Travel guides › Essential Apps for Traveling in Korea: Maps, Translation, Taxis and Payments
Essential Apps for Traveling in Korea: Maps, Translation, Taxis and Payments
Korea is a country where a single smartphone can handle navigation, translation, taxi hailing and payment. But the apps that work accurately in Korea can differ from those used in other countries, so preparing before you leave makes things much easier on the ground. Here are the essential apps and settings by purpose.
Maps: Naver Map and KakaoMap
In Korea, Naver Map and KakaoMap are the most accurate for transit directions, bus arrival information and even subway exit numbers. Google Maps often has limits for walking and public transit directions in Korea, so use it for checking restaurant reviews or sharing locations, but rely on local apps for routes. Both apps support English, so install them before you leave and switch the language. Saving places you want to visit in advance can save time on site.
Translation: Papago and Google Translate
The camera function of a translation app makes menus and signs easy. Many people find Papago's Korean translation more natural, and having Google Translate as well lets you compare the two. In case you are somewhere with weak internet, download offline language packs. If you save your hotel address in both Korean and English and show it in a taxi, communication gets easy.
Taxis and getting around
With a taxi-hailing app such as Kakao T you can see a fare estimate and the route. Support for foreign cards and foreign languages differs by app and period, so check after installing that it works for you. If hailing is hard, you can flag a taxi on the street or ask your accommodation to call one. Train tickets are booked in the Korail app or on its official site, and you can check foreign-language support on the site.
Connectivity and payment preparation
- Connectivity: you can choose a SIM, eSIM, roaming or a pocket Wi-Fi device. Some products can be activated at the airport, but reserving online in advance is easier.
- Card payments: credit and debit cards issued overseas work in most shops, but some market stalls and small restaurants take cash only. Carry a little cash.
- Transit card: a transit card from a convenience store works on the subway, buses, some taxis and in convenience stores.
- Mobile payment: Korean mobile payment apps are often hard for foreigners to sign up for, so do not count on them and prepare a card and cash instead.
Numbers for emergencies and travel help
- 112: report to the police
- 119: fire and emergency rescue
- 1330: the Korea Tourism Organization's tourist information line, which helps with multilingual guidance and complaints
When installing apps, check the name and developer in the official store and beware of fake apps with similar names. If you open every app once before departure and finish login and permission settings, you will not be flustered on arrival.
Official sources
Rules, fares and opening hours change often. Check the latest details on the official sites below.