Travelling to Korea can be daunting, especially if it is your first time doing so. Luckily, there are many apps available that can help make a smoother and less stressful journey!
Whether it be to overcome the language barrier, make payments or navigate more easily, here’s our list of 10 must-have apps for Korea:
Navigation & Transport
Naver Maps
Naver Maps is the most reliable navigation app for Korea. Google Maps can be less accurate and does not always reflect hidden, local places.
It works just like Google Maps with detailed reviews, train routes and menu details for restaurants!
We recommend registering for a Naver account so you can save important locations and create your own maps.
There is also offline navigation so you can download the directions to a specific location beforehand – which is especially useful when heading to more remote areas where the internet connection can be spotty.
Download Naver Maps on Google Play Store or App Store.
Kakao Taxi
There is a service like Grab in Korea: Kakao Taxi! It’s an all-in-one ride-hail service and it works just like Grab and Gojek. You will need to register for a Kakao ID to use this app, which requires a phone number and email address.
KakaoTaxi now accepts foreign credit cards like Revolut, so you can have full access to all vehicle types (like Deluxe Taxi or XL)!
This app is super helpful when you don’t feel like taking public transport or when you’re heading back to the airport with luggage.
There’s also an alternative app known as TABA, which is a taxi app specifically targeted for foreigners.
Download Kakao Taxi on Google Play Store or App Store.
Seoul Subway
The Korean subway will probably be your main form of transportation around the country. However, it can get a little overwhelming if it’s your first time on the network.
Seoul Metro, one of the official government bodies overseeing the rail service, has launched a new app designed specifically for tourists!
The Seoul Subway app has access to route maps, real-time train information, station guides and recommendations for nearby tourist spots – perfect for planning your journeys.
Download Seoul Subway on Google Play Store and Apple Store.
Seoul Pass
Something fun and useful to consider getting is the Discover Seoul Pass. It’s a tourist pass that gives you free access to over 70 popular tourist attractions and discounts on services like shopping and transportation!
The pass is available in 24, 48, 72 and 120-hour variations, both online and physical card form. You can even use it as a transport card for the Airport Express Train (AREX), Seoul Public Bike (Ttareungi) and Airport Bus (K-Limousine).
The Seoul Pass is available for purchase online and offline. Visit their website for more information!
Communication
KakaoTalk Messenger
KakaoTalk is the quintessential messaging app in Korea.
It has many other functions such as sending money, location sharing and more notably, booking appointments.
If you’re looking to secure appointments for services like facials or nail art, KakaoTalk will most likely be your main point of communication with the business – so it’s good to have!
To register for KakaoTalk, you will need a phone number. Do note that if you use a foreign number, you will require verification to access all functions of the app, which takes 3-5 days.
Download KakaoTalk on Google Play Store or App Store.
Papago
Papago is a translation app that currently supports 13 languages, including Korean. A useful feature is image recognition, which can translate words from an image – great for translating menus or signboards!
Papago can translate websites, and text messages and even has a simultaneous translation function that allows you to have a conversation with another person in a different language.
Offline translation is available as well if you pre-download the language packs.
Download Papago on Google Play Store or App Store.
Food Delivery Apps
Shuttle
Shuttle is a Korean food delivery app that was designed with foreigners in mind.
Unlike most other apps, Shuttle’s interface is in English, making it easy to place your orders even if you do not understand Korean.
Moreover, Shuttle does not require a credit card or Korean phone number to place an order which makes it more accessible.
Delivery is available from Monday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Payment options include international credit cards, Paypal and Kakaopay.
For a full review of our experience with Shuttle, you can check it out here.
Download Shuttle on Google Play Store or App Store.
Baedal Minjok
Another popular food delivery app is Baedal Minjok (배달의민족 or 배민), used by most Koreans.
It was previously unavailable to tourists but you can now add a foreign credit card! Unlike Shuttle, Baedal Minjok carries many more restaurant and food options.
The interface is Korean but is easily translated with Papago via screenshot. Plus you don’t need to register for an account – just check out as a guest.
Download Baedal Minjok on Google Play Store or App Store.
Restaurants & Reservations
Catchtable
Catchtable is a reservation service for Korean restaurants, functioning like Chope!
They now accept foreign credit cards to pay for the reservation fees, and you just need to pay the remainder amount at the restaurant.
Do note they have two versions of the app: A Global version and a Korean version. If you’re a traveller, the default download should be the Global version (the app interface is fully in English)!
Catchtable is used by a majority of popular Korean restaurants and can also be used as a way to secure a queue number before you arrive. Some notable places include London Bagel Museum & Artist Bakery which are known for their long queues.
Download Catchtable (Global) on Google Play Store or App Store.
Bonus: How To Find Local Korean Spots
Here’s our tip on finding hidden spots frequented by locals: Instagram hashtags!
Koreans use social media a lot and one way they discover/promote new spots is via posts on Instagram.
To search for these places, use this hashtag formula: Korean neighbourhood name + Keyword.
This works best with Korean characters which can be easily translated online! Some keywords include:
- 맛집 – mat-jip / Delicious restaurant
- 카페 – ca-pe / Cafe
- 식당 – shik-dang / Eatery
- 추천 – chu-cheon / Recommendation
So some examples would be:
- 홍대/맛집 – Hongdae [Delicious] Restaurant
- 용산/카페 – Yongsan Cafe
- 명동/식당 – Myeongdong Eatery
- 망원/맛집/추천 – Mangwon Restaurant Recommendation
You can also use these keywords when searching on Naver Maps!
Multi-Currency Travel Card
The most popular virtual payment platforms in Korea are NaverPay and KakaoPay, but both require a Korean visa or citizenship to register for them.
The best cashless payment alternative for tourists is to use multi-currency cards like Revolut, Instarem and Wise. Each service offers both physical and virtual cards that you can use to instantly convert currencies during payment.
You can exchange currency in-app while enjoying better exchange rates and lower fees. Other perks of these cards include remitting money to overseas bank accounts without paying high fees, withdrawing cash at local ATMs, enjoying cashback on overseas purchases and more!
If you do not want to carry large amounts of cash with you on your trip, these are great options.
Travelling To South Korea
These apps can come in very handy when journeying around Korea so be sure to download them before your next trip! If you’re looking for must-visit sights and sounds, check out our full list of Korean travel here.
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