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9 Apps for Korea (What to Download Before You Go)

Last Updated: Nov 12, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Seoul has so many things in store for travelers, and to access some of them, there are some apps to download before going to Korea. After exiting Incheon International Airport , you may be surprised to see many such activities, like coffee being served by a robotic arm or being able to enter an immersive “artwork experience.”

The Seoul transportation system, for example, is often praised by locals and tourists alike for its multiple methods of moving from one point to another. This is facilitated by the use of a “T-money card,” which for locals is usually attached to their bank cards.

Tourists can also buy this rechargeable card to pay for public transit and at designated stores. To go along with the rapid and continuing advances like T-money, Koreans have developed apps that complement these shifts.

Add to that the fact that most locals rarely speak English, and you can expect most of these apps to come only in Korean. Even with a basic knowledge of the Korean language , foreigners living in Seoul might find all of these intimidating and complicated, much less tourists.

So there are now a decent number of Korean travel apps with English versions, but personally, I think some translated versions still need a lot of work. Despite the rough translations, we highly suggest that you still try downloading the 9 apps for Korea described below, if only to make your life that much easier.

best korean travel apps

  • ✈️ Basics of Travel in South Korea
  • Subway Korea/지하철 (Transportation)
  • Kakao T/카카오택시 (Travel)
  • Naver Map/네이버지도 or Kakao Map (Transportation)

Klook/Trazy (Travel)

Visitkorea (travel)/i tour seoul app.

  • Papago/파파고 (Language Learning)
  • Coupang/쿠팡 (Shopping)/Coupang Eats (Food)

Emergency Ready App

✈️ basics of travel in south korea.

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid Korean SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

best korean travel apps

Subway Korea/지하철 (Transportation)

Cost : Free

Download : Android — Apple  

This Korean travel app is used exclusively to understand the complicated Seoul subway system . First-timers might have difficulty understanding the different colors and lines, so this app organizes all the many minute details, to make it less confusing. 

Like the other transportation apps for Korea, this one also estimates how much you will pay for the entire ride and how long the trip will be. Since the Korean subway does not have a fixed daily schedule, Subway Korea automatically updates the current subway timetable each time you open the app.

All you have to do is input the station you are in and choose the station that you wish to go to, and it accurately tells you what time the next train arrives and what kind of train it is (very helpful if you’re planning to take an Express car).

best korean travel apps

Kakao T/카카오택시 (Travel)

Download : Android — Apple

If you’re a regular Uber user, you’ll be pleased to know that this type of ride share app has a Korean version. Easy and convenient, you can avoid long lines and request the driver pick you up wherever you are with Kakao T. Skip the long wait, choose your destination, and go.

The only downside of this app is that it’s almost impossible to hail a taxi without having this app in Seoul, so it’s basically a requirement. Those who only plan to be in Seoul for less than a week might dislike the requirement of inputting a South Korean phone number to use it, but there’s no way around that for now.

It’s also a hassle if you can’t speak a lick of Korean and the taxi driver calls for clarification, so always try to have the Korean version of your destination on hand.!

best korean travel apps

Naver Map/네이버지도 or Kakao Map (Transportation)

Download : For Naver Map: Android — Apple ; For Kakao Map: Android — Apple

Foreigners often become dismayed when they realize that Google Maps is relatively ineffective here in Korea. That's why, if you wish to get around, Naver Map and Kakao Map are hands-down the best navigation apps for Korea.

All you need to do is input your destination (in Hangul in most cases – even in the English versions of the apps), and it instantly lets you know what the best routes are and what kinds of transportation you should ride to get there. 

Plus, the estimated cost also lets you know the cheapest route (bus, train, or car), helping you save money. Moreover, you can share your location with your friends, save important places and categorize them.

You can also check reviews, operating times, and pictures of your destination, making either of these  apps an ideal download for someone planning a trip to Korea.

Both apps are equally great in my opinion, but here's the rub for iPhone users: Kakao Map does not work with Apple CarPlay. If you wish to use CarPlay, you'll need Kakao Navi, but there's no English version of this app yet, so most foreigners don't bother.

best korean travel apps

Download : For Klook: Android — Apple ; For Trazy: Android — Apple

These two Korean travel apps are the best if you’re looking for discounts and deals on your trip. They both offer a range of things to do, which also takes away the stress of planning.

The best part of these apps is that they lets you earn Klook Credits/Trazy Points for your next trip, which is another way to stay frugal while you do touristy things you were already planning on doing.

Download : For VisitKorea app: Android — Apple ; For Visit Seoul app: Android —   Apple

What I love about each of these apps for Korea is that they ask you where you want to go and then give you a list of that place’s famous attractions, food, and shopping sites – letting you tailor your itinerary seamlessly.

There are also pre-made tour itineraries that you can use as reference, complete with schedules and the estimated amount. Suppose you’re interested in a particular location; each of these apps can provide a comprehensive report that shows full details of everything you need to know and even interesting facts .

These can include what gender usually frequents this establishment or the expected ages of its visitors. You can also check upcoming and ongoing events in the selected city, and both apps also give helpful advice on what you can do to plan for this properly and stay safe on your journey.

Foreigners are always encouraged to check VisitKorea’s Travel News feature to stay updated on Korean events and avail of free perks. Thanks to the VisitKorea app, I’ve actually gotten to attend numerous concerts in Seoul for free !

best korean travel apps

Papago/파파고 (Language Learning)

Papago is such a lifesaver; I think of it as the Korean Google Translate. Thanks to this app, I never had trouble communicating with locals, especially those I needed to interact with (like the maintenance guy, the bank teller, or the restaurant owner).

It even has a setting for honorifics, so I can speak to them without fearing that I might offend them (though Koreans nowadays are more understanding to foreigners). It’s super helpful, especially if you are still struggling with the Korean number system.

So if you need to know what your waiting number slip is in Korean, type it in Papago, and play the audio to hear what it should sound like (so that you know what it sounds like when they finally call you for your turn).

For documents written in Korean, it also saves you from the trouble of inputting everything in hangeul; you simply snap a picture of the note, and it immediately translates what’s written on it.

My latest round of Talk To Me In Korean Books.

Coupang/쿠팡 (Shopping)/Coupang Eats (Food)

Download : Android — Apple ; Coupang Eats: Android — Apple

Even if you are a tourist, Coupang is still a handy app you can use to purchase things without having to go to the mall. It has everything you need, from local dishes and fresh groceries to luxury goods – it’s like the Korean Amazon (though we have Amazon here, too).

There’s also a version called Coupang Eats that lets you order food and have it directly delivered to your doorstep, similar to Uber Eats or DoorDash. Those still having difficulty interacting with locals can rely on Coupang to make shopping for items or food easier.

Like with Amazon Prime, they also send orders to you as soon as possible. Swift and efficient, you can generally trust Coupang delivery to bring items or food to you in one piece. You also don’t have to worry about meeting up with the delivery guy, because they let you know via text that what you ordered has arrived.

The only downside is that you need to know basic Korean to navigate the app properly, though this is also where having Korean friends comes in handy.

best korean travel apps

Even though Korea looks like they’re advanced enough to solve anything, there’s still this plague of heavy air pollution that they can’t seem to fix.

If you plan to trek the mountains or do some sightseeing in open skyscrapers, check with this app first. It provides real-time air pollution data, keeping you safe from exposure and dangerous health risks caused by “yellow dusk” and other forms of pollution.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the South Korean Government urges you to download this app just in case something happens and you need an emergency shelter for safe evacuation in cases of disaster. This app also alerts you if any form of calamity is near your area and where you can go for support.

Even if you never encounter these things during your stay, having this app on your phone will serve as peace of mind.

One of the best ways to truly enjoy Korea is to be on top of things. Downloading these Korean travel apps will help you overcome issues that most travelers face, from communication and transportation to actually planning your itinerary .

best korean travel apps

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13 Best Korean Travel Apps – Prepare for Your Korea Trip

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 1

With the proliferation of smartphones and many options to stay connected internationally, a common travel preparation step for many has become downloading the essential travel apps of a country. After all, no one wants to land in a new country and suddenly find out they can’t perform basic tasks such as navigating the subway system or hailing a taxi!

While many countries share common apps – for example, Uber will work in pretty much any English-speaking country and many more, while Grab is your friend in Southeast Asia – Korea has its own ecosystem of apps. Slightly annoyingly, many of these apps will only work in Korea. Preparing your smartphone for a trip to Korea will require at least a few apps you wouldn’t have used before.

