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.
