Essential Apps for Travelers in Korea
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| [Image Source] Pixabay, Peggy Marco |
1. Naver Maps
Google Maps operates with limited
functionality in South Korea, making Naver Maps a go-to app for accurate
navigation and public transportation guidance. It supports multiple languages,
including English, ensuring accessibility for international travelers.
l Supports English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Japanese, and
Korean.
l Provides optimal routes for public transportation (bus and subway),
car/taxi, and walking/biking.
l Offers precise taxi fare predictions for car route options.
l Features navigation for cars, walking, and biking.
l Includes comprehensive location information about destinations.
l Highly praised by foreign users for reliability and usability.
l Recommends nearby restaurants.
l To use Naver Maps, you must first sign up for Naver.
Links:
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
📌 Alternatively, installing Kakao Map
can provide the same functionality.
2. Kakao T
Kakao T consolidates various transportation services into one app, including taxi hailing, public transport, and bike rentals. Its English interface ensures ease of use for foreign travelers.
l Functions similar to Uber or Grab are not widely used in South
Korea.
l Requires accurate selection of your current location on the map for
smooth operation.
l Be aware that taxis might be scarce during peak hours or in remote
areas.
l To use Kakao T, you must first sign up for Kakao Talk.
Links:
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
3. Kakao Metro
This app offers intuitive and convenient
experiences for subway users, making navigating Seoul’s extensive subway system
a breeze. It supports both English and Japanese.
l Provides live subway arrival updates, service status, and crowd
levels.
l Suggest optimal routes with details like travel time, transfers, and
walking distances.
l Includes detailed station information, nearby facilities, and exit
details.
l To use Kakao Subway, you must first sign up for Kakao Talk.
Links:
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
📌 Alternatively, installing Subway Korea
can provide the same functionality.
4. Naver Papago
Developed by Naver, Papago is an AI-powered
translation app that supports seamless communication across multiple languages.
It's an essential tool for breaking language barriers while traveling in South
Korea.
l Supports 14 languages: Korean, English, Chinese
(Simplified/Traditional), Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian,
German, Russian, Portuguese, Hindi, and Arabic.
l Features text, voice, and image translation for versatile use.
l Provides an offline translation mode for areas with limited internet
connectivity.
l To use Papago, you must first sign up for Naver.
Links:
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
📌 Installing Google Translate can
provide the same functionality. However, Papago is optimized explicitly for
Korean translation.
5. Shuttle Delivery
Shuttle Delivery is an English-friendly
food delivery app for foreign travelers and expatriates in South Korea. It’s beneficial
for those unfamiliar with the Korean language.
l Offers an array of international and local food options for
delivery.
l User-friendly interface with complete English support.
l While other popular delivery apps like Baedal Minjok, Coupang
Eats, and Yogiyo offer a wider range of choices, they typically
require some familiarity with the Korean language.
Links:
🔗 ShuttleDeliveryOfficial Website
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
6. Discover Seoul Pass
This app simplifies exploring Seoul by
integrating major tourist attraction tickets and public transportation passes
into a single platform. It helps save money while optimizing travel plans.
l Offers a wide range of benefits, including free entry to select
attractions and discounts for tours and shopping.
l Includes real-time availability updates and a digital guide for
tourist destinations.
l Passes can be activated anytime and used for a set period (24, 48,
or 72 hours).
Links:
🔗 DiscoverSeoulPass Official Website
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
7. LugStay
Travelers often struggle with their luggage
during layovers or early check-outs. LugStay solves this issue by offering
convenient luggage storage services across Seoul.
l Allows users to locate and reserve nearby luggage storage
facilities.
l Fees are budget-friendly, typically from $3 to $10 daily.
l Ensures secure storage with flexible pick-up and drop-off times. The
fees depend on the weight of your luggage.
Links
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
8. Emergency Ready App
The Korean government provides the official
emergency preparedness app.
l Supports English and provides real-time disaster alerts and response
guides.
l Offers evacuation locations and emergency rescue service
information.
l Includes safety tips for earthquakes, typhoons, fires, and other
emergencies.
l Provides essential emergency contact numbers and reporting methods.
Links
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
Restaurant Recommendation Apps
Unfortunately, no widely recommended apps in Korea provide comprehensive restaurant reviews in English. For diverse options, Google Maps, Naver Maps, and Tripadvisor remain the most reliable resources for locating nearby restaurants with reviews and ratings.
Apps to Install and Use as Needed
9. KORAIL Talk
The official app for booking KTX and other
train tickets in Korea.
l Supports English, Japanese, and Chinese.
l Users can check train schedules, book tickets, and issue mobile
tickets.
l Offers refund and ticket change services.
l Enables the purchase of the KORAIL Pass (a rail pass exclusively for
foreigners).
Links
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
10. Goodoc
An app for finding nearby hospitals and
pharmacies in Korea.
l Provides real-time wait time and appointment booking services.
l Offers health check-up reservations and patient reviews.
l Displays medical institution information (operating hours, location,
departments, etc.).
l The app is only available in Korean, so basic Korean language skills may be required.
Links
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
📌 You can also check the locations of
nearby hospitals and pharmacies on the Naver Map and Kakao Map.
11. KMA Weather
The official weather app of the Korea
Meteorological Administration.
l Supports English and provides real-time weather updates across
Korea.
l Offers detailed forecasts, including acceptable dust levels,
rainfall, and typhoon tracking.
l Provides regional weather alerts and emergency updates.
Links
🔗 Official Website
📲 GooglePlay
📌 Alternatively, installing AccuWeather,
The Weather Channel can provide the same functionality.
Additional Recommended Apps for Long-Term Residents
12. Zigbang
A real estate app ideal for foreigners
looking for housing in Korea.
l Allows users to search for one-room, two-room, officetels, and
apartments.
l It provides 3D VR views for remotely checking the interior of
properties.
l Offers a filter for foreigner-friendly listings (but no English
support).
l Connects users directly with agents and landlords.
Links
🔗 Official Website
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
📌 Alternatively, installing Dabang can
provide the same functionality.
13. Coupang
One of the most popular online shopping
platforms in Korea.
l The app is only available in Korean but features an intuitive
interface.
l Offers "Rocket Delivery" for fast
shipping (overnight delivery in some areas).
l Sells groceries, electronics, home goods, and more.
l Foreigners with an Alien Registration Card (ARC) can use
international credit cards.
Links
🔗 Official Website
📲 AppStore | GooglePlay
14. KB Kookmin Bank Liiv
The official mobile banking app of KB
Kookmin Bank.
l Allows foreigners to open a bank account and use online banking.
l Provides real-time exchange rates and international remittance
services.
l Enables account management from overseas (VPN may be required).
l The app is only available in Korean, so basic language skills may be necessary.
📌 Alternatively, by installing KEB Hana
Global Banking, Shinhan SOL Global can provide the same functionality.
[Appendix] Apps for International Users
15. Gmarket Global
A Korean online shopping mall is available
for international users.
l Supports English and Chinese.
l Enables overseas shipping of Korean brands and products.
l Supports multiple international payment options (PayPal, foreign
credit cards, etc.).
l Offers global shopping and limited edition Korean products.
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