If you’re looking to prepare for your trip to South Korea digitally, you’ve come to the right place. This article will discuss the apps you’ll want to have before your trip to the country. If you’re already in Korea, what are you waiting for? Check out the list, and make sure to download these apps ASAP! They will make your life far easier.

I want to note one thing before diving into this list. You don’t need any apps when visiting Korea. While many articles say some apps are essential, I don’t believe this is the case. Will these apps make your trip more convenient? Absolutely! However, you can do everything from navigating the subway to hailing taxis without apps.

However, having these apps (and an internet connection) will make your trip a more pleasant experience. While navigating the subway with station maps is possible, using an app is infinitely better. The same goes for hailing taxis; you can get a taxi via hailing one or phone, but using an app is far simpler.

With that said, let’s jump into this list of the best Korean travel apps. If you’ve visited Korea and believe I’ve overlooked something important, I would love to hear from you. What apps did you find most useful during your stay? Conversely, if there are any apps you don’t consider essential or even particularly useful I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

Staying Connected in Korea

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 2

Although some of these apps will work without an internet connection, many won’t function at all. On top of this, having a connection will make your life much easier – if you get lost, you can easily find your way. If you need to get a taxi home, you’ll want to use Kakao Taxi, which requires the Internet.

The best way to stay connected in Korea is with a SIM card (either a local SIM or one with roaming), eSIM, or a portable WiFi device. These options have different strengths and prices and require a dedicated article to discuss and contrast them.

Luckily, there is already such an article on this website! If you’re wondering how best to stay connected to the internet while in South Korea, you’ll want to check out this article on the best SIM cards in Korea . I discuss all three connection options in that article and compare the best travel plans.

Whichever method you choose, I would highly recommend getting it sorted before leaving your home country. It can be difficult to sort out a roaming plan when you’re already overseas, and the best place to pick up a SIM is at the airport (most companies will allow you to preorder you SIM so it’s ready to go when you arrive). For this reason, it’s advisable to prepare your connectivity before anding.

Best Korean Travel Apps

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 3

So, you’re planning to travel to Korea? Or perhaps you’re already in the country? These are the apps that I would consider essential (or, as previously mentioned, as close to essential as an app can be), along with a few that will make your time in Korea far easier.

Before I delve into the apps that made the list, there are also a few apps that I want to discuss but that don’t deserve a place on this list. For example, I find using a VPN essential when travelling because I will often use public WiFi, which, as we all know, is often incredibly insecure. 

There are also a few other app categories that, while not essential, will make your trip more pleasant. For example, if you want to take the difficulty out of finding dining options, Mango Plate is a great option for locating restaurants selling delectable food. On the other hand, having a ‘time waster’ app is by no means essential, but it will make those long train and bus rides infinitely more pleasant.

So what apps am I talking about? Here are a few that you might want to consider on top of the ‘essentials’.

  • A VPN . The exact app you use for internet privacy is up to you; everyone will have a different preference. I have a whole article about Korean VPNs , and I recommend checking that article out if you’re unsure what to pick. However, my general recommendation for a free VPN is Cloudflare’s WARP (1.1.1.1). While it’s technically not a VPN, it provides the same protection from third parties that VPNs do.
  • Visit Korea . This app, created by the government, has a wealth of information for visitors to Korea. However, while many other blogs will list this as a ‘must have’ app, I simply can’t agree – I’ve never seen a need for it, but it’s a great source of travel inspiration if you want to check it out!
  • Mango Plate . Another app that is often recommended is Mango Plate. This app recommends cafes and restaurants and will let you pinpoint the best eating spots daily. However, I don’t see it as essential because I use Naver Maps or Google Maps for this function – just sort by highly rated restaurants and viola!
  • Travel payment apps . If you use a service like Wise or Revolut, you will want to ensure these apps are downloaded and ready to use. You never know when you’ll need access to the app, and it’s easiest to be prepared.
  • A time-wasting app . In Korea, you’ll often find yourself on public transport, which means long waiting periods. If you have unlimited data, it’s easy to overcome the arduous wait with the help of social media. However, if you have limited data, you might want to download some games or at least some TV shows or movies beforehand. Spending an hour and a half on the Seoul Metro with no distractions can be boring!
  • T Locker. Many of Seoul’s subway stations have lockers, but these can be difficult to figure out how to use. Luckily, T Locker makes the process (mostly) painless! If you foresee yourself needing to store backpacks or luggage at subway stations, make sure you’re prepared with this Korean app!
  • A language practice app. If you want to brush up on your Korean skills while visiting, it’s a good call to be prepared with your favourite language app! This will be Duolingo for many, but Memrise, LingoDear, and FluentU are also popular. If you’re wondering what apps I recommend, check out my article on the best ways to learn Korean.
  • Shopping apps . While it’s far more thrilling to shop in person when you’re travelling, there may be some things that you can’t find or are cheaper online. In these cases, you’ll want to download either Coupang or Gmarket. While Coupang has a better selection, Gmarket’s English and international card support is much better, and I recommend it.
  • Emergency Ready . The Korean government runs this app, and it provides warnings and updates on disasters and emergencies. It’s a handy app to have in case something happens – at the end of the day, it’s better to be prepared, right? 
  • BucaCheck.  This handy app will allow you to check the balance of your T Money card (Korea’s public transport card) at any time. All you need is a smartphone with NFC (which nearly all modern smartphones have). Simply tap the card against the back of your phone, and see your balance and recent transactions. You can also check the balance whenever you tap your card against a bus or subway scanner, but having an app to check is far more convenient.

Seoul Subway/Subway Korea/KakaoMetro

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 4

The first ‘essential’ app for travelling in Korea is instead a category than an individual app. You’ll almost certainly be in Seoul during your stay for at least a while. Since the best way to explore the city is via the fantastic public transport, you’ll undoubtedly want a way to navigate Seoul’s sprawling subway system .

The Korean government recently released an all-English subway app aptly named ‘Seoul Subway – Official App’. This app is many travellers’ favourite due to how easy it is to navigate and the attraction suggestions it provides for each subway stop. You’ll also get all the other essential information, such as trip time, station schedules, and much more.

My favourite subway app is Subway Korea, though. This app is also available in English and is exceptionally easy to use. Perhaps I’m just used to it at this point, but I find the UI more intuitive than the Seoul Subway app, and it’s the app I continue to recommend for navigating the underground side of Korea’s capital.

The final app in this section, which I recommend least, is Kakao Metro. The app is a bit more confusing than the former options, but many travellers like to use it… Although I’m not quite sure why. Perhaps because having many similar icons on your home screen looks pretty? You’ll see a theme once you have KakaoBus, KakaoTalk, and KakaoMetro!

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 6

Since we are already on the topic of one of Korea’s largest tech companies, we may as well cover another of its offerings. What happens if you don’t like to navigate the underground of Seoul? Are you left needing to walk everywhere? Luckily not, because believe me, Seoul is massive!

If you’d prefer to use another form of Korea’s public transport, KakaoBus has you covered. This is easily the best bus app in Korea, and it will give you timetables and bus routes for the whole country. While the app is in Korean, it’s relatively easy to navigate as you can use the map to find bus stops and check bus numbers.

The app also provides more advanced functionality, putting it above and beyond other domestic options and public transport apps in nearly every other country. For example, you can see how many seats are available on each bus; for some buses, you can even see other conditions, such as whether the bus has AC.

One thing to note: I don’t recommend using KakaoBus to plan routes – that is much better done on Google or Naver Maps. Instead, I recommend planning a route on one of those apps and checking the bus schedules on KakaoBus.

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 8

Since we’re already giving attention to Kakao, we may as well stay on the topic. The third and final transport app you’ll find incredibly useful in both Seoul and other cities in South Korea is KakaoTaxi.

KakaoTaxi is the single best app for calling taxis, and there’s no competition. Despite what some people will tell you, Uber does work in South Korea. However, you’ll sometimes find it hard (or impossible) to get rides. It is simply a more expensive way to get a KakaoTaxi (Uber does not call individuals in Korea, only taxis). Therefore, you’re much better off downloading KakaoTaxi and using that instead.

You’ll need a Kakao account to use KakaoTaxi (we’ll get to that in a second!), but calling a taxi is straightforward once you’re set up. When the app asks for payment options, you must select ‘pay the driver’ unless you have a domestic card. Luckily, all taxis in Korea accept debit and credit cards alongside cash.

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 10

I promise this is the last Kakao entry! If you’re unaware, KakaoTalk is Korea’s largest messaging app. While you might want it to collect contact details of anyone you meet on your trip, I recommend it primarily because you’ll need a Kakao account to use apps like KakaoTaxi.

