The single most useful thing you can do before landing in Korea is install the right apps, because the global defaults do not all work here. Google Maps cannot give reliable transit or walking directions in Korea, so locals use Naver and Kakao instead. Set up a map app, a translator, and a transit app first; everything else is optional. This pairs with the transportation guide and the T-money card guide.
Quick facts
- Must-have
- Naver Map or KakaoMap
- Translation
- Papago
- Transit
- KakaoMetro / Subway Korea
- Taxi
- Kakao T
- Install
- Before you arrive
Maps and navigation
Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for directions — both have English interfaces and give accurate transit, walking, and bus routing that Google cannot. Search by place name in English where possible, or copy the Korean name from a guide.
Translation
Papago handles Korean better than most general translators and has camera and voice modes for menus and signs. Download the offline Korean pack in case you are without data.
Transit and trains
For the subway, KakaoMetro or Subway Korea show routes, times, and which car to board. For intercity trains, KorailTalk books KTX tickets. Reload your T-money card for day-to-day rides.
Taxis
Kakao T is the standard taxi-hailing app. It can show the fare estimate and route, which avoids language friction. You can usually pay in the app or by card.
Optional extras
Food delivery (Baemin, Coupang Eats) and pay apps are handy for longer stays but often need local verification. For a short trip, maps, translation, transit, and a taxi app are enough.
Common mistakes
- Relying on Google Maps for transit and getting wrong or missing routes.
- Installing apps only after arriving, when verification by SMS is harder.
- Skipping the offline translation pack and losing it when data drops.
Sources
- Visit KoreaOfficial tourism site
- Seoul Metropolitan Government Open DataOfficial government site
- KORAILOfficial transport site
Information is compiled from official sources. Details such as prices, hours, and schedules can change — confirm time-sensitive facts before you travel.
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