need the right apps.
Google Maps doesn’t work well here.
Many Korean apps don’t have English.
Here are the apps that actually help.
These apps need mobile data. Make sure you have a SIM card or eSIM first. See our Korea SIM Card Guide.
Essential Apps (Must Download)
1. Naver Map
What: Navigation app
Why: Google Maps is unreliable in Korea
English: Yes (mostly)
This is the app you need.
Google Maps has wrong data in Korea.
Naver Map is accurate and updated.
Features:
- Walking directions
- Subway routes
- Bus information
- Store hours
- Reviews
Pro tip: Download offline map
before you arrive.
Why Naver Map, not Google Maps:
This is the #1 thing tourists get wrong.
Google Maps in Korea is… bad. Transit directions are wrong. Walking paths don’t exist. Many places don’t show up.
Why? Korean law restricts map data exports. Google can’t use their usual data. So Google Maps is basically useless.
Naver Map is perfect:
- Real-time subway/bus arrivals
- Accurate walking directions
- Indoor mall navigation
- Restaurant reviews and menus
- Everything Google Maps should be but isn’t
My conversion moment:
- Following Google Maps to a restaurant. Walked in circles for 20 minutes. Asked a local for help.
He looked at my phone and laughed. “Use Naver Map. Google doesn’t work here.”
Downloaded it immediately. Never opened Google Maps in Korea again.
The only downside:
Naver Map is Korean-only for some features. But the navigation works in English well enough. And the map itself is clear.
Trust me on this one. Delete Google Maps while you’re here.
2. Kakao Metro (카카오지하철)
What: Subway navigation
Why: Best for train timing
English: Yes
Shows:
- Real-time train arrivals
- Which car to board
- Transfer walking time
- Elevator/escalator locations
More detailed than Naver for subway.
The Kakao ecosystem:
Kakao is Korea’s everything company.
| App | What It Does | My Usage |
|---|---|---|
| KakaoTalk | Messaging | Daily. Everyone uses it. |
| Kakao T | Taxi | Weekly. Best taxi app. |
| Kakao Metro | Subway | Daily. Real-time arrivals. |
| Kakao Map | Navigation | Backup to Naver Map |
KakaoTalk is mandatory:
This isn’t optional. 95% of Koreans use KakaoTalk.
My wife texts me on KakaoTalk. My kids’ school sends announcements on KakaoTalk. My dentist confirms appointments on KakaoTalk.
If you meet Koreans and want to stay in touch, they’ll ask for your KakaoTalk, not your phone number.
Kakao T taxi story:
Before Kakao T, getting a taxi in Seoul was brutal. Standing on corners waving. Taxis passing you by. Rain making everything worse.
Now I press a button, a taxi comes, I pay automatically through the app. No cash fumbling. No language barrier.
Technology I actually appreciate.
3. Papago
What: Translation app
Why: Best Korean translator
English: Yes
Better than Google Translate for Korean.
Made by Naver.
Features:
- Camera translation (menus!)
- Voice translation
- Conversation mode
- Offline translation (download first)
Why Papago over Google Translate:
For Korean, Papago is significantly better.
| Feature | Google Translate | Papago |
|---|---|---|
| Korean accuracy | Okay | Excellent |
| Natural phrasing | Awkward | Natural |
| Image translation | Good | Better for Korean |
| Made by | Naver (Korean company) |
My Papago moment:
At a restaurant. Menu only in Korean. Pointed my phone camera at it.
Papago translated everything instantly. Not just words — natural English that made sense.
Google Translate would have given me “Pig meat fire stone bowl.” Papago gave me “Grilled pork in hot stone pot.”
Big difference when you’re trying to order food.
How I use it:
- Camera for menus and signs
- Voice for quick conversations
- Text for formal messages (checking my Korean before sending)
Essential app. Download it before you land.
4. Kakao T
What: Taxi app
Why: Easy taxi ordering
English: Yes
Korea’s Uber equivalent.
Actually works unlike Uber here.
Features:
- Set destination in English
- See fare estimate
- Pay by card automatically
- No Korean needed
Tip: Add payment card in advance.
Once you have Kakao Metro, you’ll navigate like a pro. Learn more in our Korean Subway Guide.
Communication Apps
5. KakaoTalk
What: Messaging app
Why: How Koreans communicate
English: Yes
Everyone in Korea uses this.
Like WhatsApp but Korean.
Why download:
- Message Korean friends
- Contact hotels/restaurants
- Customer service chats
- Some booking confirmations
6. WhatsApp / iMessage
Keep these for home contacts.
Work fine with Korean data.
Food & Delivery Apps
7. Coupang Eats
What: Food delivery
Why: Has English interface
English: Yes
Best delivery app for tourists.
Full English support.
Easy to use.