If you have KakaoTalk installed and have an account created, you can log in to the other Kakao apps through the messenger. Since KakaoTaxi is close to essential for calling taxis, KakaoTalk quickly becomes a very important app to have. 

Since KakaoTalk is used by over 95% of Koreans, it’s also a handy app if you wish to make friends while travelling. Don’t expect people in Korea to use any other messaging app, such as Messenger or Whatsapp, because many will exclusively use KakaoTalk (although Instagram is also popular).

Naver Maps/Google Maps

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 12

To round up the navigation apps you’ll want to have on your phone before visiting South Korea, you will want to download either Naver Maps or Google Maps (if you don’t already have it!). Many will say that Google Maps isn’t functional or doesn’t work well in Korea, but this is not true anymore – it was in 2016, but not since 2018. 

Of course, having one of these apps is helpful for locating stores, restaurants, cafes, and more. However, they’re also nearly essential for planning bus routes and determining whether taking a bus or the subway is a better option for a given journey. 

When it comes to comparing travel times, I find Naver Maps to be the better choice. The app is available in English (although, for some, the app seems to default to Korean) and is easy to use. On the other hand, Google Maps is easier for planning bus trips, and most people will already be familiar with it.

Whichever map app you use during your visit to Korea, you will be set and have all your navigation needs met. You can’t go wrong with a map app, just make sure you’re not planning to use Apple Maps because it still lags significantly behind both of these options.

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 14

After transport (or perhaps even before), the biggest issue you’ll likely encounter is the language barrier. While English is common in Korea (and you’ll find all the stations are signposted in English), it can be difficult to manage some situations without a translation app.

Now, it’s easy to think that Google Translate is the best option, and many travellers will default to using the app because they’ve used it when visiting other countries. However, while Google Translate is now better than it was a few years ago, it’s still far behind the far superior translation app run by Naver – Papago.

Papago only offers Korean to English translation, but it’s far more accurate and natural-sounding than Google Translate. While Google Translate will manage most situations just fine, it’s worth downloading Papago for the duration of your trip as it’s more accurate and has better image-to-text capabilities.

If you don’t want to download a separate app, you can use the Papago webpage on your phone’s browser. However, this is a bit slower and more finicky, so I would advise against this approach unless you hate digital clutter (as I do!)

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 16

If you’re planning to leave Seoul and travel around the country, you’ll likely be taking some of Korea’s super-advanced high-speed trains. These trains, most famously the KTX, are all booked through either Korail’s website, app or in person at the station. 

However, KTX tickets will sell out often, so I recommend against purchasing them at the station unless you do so in advance. I used to take around eight KTX trains per week, and they would almost always be booked out on the day. For this reason, it’s a far better choice to use the app and book them in advance.

Now, the app is nothing to write home about; I would argue that it’s quite a poorly made app, and it can be difficult to use at times. That said, it’s more convenient than the website, which is an even worse experience.

The Korail app will allow you to book intercity trains, such as the KTX, at any time and give you a place to store your tickets. For this reason, having this app is almost essential if you will be leaving Seoul during your stay.

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 18

Say you don’t like trains, or for some other reason, you don’t want to use Korea’s high-speed rail system. Are you forced to fly? Luckily, no! There is another option, albeit a far slower one. As you may have already guessed, Bus Tago will allow you to book buses between cities in the country.

The Association of Korea Bus Transport Companies runs the app and allows you to view intercity bus schedules and book tickets. While you can also use the website for this, I’ve found the app to be a better experience.

Handily, if you use the app instead of the website, you will also find your tickets all stored in one location. This makes it incredibly easy to find them again when you need to board the bus or present your ticket for whatever other reason.

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 20

Depending on where you are visiting from, air quality may not be something you check every day. In Seoul and other cities around the peninsula, you will want to keep an eye on air pollution every day before you go outside – especially if you are visiting in spring or fall.

Especially if you’re visiting only briefly, you shouldn’t let air pollution ruin your plans. However, it’s handy to know when you’ll want to be wearing a mask outdoors – even though you might only have short-term exposure, air pollution has many severe health consequences.

On a lighter note, knowing the air pollution levels before visiting certain attractions is good. For example, Namsan Tower and Seoul Sky at Lotte Tower are best avoided on dusty days as the views become less appealing. It’s also not ideal for picnicking near the Han River on a dusty day!

For these reasons, having an air quality app is essential. Air Visual is by far the best and most well-liked air quality app and is easy to recommend due to its simplicity. It also gives suggestions for how you should act at any given AQI level.

Klook/Trazy

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 22

If you’re looking to save a bit of money during your stay or want to get involved with lots of tours, these apps are both super useful to have. Klook and Trazy are travel companies that sell a range of attraction tickets, tours, and these days even offer rental cars!

I wasn’t going to add these two apps because it’s easy enough to use their respective websites for booking activities. However, then I remembered that the ticket prices offered on either app tend to be cheaper than purchasing in person, and I thought they are worth recommending.

What do I mean? Well, say you’re around Myeongdong and suddenly decide you want to visit Namsan Tower since it’s nearby. If you go to the tower and book tickets, you will pay a flat price of 10,000 KRW per ticket. However, if you quickly hop on one of these apps, it’s possible to find tickets as low as 8000KRW.

This same discount can be found on other attractions such as Lotte World, Oceanworld, and Everland. If you like to travel with some spontaneity, having one of these apps will let you save a little amount here and there, and we all know this can quickly add up over time!

Korean Convenience

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 24

If you suffer from food allergies, travelling can be difficult. This is no more true than when you’re travelling to a country where the language is different, and communication is sometimes difficult or even impossible. 

While restaurants will always be challenging to order at (and it’s worth writing down your allergies in advance so that you can show staff), there’s a rather handy app that makes purchasing snacks and supermarket/convenience store food a vastly easier process.

Korean Convenience is an app that has an extensive database of snacks, ramyeons, and sweets, and it has allergy information on each. If you’re wondering which Korean ramyeon contains a seafood base or is meat-based, this app will tell you painlessly.

There is also a guide on how to read Korean nutrition labels for foods that aren’t in the app’s database. This is handy to know, and I remember that learning how to read these labels made my life in Korea vastly easier.

13 Best Korean Travel Apps - Prepare for Your Korea Trip 26

Food delivery is synonymous with Korea, and it’s long been one of the most famous aspects of the country. The delivery is quick and cheap, and you can get almost any food imaginable delivered – at least as long as you’re in a big city such as Seoul or Busan.

There are many food delivery apps in Korea, but they’re difficult or impossible for travellers to use. For example, two of the most popular apps, Baemin and Yogiyo have a fantastic selection of foods on offer, but they both require domestic payment methods and are only available in Korea. Coupang Eats, another popular option, is available in English but only accepts domestic payment methods.

This makes Shuttle the only option for anyone wanting to order food in English and who doesn’t have a Korean payment method (either a Korean bank account or credit/debit card). While it’s frustrating there is only one choice, it’s the unfortunate reality of ordering food in Korea.

While it might seem like a waste to visit a country only to get food delivered, it’s a handy app to have. If you’ve had a big day exploring, sometimes the last thing you want to do is leave your hotel room. In these situations, having an app like Shuttle is invaluable!

Booking.com/Hotel app of your choice

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If you’ve already booked your accommodation in advance, you can skip this app as you won’t need it. However, a booking app is essential for spontaneous travellers like me because we often don’t book hotels until a few days beforehand. 

Personally, I recommend Booking.com. I’ve used them for over 100 hotel bookings over the past three years and never had issues with the platform or its customer service. Furthermore, it offers a range of app-only discounts, which make the app a cheaper alternative to the website.

Whether you are looking for backpackers, apartments, hotels, or hostels, Booking.com has a large range of options. With the downfall of Airbnb, many hosts have moved to ‘hotel’ platforms, and there are now almost limitless accommodation options in every large Korean city.

Other Apps For Visiting Korea

This concludes my list of the most useful apps to have when visiting South Korea. However, depending on your interests and reasons for visiting Korea, you may find other apps helpful to download in advance. For example, if you love hiking , AllTrails is a handy app that could prove invaluable during your stay.

If you want to get involved with locals during your stay, MeetUp is a valuable app that doesn’t just work in Korea! During my last visit to Seoul, I used MeetUp to find a photography meetup as I lacked inspiration. It was a great idea as I made a group of friends who invited me on a few trips during my stay.

Apps like Hello Talk can also be a great way to meet friends to hang out with during your stay. Many also use the app for dating, though, so make sure you are clear about your intentions. 

