Planning a trip to South Korea can feel overwhelming, especially when many global apps don’t work as well locally. From navigation to transport and translation, having the right travel apps can make getting around much easier!
After travelling to Korea over 10 times and helming an award-winning Korea-centric publication, these are the best travel apps we recommend to make your Korea trip 100% fun and stress-free. Here are 10 useful travel apps for Korea to download before your trip to Korea.
Essential Travel Apps For Korea At A Glance
| Category | App | What It’s For |
| Navigation & Transportation | Naver Maps | Maps, directions (walk, bus, subway) |
| Navigation & Transportation | Kakao Taxi | Booking ride-hailing services |
| Navigation & Transportation | Seoul Subway | Navigate Korea’s subway system |
| Navigation & Transportation | Seoul Pass | Multi-use transport and attractions card for tourists to Korea |
| Communication & Translation | Papago | Translate Korean to English |
| Communication & Translation | KakaoTalk | Communicate with local businesses, book appointments |
| Food | Catchtable | Make reservations and get queue numbers for local restaurants |
| Food | Shuttle | Korean food delivery |
| Food | Baedal Minjok | Korean food delivery |
| Travel & Experiences | Klook | Booking attractions, experiences and transport |
Navigation & Transport Apps
Getting around Korea is much easier with the correct navigation apps. Apps like Naver Map, KakaoMap, and Kakao T help you get directions, public transport routes, and taxi bookings.
Naver Maps
- Most reliable map app in Korea
- Available in four languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
Naver Maps is the most reliable navigation app for Korea. Google Maps is currently less accurate and does not reflect hidden, local places.
It works just like Google Maps, with detailed reviews, train routes, and restaurant menus!
It was announced in February 2026 that a fully functional Google Maps would launch in Korea soon, with an unconfirmed date. However, until then, we still recommend Naver Maps as the best map app for Korea.
Download Naver Maps on Google Play Store or App Store.
Kakao Taxi
- Ride-hailing service in Korea
- English interface available
- Card and cash payments accepted: T-Money, Foreign Cards
Kakao Taxi is Korea’s all-in-one ride-hail service and it works just like Grab and Gojek. This app is recommended instead of Uber as prices are better.
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 and provides 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 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.
Download Kakao Taxi on Google Play Store or App Store.
Seoul Subway
- Navigation app for Korea subway system
- Includes train routes, station exit guide and recommendations for tourist attractions
The Korean subway will likely be your best and main form of transportation. However, it can get a little overwhelming if it’s your first time on the network.
Seoul Metro, the official government body 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
- Tourist pass that gives free access to popular Korean tourist attractions
- Can be used as transport card as well
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 & Translation Apps
It can be difficult to navigate Korea if you don’t know or speak Korean. Here are two useful apps that make communication and translation in Korea easier!
KakaoTalk Messenger
- Messaging app used by locals
- Useful for setting appointments for services with local businesses
Kakao Talk 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 personal colour analysis, Kakao Talk will likely be your main point of communication with the business, so it’s good to have!
To register for Kakao Talk, 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
- Best translation app for Korea
- Can translate to 13 languages including English, Chinese and Japanese
Papago is the most useful travel app for Korea. It is a translation app that can translate Korean to English, Chinese and 13 other languages.
The most 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.
Offline translation is available if you pre-download the language packs.
Download Papago on Google Play Store or App Store.
Food Apps For Korea
Korea is a foodie haven, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants, local food spots and one of the best food delivery services in the world. Here are three apps to make getting food in Korea easier and more convenient!
Baedal Minjok
- Korea’s number 1 food delivery app
- Non-English interface but accepts foreign card payments
Another popular food delivery app is Baedal Minjok (배달의민족 or 배민), Korea’s most used food delivery app.
It was previously unavailable to tourists, but you can now pay using a foreign credit card! Unlike Shuttle, Baedal Minjok carries many more local restaurant options at better prices.
The interface is Korean but is easily translated with Papago via screenshots. Plus you can check out as a guest, making this suitable for tourists and foreigners.
Download Baedal Minjok on Google Play Store or App Store.
Shuttle
- Korean food delivery app for foreigners
- Interface available in English
Accepts foreign credit cards, PayPal, US Dollar and Korean Won
Shuttle is a Korean food delivery app that was designed with foreigners in mind.
Unlike most other apps, Shuttle is fully bilingual, 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.
Check out our full review of Shuttle here.
Download Shuttle on Google Play Store or App Store.
Catchtable
- Restaurant reservation app for Korean restaurants
- Also useful for getting queue numbers in popular eateries
Catchtable is a reservation service for Korean restaurants, functioning like Chope!
They accept foreign credit cards to pay for the reservation fees, and you just need to pay the remainder at the restaurant.
Do note they have two versions of the app: A foreigner-friendly version and a Korean version. If you’re a traveller, the default download should be the former!
Catchtable is used by many popular Korean restaurants (especially fine dining establishments) and can also be used to secure a queue number before you arrive.
Some notable restaurants in Korea with CatchTable include London Bagel Museum & Artist Bakery, which are known for their long queues.
Download Catchtable (Global) on Google Play Store or App Store.
Travel & Experience Apps
The best way to experience Korea is through curated, local tours and daytrips! These are easily booked online via travel booking services like Klook.
Klook
- Book tours, tourist attractions and transport options online
Klook is a useful and accessible app to book curated Korean experiences and tickets to tourist attractions!
Choose from day tours to cities outside of Seoul to thrilling activities like paragliding! Klook also offers services like eSIM and airport transfer that you can pre-book before you fly.
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.
Best Travel Apps For Korea
With these essential Korea travel apps, navigating the country, booking transport, and communicating become more straightforward. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, having the right tools can save time and reduce confusion. Download these apps in advance so you’re prepared once you arrive in Korea!
If you’re looking for must-visit sights and sounds, check out our full list of Korean travel here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Apps In Korea
What are travel apps for Korea?
Travel apps are mobile applications designed in Korea for Korea. They make travelling in Korea easier. These apps help with navigation and transport (Naver Maps), translation (Papago) and local food recommendations.
Do I need travel apps in Korea?
Yes, travel apps are necessary to make travelling in Korea comfortable and efficient. These apps are localised to Korea and give an accurate representation of the land.
Does Grab Work In Korea?
No, Grab does not work in Korea. For private hailing services in Korea, it is best to use Kakao Taxi or Uber.
Does Uber Work In Korea?
Yes, Uber works in Korea. Prices can be higher so we recommend using Kakao Taxi instead for ride-hailing services.
What are the Top 3 apps I need for Korea?
The top 3 travel apps for Korea are Naver Maps, Papago and KakaoTalk. They help with navigation, translation and communicating with local businesses.
What if I don’t speak Korean?
You can use translation apps like Papago to translate Korean into your native language. Many Korean travel apps like Naver Maps and Kakao Taxi now also support English interfaces.
Do Korean apps support English?
Yes, major Korean travel apps like Papago, Naver Maps and KakaoTalk have English interfaces.
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