How to use:
- Download app
- Set location (hotel address)
- Browse restaurants
- Order and pay by card
- Track delivery
8. MangoPlate
What: Restaurant reviews
Why: Find good restaurants
English: Partial
Korean Yelp basically.
Reviews help find hidden gems.
Features:
- Restaurant ratings
- Photos of food
- Maps integration
- Some English reviews
9. Shuttle
What: Food delivery
Why: Foreigner-friendly
English: Yes
Made for expats and tourists.
Full English interface.
International restaurants too.
Transportation Apps
10. Korail Talk
What: Train tickets
Why: Book KTX in advance
English: Yes
For booking KTX (high-speed train):
- Busan
- Gyeongju
- Jeonju
- Other cities
Book ahead for weekends and holidays.
11. T-money Balance
What: Check T-money balance
Why: Know when to recharge
English: Partial
Tap your phone to card.
See remaining balance.
Find nearby recharge spots.
Requires NFC on phone
Payment & Money Apps
12. WOWPASS App
What: Tourist payment card app
Why: Track spending
English: Yes
If you got WOWPASS card:
- Check balance
- Find ATMs
- Currency exchange rates
- Transaction history
13. Currency Converter
What: Exchange rate checker
Why: Quick price conversion
English: Yes
Any currency app works.
XE Currency is popular.
Quick reference:
- 1,000원 ≈ $0.75 (approximate)
- 10,000원 ≈ $7.50
- 100,000원 ≈ $75
Useful Lifestyle Apps
14. Klook / KKday
What: Activity booking
Why: Tours and experiences
English: Yes
Book in advance:
- Day trips
- K-pop experiences
- Temple stays
- Cooking classes
- Airport transfers
Often cheaper than on-site.
15. Airbnb / Booking.com
What: Accommodation
Why: Book places to stay
English: Yes
Both work well in Korea.
Booking.com often has better
last-minute deals.
16. Yanolja / Goodchoice
What: Korean hotel apps
Why: Local deals
English: Partial
Korean booking apps sometimes
have better prices than international.
But less English support.
Entertainment Apps
17. Watcha
What: Korean Netflix
Why: K-dramas
English: Subtitles available
Good for hotel room entertainment.
More Korean content than Netflix.
18. YouTube
What: Video streaming
Why: Works everywhere
English: Yes
Learn Korean phrases.
Watch Korea travel vlogs.
Entertainment on trains.
Safety & Emergency Apps
19. 119 (Emergency)
Not an app, but save this number:
- 119: Fire, ambulance, rescue
- 112: Police
From mobile phone:
Just dial these numbers.
20. Smart Emergency
What: Emergency info app
Why: Multi-language emergency
English: Yes
Download for:
- Hospital locations
- Pharmacy finder
- Emergency translation
- Safety information
App Setup Tips
Before You Leave Home
- Download all apps on WiFi
- Create accounts where needed
- Add payment methods
- Download offline maps
- Download offline translation
When You Arrive
- Activate eSIM/SIM
- Test Naver Map
- Set up Kakao T
- Test delivery app with hotel address
Storage Tip
Apps take space.
Need at least 2-3GB free.
Delete unused apps from home if needed.
App Comparison Chart
| Need | Best App | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Naver Map | Kakao Map |
| Subway | Kakao Metro | Naver Map |
| Translation | Papago | Google Translate |
| Taxi | Kakao T | Regular taxi |
| Delivery | Coupang Eats | Shuttle |
| Messaging | KakaoTalk | |
| Trains | Korail Talk | Station purchase |
Apps That Don’t Work Well
Google Maps
Inaccurate in Korea.
Missing transit info.
Use Naver Map instead.
Uber
Barely works.
Only Uber Black (expensive).
Use Kakao T instead.
Apple Maps
Better than Google Maps.
Still not as good as Naver.
Western Delivery Apps
DoorDash, Grubhub, etc.
Don’t work in Korea.
Data Usage Estimates
| App | Data Usage |
|---|---|
| Naver Map | Low-Medium |
| Papago | Low |
| KakaoTalk | Low |
| Coupang Eats | Medium |
| YouTube | High |
| Streaming | Very High |
With 5GB for a week:
- Navigation: No problem
- Translation: No problem
- Social media: Moderate use
- Streaming: Avoid or use WiFi
Final Thoughts
35 years ago, I navigated with paper maps and hand gestures.
Now my phone is my lifeline.
The key is using KOREAN apps, not Western ones. Google Maps will fail you. Uber doesn’t exist. Your usual delivery apps are useless.
Download before you arrive:
- Naver Map (navigation)
- KakaoTalk (messaging)
- Kakao T (taxi)
- Papago (translation)
That’s it. Four apps. Everything else is optional.
These four will get you anywhere, help you communicate, and save you from countless frustrating moments.
My 1989 self would be amazed. And jealous.
— Ted K
Food delivery apps are great, but knowing how to order in person helps too. Read How to Order Food in Korea.
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