About Ethan Brooke

My name is Ethan Brooke and I have been living in South Korea since 2016. Since then, I have fallen in love with exploring and travelling around Korea. One thing that I quickly realised however, is that there is still a lot of information missing on Korea - at least in English. I started Seoulinspired to help fill that gap and to provide information to others living in and visiting South Korea. View all posts by Ethan Brooke →

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The 16 Essential Apps for Korea Travel (Download for Free)

In today’s tech-savvy era, we have numerous options to make our travels safer and more convenient. As a traveler, you probably rely on certain smartphone applications that are invaluable for any trip, such as Klook, Airbnb, Google Maps, and more.

However, when traveling to countries like Korea, Japan, Vietnam, or China, communication can become a challenge. The local people in these countries often have limited English proficiency, and likewise, we may struggle to understand their language.

It’s important to prepare for such language barriers by using translation apps or learning some basic phrases in the local language. This can greatly enhance your travel experience and help you navigate effectively in these countries.

In such cases, smartphone applications are the most helpful companion. 

Now, if you’re planning a trip to Korea, the situation is the same and you would find communication problems. So, take your phone and download these 16 essential Apps for Korea travel 202 4. And all these apps are totally free to download.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Essential Apps for Korea Travel, Apps to enter Korea.

For the recent pandemic, like any other country in the world, the Korean government has also imposed some requirements and restrictions on travelers. So, from now, if you want to enter Korea, you will have to follow those rules. And to follow the rules you have to have the following apps.

1. Self-Check

Korea has been utilizing self-check apps, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, for health check-ins, contact tracing, and monitoring potential exposure to the virus. These apps are crucial components of the government’s strategy to effectively manage and contain the spread of the virus. However, it’s important to note that the specific apps and their functionalities may evolve over time in response to changing situations and policies implemented by health authorities.

For travelers planning to visit Korea or those currently in Korea, it’s highly recommended to stay updated with the latest information on self-check apps by referring to official sources or local authorities. This ensures that you have the most accurate and relevant guidance regarding the use of these apps for your health and safety while in Korea.

This app is available in five different languages, including Korean, English, French, Chinese, and Japanese. Download: iOS | Android

K-ETA is the abbreviation of Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. Not all travelers need this app. It is mandatory only for visitors who have come from countries that concluded a visa waiver agreement with Korea and designated visa-free entry to Korea.

By using the K-ETA app, you can apply for K-ETA easily and conveniently. You just have to submit relevant information in the K-ETA application form. And the application must be filled out at least 24 hours before boarding your flight or ship.

Download: iOS | Android

Travel Guide

When you’re visiting a new destination, particularly a new country, a travel guide may be the first thing that you would look for. 

Unlike the past days, now we really do not depend on a person who can guide us in a new place. Rather we prefer technology or apps to guide us. 

Here are some travel guide apps that will serve you on your trip to Korea.

T-money is a contactless smart card used for transportation, making payments at convenience stores, and other purposes in South Korea . To make it easier to manage your T-money balance on the go, there is an Android app available which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

This T-money Android app allows users to check their balance, view transaction history and recharge their card on their devices. Furthermore, users can also find information about transportation routes and schedules as well as discounts and promotions. To access all features of the app, users need to set up an account with their T-money card number and personal information upon logging in.

4. Visit Korea

Visit-Korea-apps

Visit Korea is a well-known Korean app that is specially made for travelers by the Korea Tourist Organization . This app will give you multiple services like tourist attractions, tour courses, information about Korean, Korean festivals, finding restaurants and shopping centers, exchange rates, weather updates, and many more.

So this one app can make your Korea trip so much better. Furthermore, the Visit Korea app is managed by the South Korean Government, which makes this app much more reliable than any other app.

And if you can’t manage an internet connection, you can always save information for the offline visit.

Trazy-apps

Trazy is the short form of travel+crazy. This app is very helpful and essential when you’re finding a travel guide app. Trazy not only shows you unique attractions and trendy things to do but by using this app, you will get discounts on tickets and tours as well.

Who doesn’t love discounts, especially when you’re on travel and the budget is tight? You can have the best deals on most Korean attractions and activities with only a few clicks.

KLOOK

There is barely any traveler in Asia who doesn’t know about the Klook app. This app is useful for any destination or country, including Korea. If you’re a regular traveler, I am pretty sure you already have this app on your mobile phone. Klook is a great travel guide that also offers numerous alluring deals on tours and tickets. Moreover, if you’re a regular user of Klook, you can have a special loyalty discount the more you book tickets and tours through it.

Translation & Communication

In a country like Korea which doesn’t use English as their first language, travelers face communication problems a lot. Because we hardly understand a single word of the Korean language. 

On the contrary, Korean people are not very used to of English language. In such a case, translation apps are lifesavers.

Here are the two transaction and communication apps that would help you to understand and translate the Korean language into English.

Pappago

My personal favorite translation app is Papago which I have been using for years. It not only helped me on my Korea trip but also on trips to Japan, China, and Vietnam. 

Papago is an app from Naver Corporation that supports nearly 13 languages, which is pretty awesome for travelers like us. Furthermore, it can translate images, voice, and handwriting as well.

And from my personal experience, I can tell you this app will give you more accurate translation than any other app.

8. Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate

Naver-Dictionary

If you’re willing to do some chitchat with locals in the Korean language, you can use Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate , which is specially made to translate the Korean language. But don’t think that it only serves you in Korea. This appointment can also translate languages like French, Thai, Vietnamese, Hindi, and more.

Yeah, you can say, ” I have Google translation, which is the number one translation app in the world”. I admit it. But do you admit that often Google translates stupidly, which has no meaning?

I bet you do notice that. Well, with the Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate app, you would not face such awkward translations. This application will give an accurate translation of the Korean language.

Social Network

Social network is undoubtedly a significant benefit of having a smartphone. If you’re coming to Korea to meet a local friend, you certainly have to have a social network app to stay connected. 

9. Kakao Talk Messenger

Kako-Talk

Kakao Talk Messenger is a number one social network app in Korea that is used by nearly every Korean person. This app has so many features. Apart from texting and calling, you can share photos and videos, transfer money, and share your current location.

All you need is to have an internet connection to use this app. This app helped me a lot to stay connected with the host of Airbnb. So if you don’t use the Kakao Talk app, it could be a bit difficult to stay in touch in Korea.

When you’re in a new place, it is no need to say that you need to have a Map that will direct you through the town or country. In the past days, travelers carried a printed map and a compass to direct themselves.

But in the days of technology, who carries such things as printed maps or compass, right? So here, you need a digital map on your phone to direct you through Korea.

10. Naver Map

Naver-Maps

In Korea, you will not get much benefit from Google Maps as it doesn’t work well there. For security purposes, the Korean Government declares to store the map data on the local server. 

So, it would be more handy and helpful if you use the Korean local map application, the Naver Map . Besides showing the exact location, this app gives you more facilities to make your trip easier. 

When you’re in a foreign country, it is hard to have an internet connection all the time, particularly on the road where you’re finding some address. Isn’t it a familiar problem to you? 

Naver Map can be the solution to this problem. You can download any location or address and then you can track that location offline, without data. Furthermore, this app supports languages like English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.

Transportation

Transportation apps are unavoidable at any destination. So, you have to have these apps to travel here and there in Korea. And some of these apps will also give discounts on ticket prices.

11. Subway Korea

Subway-Korea

Subway Korea is another local map app that shows the subway routes of some major cities and areas of Korea. With this app, your Korea trip would be more convenient. 

The Subway Korea app tells you which route would be the fastest and easiest to get to your destination and also shows the to-the-minute train schedule. The best part is that you can also use this app offline.

12. Kakao Metro

Kakao-metro

Kakao Metro is locals’ favorite app that shows the most convenient and fastest routes and public transportations. By using this app, you can find stations, the best transport, transport schedule, and how fast the transport is. So, this one app can give you multiple services.

13. Kakao Taxi

Kakao-taxi

Not every time we manage to take public transport, especially when you are loaded with luggage. In such a case, you certainly need to grab a taxi and the Kakao Taxi app is the most trustable for this purpose.

This app works like Uber. You just have to give your current location and your targeted destination. Then you’ll have the “Request Taxi” button, click on it. That’s all! Within a few minutes, your taxi will come to pick you up.

Taking a taxi from this app is the safest and most convenient way, where you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off.

Exchanging Currency

The name of the Korean currency is Korean Won which you need to exchange with your home currency. Here is the app that will help you out.

14. XE Currency

xe-currency-converter

XE Current is a very useful app when it comes to exchanging your home currency for Korean Won. This app helps you to understand the currency rate and change it according to that rate.

