Essential apps for Korea: what to install and how to set them up
Step-by-step setup for Naver Map, KakaoMap, Papago and taxi apps, with download links and screenshots.
Some apps you rely on at home work differently in Korea. Google Maps, for example, cannot give walking or driving directions here. Install these apps before you fly, while you still have fast Wi-Fi, and set them up using the steps below.
At a glance
| App | What it is for | English? | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naver Map | Directions, transit, places, opening hours | Yes | Google Play · App Store: search “Naver Map” |
| KakaoMap | Directions, subway and bus times | Partly | Google Play · App Store: search “KakaoMap” |
| Papago | Translation, menus and signs by camera | Yes | Google Play · App Store: search “Papago” |
| Kakao T | Taxis | Partly | Google Play · App Store: search “Kakao T” |
Always check that the developer is NAVER Corp. or Kakao Corp. (or Kakao Mobility) before you install.
1. Naver Map: your main navigation app
Naver Map has the most detailed map of Korea and accurate walking, subway and bus directions.
Set it up
- Install Naver Map and open it.
- Allow location access when asked. Directions work much better with it.
- Tap the menu or profile icon, open Settings, and change the language to English.
- You do not need an account to search and get directions.
Get directions
- Tap the search bar and type a place in English, for example “Gyeongbokgung”.
- Tap Directions and choose the public transport tab.
- The app shows each option with the total time, the number of transfers and the fare. Tap one to see which subway exit to use and when the next bus or train arrives.
Tip: If an English search finds nothing, paste the Korean name. Every place on our Seoul map shows its Korean spelling.
2. KakaoMap: a strong second option
KakaoMap is especially good for live subway and bus arrival times. Some menus are still only in Korean, so we recommend it as a backup to Naver Map.
- Install KakaoMap and allow location access.
- Search in English or Korean and tap 길찾기 (directions).
- Choose the bus/subway icon for public transport.
3. Papago: translation that understands Korean
Papago is made in Korea and handles Korean better than most translators, including informal speech.
- Camera mode: point your camera at a menu or sign to translate it.
- Conversation mode: take turns speaking, and Papago translates both ways.
- Offline: download the Korean–English language pack before you travel, so it works without data.
4. Taxi apps
Booking through an app means you never have to explain your destination in Korean, and the fare is shown up front.
- Install Kakao T.
- Sign up. Some apps ask for a phone number that can receive a text message. Check the current sign-up options for overseas visitors in the app store listing before your trip.
- Add a payment card, or choose to pay the driver directly.
- Enter your destination and request a taxi.
Read our taxi guide for fares, the late-night surcharge and what to do if you are overcharged.
5. Staying connected
You need mobile data for all of these apps.
- eSIM: the easiest choice if your phone supports it. Buy and install it before you fly, and it activates when you land.
- Physical SIM or pocket Wi-Fi: pick up at the airport arrivals hall.
Before you fly: checklist
- Install Naver Map, Papago and a taxi app.
- Set Naver Map to English and allow location access.
- Download the offline Korean pack in Papago.
- Save your hotel address in Korean in your notes.
- Install your bank’s app, so you can block a lost card quickly.
Prices, timetables and rules in Korea change often. We check this guide regularly, but please confirm details with the official sources linked above before you travel.