Kakao Map: since Google Maps does not work well in Korea you will need another app for GPS. Kakao Map is one of the most popular, it gives all the information you might need to go around. If you decide to go to Jeju, you can even track the buses’ position in real-time thanks to “Hyper Accurate” ! However, sometimes, the app can’t recognize English words or locations, so I advise you to take Naver Map as well.
Naver Map: If you don’t speak a word of Korean I would advise Naver Map. It is more tourists friendly and can understand English better. However, I find the interface harder to use than Kakao Map because there can be too much information.
* 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 on your 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 in any convenience store or subway station. Yet, The cards do not offer any kind of subscription so you have to make sure you always have wons on them. T-money card balance can tell you easily how many wons are left on your card. It uses the NFC of your phone to scan the card and give the balance. I used it the most when I took the bus because usually there is nothing around me to check it.
Download on: Android
Papago: if you don’t speak Korean or you are still learning, this app is made for you ! Papago is a multilingual Korean translator. English->Korean is the most accurate one but developments are underway for the other languages. It has a camera option so you can easily scan any word you encounter. I used it a lot in restaurants to understand menus !
Or directly Online !
Mango Plate: Like Google Maps, Trip Advisor is not commonly used in Korea. It exists, but there are only a few grades and comments so it can be hard to find a place to eat. Mango Plate gives you the best-rated restaurants and cafes around you with pictures, business hours, and price range. Some spots have detailed menus and even comments in English !