Find Food & Restaurants

Many travelers’ travels purpose is to taste the local cuisine. But at a new destination how would you know which food or restaurant is the best and local favorite? 

Here are the apps that will help you find out the best food and restaurants in Korea.

15. MangoPlate

Mangoplate

MangoPlate is one of the most popular apps to find the best restaurants in Korea. It shows you more than 200,000 restaurants with their rating and review. So you can have multiple options to choose a fine restaurant to dine at. Furthermore, this app is available in the English language which makes it more convenient for travelers.

Yogyo

If you’re not willing to go to a restaurant, you can always order food online through the Yogiyo app. This app will give you delivery anywhere. Yes, I mean it ANYWHERE, whether you’re in your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or outside. 

For example, you’re chilling at some famous attraction in Korea, and you feel hungry. Immediately you can order food via Yogiyo which delivers food within only 30 minutes. Sounds good?

To make your Korean trip hassle-free and enjoyable, you surely should use these applications. Because these apps will help you at every step. And if you have been to Korea and used any of these apps, let us know how your experience has been. We are eager to know your travel stories!

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Hi, thx for the list just went to South Korea. Such a beautiful country. And used almost all of those apps. Esspeicialy the Kakao Taxi app help me a lot, so easy to order a taxi with it.

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15 helpful travel apps for visiting south korea.

15 helpful apps for visiting korea

Planning a trip to South Korea?

Korea is a country that I have dreamed about visiting for so long and when I finally made it, I was the happiest girl on Earth. It’s so beautiful, so modern, so clean, and overall, so fascinating, but when you don’t speak the local language it could also be a bit more challenging to navigate than some other countries.

Thankfully, there are a host of mobile apps that can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’ll be exploring the bustling streets of Seoul, savoring the delicious street food, or diving into the rich cultural history, having the right travel apps for South Korea is of utmost importance when preparing for your trip.

In this article, I’ll share which are the essential South Korean travel apps that every tourist should download before embarking on their adventure . I will break them into three categories: must-have apps for visiting South Korea, recommended/good-to-have apps for visiting South Korea, and ones that I haven’t personally used because I’ve learned about them too late, but depending on your interests and purpose of visit can be very useful.

So, let’s get to the point…

Table of Contents

Must-Have Travel Apps for Visiting South Korea

1. naver map.

Naver Map is an indispensable app for navigating South Korea. Unlike Google Maps and Apple Maps, which have limited functionality in Korea, Naver Map offers detailed and accurate maps, public transportation options, and real-time traffic updates. While I found it quite useful, I won’t lie – Naver is not my favorite app. It is fairly easy to use, but I experienced some issues with it, like getting kicked out of my account (in which I stored all my bookmarks), and occasional navigation freezing (which might have to do with poor connection and not the app tho). Despite these hiccups, it’s an essential app for getting around and an absolute must-have app for visiting South Korea.

Download Naver Map: iOS | Android

the must-have travel apps for visiting south korea

The view to Lotte World Tower from the subway.

2. Kakao Map

KakaoMap is another excellent South Korean navigation app, particularly for transportation navigation and directions. Like Naver Map, it provides comprehensive maps and navigation features, but I found it a bit more reliable for transit information. It’s a great alternative if you experience any issues with Naver Map, offering detailed directions for walking, driving, and public transport.

Download Kakao Map: iOS | Android

seoul navigation apps recommendations

Absolutely fell in love with the buses in Seoul! This is on the line getting to the N Tower.

3. KOREA TOUR CARD Tmoney

Based on the logic above for categorizing these travel apps for traveling South Korea, the KOREA TOUR CARD Tmoney should have been in the “Other South Korea Travel Apps” category, but I feel it is one of the most important ones. Unfortunately, we only learned about it on our way to the airport when leaving Korea. I wish we had known about it earlier, as it would have made our trip much more convenient. I’m surprised it isn’t more widely recommended, as it is an absolute must-have app for traveling in South Korea, in my opinion.

The mobile KOREA TOUR CARD is the app version of the KOREA TOUR CARD, incorporating the functionalities of the Tmoney card. Using the NFC function on your smartphone, this app allows you to make payments not only for public transportation (subway, bus, taxi, etc.) but also at convenience stores, cafes and restaurnats. The benefits extend beyond mere convenience, offering discounts for cultural events and tourist destinations.

Unfortunately, I only found it to be available for Android users. If anyone find it on the Apple store, please let me know so I can add it here for the others. Thanks!

Download KOREA TOUR CARD Tmoney: Android

the apps you need to have when traveling to seoul

We’ve had the physical cards and only found out about the app when leaving…

4. Subway Korea

Navigating the extensive subway systems in South Korea can be daunting, but the Subway Korea app makes it straightforward. It provides detailed subway maps, route planners, and real-time arrival information. The app covers multiple cities, including Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, making it invaluable for efficient travel.

Download Subway Korea: iOS | Android

seoul apps

In Seoul, they have the cutest music playing when the train approaches.

Papago, developed by Naver, is an exceptional translation app that supports text, voice, and image translations. I found it particularly helpful for translating Korean signs, menus, and conversations. It’s user-friendly and highly accurate, making it easier to communicate with locals and understand your surroundings. It’s a must-have app for overcoming language barriers.

Download Papago: iOS | Android

papago app, the best south korean translation app

I used Papago all the time to translate the labels on the food items in grocery stores.

6. South Korea eSIM

I highly recommend getting an eSIM for South Korea. I must admit that I am new to eSIMs and never had issues purchasing physical SIM cards in new countries. However, I found eSIMs to be incredibly convenient and time-saving. They can be activated remotely and become active as soon as you land in the country, meaning you are connected as soon as you arrive. In the future, I plan to opt for eSIMs exclusively.

In South Korea, using an eSIM not only saved me time but also money. My boyfriend bought a physical SIM card locally, which ended up costing significantly more than the eSIM I got from ByteSim. While the eSIM generally worked well, as I mentioned earlier I think poor connection was the reason why sometimes the Naver map was failing in navigation. Additionally, I encountered a problem where I couldn’t access an important work-related app. This limitation meant I had to either find a Wi-Fi network or rely on my boyfriend’s mobile hotspot for connectivity.

Given these challenges, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend ByteSim, in fact, I would recommend checking other South Korean eSIM providers, such as Holafly, Yesim, or Airalo.

south korea travel apps

No eSIM-related photo so here’s one of a beautiful park in Seoul instead. 🙂

7. Korailtalk

For those planning to travel across South Korea by train, Korailtalk is an essential app. It allows you to check train schedules, book tickets, and manage reservations. The app covers the extensive Korail network, making it easier to explore beyond the major cities. It’s especially useful for booking high-speed KTX trains and planning day trips.

Download Korailtalk: iOS | Android

tips for visiting south korea

This is the bus from/to the airport – very comfortable and spacious.

8. XE Currency

XE Currency is a staple on my phone whenever I travel. It provides live exchange rates and helps you keep track of your expenses in different currencies. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for managing your travel budget.

Download XE Currency: iOS | Android

apps for traveling south korea

I spent a lot of money on shopping and food…

Good-to-Have Travel Apps for Traveling South Korea

9. kakaotalk.

KakaoTalk, often referred to as the “Korean WhatsApp”, is South Korea’s most popular messaging app. It’s a great way to stay in touch with locals and many businesses use KakaoTalk to provide their services online and customer service. While I had it installed, I ended up not using it much, as I mostly booked appointments and experiences via Instagram by direct messaging businesses.

Download KakaoTalk: iOS | Android

color analysis in seoul

Color analysis are very popular in Korea. I booked mine through Instagram.

10. Visit Seoul

Visit Seoul is the official tourism app of Seoul, providing a wealth of information about attractions, events, accommodations, and dining options. It’s perfect for discovering hidden gems and planning your itinerary in the vibrant capital city. The app also includes maps and helpful tips for tourists, making it a comprehensive guide for exploring Seoul.

Download Visit Seoul: iOS | Android

south korea travel tips

11. Kakao Taxi / Taba

Kakao Taxi and Tada are essential apps for hailing cabs in South Korea. In my opinion and experience, I don’t think you’ll need to use taxis a lot. We only used a taxi once on our way to the airport as the public transportation system, especially in Seoul, is pretty good and can take you everywhere, but these apps can come in handy in case you want or need to leverage their services. They offer options to pay through the app and you can also track your ride in real-time, ensuring a secure journey.

Download Kakao Taxi: iOS | Android

Download Taba: iOS | Android

seoul, south korea

Again, no taxi photo but a charming neighborhood of Seoul instead.

