Kakao Map:

Since Google Maps does not work well in South Korea, you will need another app for navigation. Kakao Map is one of the most popular options and provides detailed directions for walking, driving and public transportation. You can save addresses in a Favourites list to keep them in mind for later or to share with friends !

If you travel to Jeju Island, the app is especially useful because you can even track the buses in real-time thanks to its “Hyper Accurate” feature.

However, the app sometimes struggles to recognise English place names, so it’s a good idea to download Naver Map as a backup.

Download on: Android & Apple

Naver Map:

The other popular option for navigation is Naver Map ! It is very similar to Kakao Map, but if you don’t speak any Korean, it may be a safer option. The app is generally more tourist-friendly and understands English place names better.

However, I find the interface a bit harder to use than Kakao Map because there can be a lot of information displayed on the screen.

While KakaoMap is widely used by locals, Naver Map can sometimes be easier for international travellers. For that reason, I recommend downloading both apps before your trip !

Download on: Android & Apple

* Tip: Both apps share a very useful feature: Fast Arrival or Fast Transition. In the Korean subway, all the doors are designated by a number on the floor. Therefore, the app suggests an exit door number so that you don’t lose any time upon arrival on the platform. You only have to get in at the right door, and the stairs will be right in front of you! (Ex: “Fast Arrival: 2-4 or 10-3”)

T-money Card Balance:

To use the transport system in Korea, you need a “T-money” card. You can buy and recharge these cards at any convenience store or subway station. However, the cards do not offer any kind of subscription, so you have to make sure you always have money on them.

To check how much you have left, you can download the T-money card balance app. It uses your phone’s NFC to scan the card and show you the remaining balance. It is especially useful when you take the bus, since otherwise you can’t check it before getting on !

Download on: Android

Papago:

If you don’t speak Korean or you are still learning, this app is for you ! Papago is a multilingual translator developed in Korea. English->Korean is the most accurate for now, but improvements are constantly being made for other languages. It also has a camera feature, so you can quickly scan and translate any word you encounter. I used it a lot in restaurants to understand menus !

Download on: Android & Apple

Or directly Online !

Mango Plate:

Unlike in many other countries, apps like Google Maps andTripAdvisor are widely used in Korea. They exist, but there are often very few ratings or comments, which can make it hard to choose where to eat. Mango Plate helps you discover the best-rated restaurants and cafés around you, with pictures, business hours, and price ranges. Some places even include detailed menus and comments in English !

Download on: Android & Apple

Korail:

Korail is the app to download if you plan to take the train in Korea. Whether you are travelling to Seoul or Busan, the easiest way to get between major cities is by train. If you want to book your tickets online and avoid waiting in line at the station (which I wouldn’t recommend), you can use the Korail website or app. The app is straightforward, and everything is in English, so it’s easy and efficient to use!

Download on: Android & Apple