Yogiyo is your go-to app for food delivery in South Korea. It features a wide variety of restaurants, allowing you to order Korean dishes right to your doorstep. The app offers menus, user reviews, and delivery tracking, making it a convenient option for dining in. Whether you’re craving Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or any other local delicacy, Yogiyo has you covered.

Download Yogiyo: iOS | Android

korean fried chicken

Korean fried chicken. 🫶🏻

Other South Korea Travel Apps

13. bucacheck app.

If you have a transit card and are unsure about its remaining balance, the BucaCheck App is a handy tool. With this app, you can check your balance by simply scanning your transit card. This feature saves you the hassle of finding a top-up machine or risking insufficient funds. The app requires your phone to have NFC capabilities (Near Field Communication) to read the card’s data.

Download BucaCheck App: iOS | Android

seoul travel tips and apps

Make sure to visit the pretty waterfall across from cafe Pokpo.

14. NAMANE Card App

This pre-paid card functions not only as a transportation card, like T-money, for subway and bus rides but also as a debit card for use at restaurants, stores, cafes, and more. You can easily recharge the card through the app, making it a versatile tool for cashless transactions, especially as more stores in Korea adopt a no-cash policy.

Download NAMANE: iOS | Android

south korea travel apps

I’d travel back to South Korea for the cheese dog alone.

15. T Locker App

Many people visit South Korea for its vibrant shopping scene. While there’s so much more to Korea than just shopping, chances are you’ll find yourself indulging in a shopping spree, even if that’s not the main purpose of your trip. Shopping in Korea is an adventure, with countless places to explore and an abundance of options to choose from. However, carrying around heavy shopping bags or luggage can quickly become a hassle.

The T Locker App is a helpful South Korean travel app for anyone who want to lighten their load, making it easier to enjoy both shopping and sightseeing without the burden of carrying bags. The app has an extensive network of lockers throughout Seoul, particularly in subway stations. It enables you to locate all T Locker locations, check locker availability, and view pricing information. You can even reserve a locker in advance and pay directly through the app, ensuring a secure place for your belongings while you continue to explore the city.

Download T Locker: iOS | Android

seoul apps for travelers

With these 15 helpful travel apps for visiting South Korea, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the country like a local. From finding your way around to discovering the best food, translating restaurant menus and navigating Seoul’s overwhelming transportation system, these apps are essential for making the most of your trip. Download them before you go and enjoy a seamless travel experience in South Korea!

I hope that this article gave you a good overview of how to prepare for your trip to South Korea. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me .

If you like this post, please share it with your friends and follow Owl Over The World on  Facebook,   Instagram , and  TikTok  for more travel tips & inspiration.

Thank you for reading,

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best korean travel apps

Bilyana is the founder of Owl Over The World and the girl behind the screen. Besides being a travel blogger, she's also a mountain freak and a full-time dream chaser. She writes about her adventures around the world wanting to inspire you to travel more & worry less.

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There She Goes Again

The Best Apps for Korea Travel: Which Ones I Use and the Ones I Don’t

Wondering what best apps for Korea travel are? These are the ones I actually use while I’m in the country.

Anyone who’s been or lived in Korea knows that most of the apps and sites you’re used to using won’t work well or at all here. Want to try calling a Lyft or Uber? Good luck! You won’t see a car pop up ever. Google Maps? As far as I know, it hasn’t been updated since 2009.

You basically need to download a whole set of new apps when you visit just to navigate and get around. I thought I’d share the ones I  actually use, some general or fun ones, and tell you why I don’t bother with a bunch I’ve seen listed on the web.

(PS don’t judge my battery life on these screenshots!)

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7 of the Best Apps for Korea Travel

Papago translator.

best korean travel apps

When I’m really lazy, I’ll sometimes use a butchered translation on Google Translate, and when I’m studying Korean, I reference Naver’s dictionary. However, while I was trying to Google translate something once, one of my students told me I should try downloading Papago , which is much more accurate for Korean translations.

And he was right! Papago works much more smoothly with Korean-English, so if you want something to help you communicate with locals, this is the app you want instead of any other translation app you’ve been using!

best korean travel apps

I’ll live and die by Kakao Map, and I’m sure if you’ve read any of my other posts here, you’ve seen me mention it multiple times! Don’t even bother with Google Maps (Google hasn’t been allowed to map the country since 2009), and Naver Maps is far less detailed from my experience.

best korean travel apps

Now, Uber and Lyft are actually totally illegal here because the taxi game is so strong. Instead, if you want to get a taxi ASAP, use KakaoTaxi to find one. It basically works the same as Uber or Lyft, but you’ll still deal with a meter vs. knowing how much you’re paying upfront.

Subway Korea

best korean travel apps

The easiest way to get around Seoul! It’ll even tell you which car is the best to get in and out of the subway.

best korean travel apps

This is nice to see what bus numbers you need anywhere in the country. Suncheon has a specific one with Yeosu and Gwangyang , so I only ever used this once in Seoul, but it might be helpful for you!

best korean travel apps

If you’re planning on using Airbnb or doing any sort of tour, every single Korean I’ve met has and prefers to communicate via Kakao Talk. I’d have it downloaded just in case you need it for communication. It’s more useful that WhatsApp here!

You can also use it for Wonderful and Butler Korea, which are sort of courier type services, but I’ve never used either of them, so I can’t speak to their usefulness or value.

Yogiyo (배달요기요)

best korean travel apps

Before there was GrubHub and Uber Eats, there was Yogiyo (I think). Korean delivery has always been lightyears ahead of the US in terms of ease and cost, and Yogiyo is the best. You can literally pin your place on a map, so if you’re in a park or something, the delivery guy can still find you! I used this too many times for fried chicken.

Other General Travel Ones:

  • XE Currency Calculator –  Good if you’re trying to figure out your budget in different currencies. I hardly ever used it because the US Dollar is roughly 1,000 KRW, so the conversion is easy for me.
  • Trail Wallet –  If you’re the kind of person who’s good at tracking your budget, then something like Trail Wallet is best for you. I am not that kind of person, so I rely on my credit card statements. *cough*
  • Apps for your booking sites –  Booking.com , Airbnb , etc. I always like having them downloaded because it’s easier to see your accommodation laid out vs. trying to track things down via email.
  • WhatsApp Messenger –  Or Facebook Messenger . Something to keep in touch with friends and family at home while you’re traveling.
  • Line Webtoon –  I have this one webtoon that is still being translated into English, called “Cheese in the Trap.” If you like a good manga, you might like Korea’s take on webtoons. I haven’t tried any other besides that one, and I love it.
  • Viki –  For you K-drama lovers ;)

Apps that Exist but I’ve Never Used:

  • Mangoplate (망고플레이트)  – I think this is for restaurant reviews? But I just skim reviews and look at photos on KakaoMap.
  • CGV – You can use these for movie times, but I feel like this is more for expats and locals, not travelers. Plus any time I’ve wanted to look up the time, I just looked it up on their website.
  • AirVisual Air Quality – This is for seeing air quality outside because sometimes the dust is  bad . However, this is another one that I feel is more for locals and expats than travelers. Plus, I like to think a little ignorance goes a long way. I lived through the yellow dust three times over, and while it sucks some days, you’ll be fine. Get one of those face masks if it really bothers you.
  • Waze – My friend used this for driving in Korea because she can’t read Hangul, but for most rental cars, you can use their built-in navigation which is in English
  • Visit Korea App – A general travel app that I didn’t know existed until I looked up apps to make sure I could cover everything here! I’m not sure how useful it is, but I’ll try it out next time I visit. Mostly, I just figure things out on KakaoMap or I’ll use Visit Korea’s actual site.
  • NAVER Korean Dictionary – You won’t use it unless you’re, like, hardcore studying Korean. I barely used it even when I was! Instead, Papago is much easier, especially if you’re just traveling.
  • Naver Map – I like Kakao’s better. It’s more detailed with street names and such. I know because when I had my students do a mini-project on giving me directions using the maps on their phone, the ones with Naver struggled way more than the ones with Kakao
  • Line – I feel like the Line app was Naver’s attempt at competing with Kakaotalk. Of every Korean, I’ve ever talked to from friends to coworkers to random BnB hosts… I’ve met maybe one person who uses it semi-regularly. And even with her, we just texted normally since she didn’t like Kakaotalk
  • Korail / Bustago /Etc  – I mean, it’s kind of extra. You can just use the browser in English to book your tickets, use the desktop version, or get them in person.

And there you have it! All the apps I use and don’t use for travel to Korea. Next time I visit, I’ll keep my eye on any new ones that might be helpful.

Let me know what apps you think I’m missing!

If you’re traveling to Korea for the first time, check out my South Korea travel tips post and join my Facebook group !

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MiddleClass

MiddleClass

For the Middle Class, by the Middle Class. Best of both Singapore & Korea.

  • 10 Must-Have Apps For Your South Korea Travels: Transportation, Food Delivery & More

best korean travel apps

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, h ere’s our list of 10 must-have apps for Korea:

Navigation & Transport

best korean travel apps

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 .

best korean travel apps

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

best korean travel apps

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 .

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!

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Discover Seoul Pass (@discoverseoulpass_en)

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.

best korean travel apps

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 .

best korean travel apps

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 Food Delivery App_Screenshots

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

App interface of Baedal Minjok, a Korean food delivery app

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 is a reservation service for Korean restaurants, functioning like Chope! 

App interface of Catchtable, a restaurant reservation service in Korea

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! 

Instagram hashtags to search for Korean restaurants

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. E ach 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. 

*Follow  MiddleClass.sg  on  Facebook,   Instagram ,  TikTok , and  Telegram  for more food, travel, and trending stories

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The Historian Traveller

The Historian Traveller

A blog about travel, history and photography

The best apps for a perfect South Korea trip

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Last Updated on August 5, 2024 by Laura

Annyeonghaseyo readers! I am just back from the most incredible trip to South Korea! A destination I was dreaming to visit for a decade now! The organisation of this trip was lengthy and deeply researched. Indeed, as many as you know, despite being worldwide famous, South Korea is not the easiest country to get around as a tourist. Linguistic barriers and logistical problems are often the top reasons to make this trip challenging. In this blog, I decided to share with you months of research for my own trip to make your travel life a little easier. Here you will find the best apps for South Korea travel.

Table of Contents

Why I need extra apps to travel to South Korea?

If you are planning a trip to South Korea, you will soon discover that many apps we use in Europe and US just don’t make the cut there. Things like WhatsApp or Google Maps or Just Eat they just don’t work or partially work. This because in Asia they have completely different apps from what we use and even if we share some of them, you’ll soon realise they don’t work pretty well.

For example, WhatsApp is not a thing in Korea as most of them use Kakao Talk. We discovered they use WhatsApp only if they communicate with foreign people. E.g. the landlady in one of our accommodations sent us a message via WhatsApp.

Why Google Maps doesn’t work in South Korea?

One of the most daunting thing you will discover as soon as you start planning your trip, is that Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea. With this I mean that you can open the app, see the locations, but once you try to plan how to reach them, NOTHING. The route doesn’t exist. If you, like me, plan your trips heavily on Google Maps you’ll probably get a little desperate when learning this truth. Apparently the simple reason why Google Maps doesn’t work in South Korea is that the government has requested the data to be stored in a domestic server (for security reason), but Google refused to comply with the request. The result, is that you can’t navigate or drive or do anything if you decide to rely on Google Maps.

Best apps for South Korea travel

Because of the issues with most of all our western apps, I researched the best apps for South Korea before travelling. I honestly I can’t even imagine how my trip would have been without these app! They are really life-savers! Therefore, I warmly recommend downloading and setting an account for all these apps BEFORE departing. This because we discovered that once you are there, your phone number won’t be recognised and you won’t be able to verify your account for the set up. I know this because I tried to set-up an account for my husband while there and it didn’t work.

See below for a list of useful apps.

Best apps for South Korea travel

Given that Google Maps doesn’t work, Naver Map is the best alternative you have to navigate and plan your routes in South Korea. I heavily relied on Naver Map when in Korea and I didn’t know what the trip could have been without this app!

There are multiple apps to get around in South Korea like Kakao Map or Subway Korea but, despite they are good, they miss something. Naver Map, instead, is the perfect combination of all these 3 apps all together. In fact, when choosing a location to reach it integrates with Korea public transportation systems giving live times for both buses and subway.

Naver Map can be used both with or without an account. Nevertheless, if you want to save your preferences you’ll need to register for an account.

To note that Naver Map is not 100% in English. The basic commands are, but if you need to dig into the destination or read reviews about a restaurant this is still unfortunately just in Korean. Despite this issue, Naver Map remains still the most complete app to get around South Korea both by car or on foot.

Naver Map features

best korean travel apps

The primary use of Naver App is ,of course, navigation. This app is great for both on foot travelling, public transport and driving. If you simply want to walk from a place to another, it gives you various options: fastest, easy and avoid stairs. In all of them it gives you as much details as possible for your trip (including pictures with directions!). If you select the public transport option, you can filter by bus or subway. In the subway option, it gives you also some extra information that will make you save time (see the picture below highlighted in Yellow).

best korean travel apps

By knowing in advance the correct entrance and exit of the subway you’ll loose less time to reach a destination. Also the app will give you the “fast arrival number”. This is basically the number of the door you’ll need to board in the subway if you want to exit fast towards your destination. If you don’t know where these numbers are on the subway, just look on the floor and on each of the doors.

Most rented car in South Korea have a fantastic GPS system that works pretty well. But if you need to use Naver this is pretty useful too as the app will give you three roads to choose: real-time traffic, easy and avoid tolls (for motorways). In case you’ll need a taxi, the app will give you also the estimate fare for the route you’ll need to cover.

READ MORE: Best things to do in Seoul

Location finding

best korean travel apps

If you need to find a certain spot but unsure where to go, Naver App has some pre-set categories that can help you find quickly what you are searching for. These are fully in English. For example, if you are searching for a cafe’ in your area, just click the icon and it will give you what is available. You can also scroll down the places one by one with their reviews but unfortunately this part is in Korean. Please note that if you are searching for a small supermarket/convenience store the icon is branded as “CVS”.

Other useful amenities are: subway map integration, restaurants, attractions, gas/pump stations, parkings, hotels, coupon (which I am not 100% sure what it is?), bigger supermarkets, banks, hair salons and N Order (this one see below).

best korean travel apps

Naver Order is perhaps one very useful feature (especially if you are on the go). Indeed it’s a less complicated version of Uber Eats/ Just Eat and it’s just for pre-ordering (collect or eat in). The only problem with this is that is fully in Korean, but if you have another phone, you can translate roughly what you are ordering. It is divided into two sections: cafes (on the left) and main dishes/convenience stores (on the right). You can pre-order your drinks and dishes to dine in or take away and pre-pay them. I haven’t personally used this but it’s good to know.

best korean travel apps

One very useful tool you can use on Naver is the “Bookmark”. This is nothing else than a list (or multiple lists) of favourite places you can add to avoid searching them every time. You can create both list of places or routes to save. This will help you a lot if you plan ahead like me. I literally created my whole itinerary and saved this in different days. The app automatically divides your saved places into categories. Therefore, you can filter restaurants, attractions, shops etc.

Naver Map Faults

best korean travel apps

As any other app on the market, Naver Map is not perfect. It’s great but still has some issues that could potentially be a problem for your trip. The first is, of course, that is not fully in English. This pose some limitations in what you can do with the map itself such as ordering food or reading reviews when it comes to choose a restaurant. A translator integration would have been appreciated but it’s not there YET. The second issue we found is that names of the places, particularly when in foreign languages or peculiar are completely wrong or distorted. This will make your navigation to these places a little challenging.

To give you an example. A pizzeria in Jeju that we were searching called “La Una” on Naver Maps appears as “Rauna”. Or a place where we stayed called “Around Follie” is called “Around Poly”. Another hotel in Busan where we stayed called “The Coolest Hotel” on Naver is registered as ” The Kulliseteu Hotel”. ??? What??? And the list goes on and on. Honestly, we found this quite hilarius as it looks like they registered these places with the way how they pronounce them. But of course you won’t find them with their original name. The best thing is to double check that the location on the map is where it should be and the address is the same.

Download Naver Map

If you want to download Naver Map you can do it from the following links:

Naver for IOS devices

Naver for Android devices

best korean travel apps

Kakao T is the main app that Koreans use to book Taxis. This is another life-saver app because if you find yourself in a remote area or just you don’t feel to walk 20 mins to get to the next bus stop, this app will be your go to. Taxis are inexpensive and fast to arrive in South Korea. We found ourselves relying on them more than expected. Especially in large cities like Busan where taking the public transport from one point to another takes hours. Calling a taxi saved us a lot of time and hassle!

To note that you must set-up an account with Kakao-T BEFORE getting to South Korea. In fact, my husband tried to set-up an account once there, as a back up if my phone was death and he couldn’t verify his mobile phone. Therefore, before travel set-up your account and link-it to your preferred credit card and you will be ready to go!

best korean travel apps

Once you set-up an account, the app is very straightforward to use. I saw it has a lot of additional functions in addition to taxi, but I haven’t tried those so not sure what they do! If you want to call a taxi on the spot, just click the “taxi” icon, set up your pick-up and destination points and search. You will see different options with their estimated prices.

If you want to pre-book a taxi (for example for the airport) use the “book taxi” icon and set-up your ride.

As soon as you set up the route you a series of different taxis will display. This initially got me confused as the explanation for them was only in Korean. By using the app, I kinda learnt the difference between them and what is best to use if you are on a hurry.

Different types of Taxi on Kakao T

  • General Request. It’s a midsize taxi. Booking is done through the app but payment is directly to the driver (cash or card). No fees are applied. It cost less but it can take longer to arrive. We also noted that not many drivers accept the call through this request.
  • Blue Taxi. This was our favourite. It comes as soon as you call it, in any location you are. It is very reliable and we used also in very last minute trips. Taxis are big enough to fit 3 luggage and 2 people. Price is slightly higher. In fact, there is an additional fee for the service (0-3000 won), and a cancellation fee of 2000 won. You don’t need to pay the driver as payment go through the app with your linked card.
  • Black Taxi. Is similar to the blue one but more elegant and fancy. It doesn’t have a “taxi” sign and it’s more expensive than the blue one. There are limited black taxis on certain areas so it’s not as quick as the other two. Payment go through the app with your linked card. Cancellation fee is 5,000 won
  • Venti. This is a small minivan that is very useful when travelling in group or with many luggage. People use it often for rides to the airport. Payment go through the app with your linked card. Cancellation fee is 4,000 won.
  • Deluxe Taxi. Is the classic Black with golden stripes taxi. You should expect a fare to be 40 to 50% more than regular taxis. It has larger seats and more English-speaking drivers. Some people say drivers are also more careful on the roads. We didn’t try this, so I can’t confirm.
  • Combination Call. This option will search the first available car near you (Blue, Venti, Deluxe or Black) for 10 minutes without need requesting a car again.

Kakao T Faults

We loved Kakao T. However, if there are any faults are the not fully functioning “general request”. We tried several times but no taxi was ever available through that option. Also (not directly app fault), taxi drivers in Korea are really the worst. I thought I was dying a couple of times (particularly in Busan) and some of them are very very rude. Generally, they don’t respect the road speed limits and seems that drive purposely to get into a road accident. The last time I experienced something similar it was in India. Not the best experience.

Download Kakao T

If you want to download Kakao T you can do it from the following links:

Kakao T for IOS devices

Kakao T for Android devices

best korean travel apps

Having changed accommodation almost everyday for about 4 days in Seoul, I don’t know how I would have got around without T-Locker keeping my luggage! To note that T-Locker is available only in Seoul and other cities have different types of lockers.

Differently than the apps above, you don’t need an account to use T-Locker. You’ll need just to download the app and find your space. T-lockers are available at every stop on the subway station and every train station in Seoul.

Type of T-locker services

First thing first. You will discover that with T-Locker you can not only book lockers but pre-book also other different services. On the upper right side of the map there are 3 small boxes. Each correspond to one of these services:

  • Locker. Are the small to XL lockers that you can find at any station. These have a minimum fee of 3,100-6,100 won for 4 hours. You’ll pay an additional 500- 1,000 won per any extra hour depending on the size of the storage locker. They are not convenient if you need a locker for the whole day.
  • Luggage. Is actually a store where you can bring your luggage. This is more convenient if you need storage for a longer period as they have flat rates. To note that T-Luggage stores are only in major hubs like Seoul Central Station. You can pre-book online but the form is only in Korean. They offer also the delivery service but is better to speak to the employee in person rather than doing through the app (unless your Korean is very fluent).
  • Storage. These are self-service storage spaces inside a small warehouse. You can basically rent a small storage space (like a mini garage). This is ideal when you have a lot of luggage or you have to store items for longer periods. I am not 100% sure you can use them for a daily rent (the fee starts at 49,000 won per month). But we used a small storage similar in Seoul (not T-storage though) for 25,000 won for all the items we had.

How to use the T-Locker App

best korean travel apps

T- Locker App is connected to Naver Map and shows you the lockers/luggage store and storage in each area you are searching and those near you according to which box you click. You can book a locker into 2 different ways.

The first is by pre-booking. If you click “locker” all the locker locations in your area will appear. Just click in the location you need and the app will redirect you to the specific locker space where you can see which locker is available. Just chose the size you need and pay via the app. A one-time password will be sent to you to unlock the locker when in location.

The second method (the one I used) is directly in location. Just scan the QR code at the top of the locker you want to leave your stuff. This will give you the availability page. Choose your locker, pay and the app will give you a one-time pass code to open the locker.

To retrieve your items, use the app. Check your storage box and click “release”. If you are within the 4 hours, the app will give you again a one-time code to open your storage box. If more time is passed, you will have to pay the difference first.

Keep an eye on the app to check that you are in the correct T-Locker location. This because inside the same subway there are multiple lockers. The app will tell you something like “near exit 5” etc.

We used this service a lot and found it super helpful to avoid bringing our bulky luggage all the way around Seoul.

Other Locker applications in different cities

best korean travel apps

As I said before, T-locker is exclusively in Seoul at the moment. Cities like Busan have different systems to storage luggage. Busan, in particular, has 2 different types of lockers. One that can be unlocked only on the spot. We saw this at the main train station. You’ll need to check the availability on the screen by clicking “Keep”. A second one that is very similar to T-Locker. This is called OTP Locker and you’ll need an app too in order to use it.

Best apps for South Korea travel

Usage is exactly the same as T-Locker. The app is integrated with Naver Map so it will display the locations of the lockers. Click on your preferred one and pay to reserve it. If you are on the spot, just scan the QR code to get the exact location and availability. You can retrieve the item once again from the app by releasing the locker.

Locker apps faults

I honestly didn’t notice any particular faults with these apps. The only issue might be that some locations (particularly near the main train stations) are extremely busy. Therefore finding a free locker is almost impossible. I would recommend check the availability on the app before going to the location with all your items.

Download T-Locker and OTP Locker Apps

If you want to download T-Locker and OTP Locker apps, you can do it from the following links:

T-Locker for IOS devices

T-Locker for Android devices

OTP Locker for IOS devices

OTP Locker for Android devices

Best apps for South Korea travel

Papago is a translation service app provided by Naver. I found this much more accurate than Google Translate and also less robotic. Maybe because it is specifically made to facilitate translation of the Asian languages but it’s really really good!

Papago main functions are Voice translation (live mode), Conversation mode and image translation. We really find useful the image translation to read ingredients or particularly complicated explanations. You just need to scan a picture and the app will translate the text for you.

Papago Educational functions

Best apps for South Korea travel

Not many people know that in addition to the basic translation functions, Papago has also some hidden educational functions that are very useful to learn some basic words in Korean (or other languages needed).

If you go on the side menu (upper left corner) you will see some additional functions. These are:

  • Phrasebook. This is divided into different categories according to the social context. For each context it gives you the correct phrases to say (with audio) and provides you some possible conversation scenarios.
  • Word Cards. For those who learn easily with visual aids, this function is really perfect. In fact, for each category there are a series of cards associated with picture of certain objects/functions. These are associated with their audio and translation.
  • Edu. This is still on his Beta version but I suppose it will be like a sort of Duolingo. In fact, you can choose a language to learn. At the moment there are only English, Chinese and Japanese. Hopefully, they will add more languages soon.

Download Papago App

If you want to download the Papago app, you can do it from the following links:

Papago for IOS devices

Papago for Android devices

Food delivery apps

Best apps for South Korea travel

I am a big fan of food delivery apps! There is nothing best than ordering some warm food from your hotel/accommodation’ sofa after a crazy day walking around! Don’t get me wrong, I love eating out but there are days where I just want to relax and have some nice food in the comfort of my hotel room. That’s why I always check-out what are the best delivery apps in the location I am visiting. In South Korea, the most reliable and famous delivery services are Shuttle Delivery and Coupang Eats.

Shuttle Delivery

Best apps for South Korea travel

Shuttle Delivery is probably the most famous delivery app in South Korea. It’s a bit like Uber Eats or Deliveroo for people who live in Europe. The interface is also very similar and straightforward to use. It is also fully in English which is a huge pro! You just need to set up your account, the location of the delivery and what you want to eat!

Ps: To note the choice of the restaurant for the picture above is completely casual. I haven’t tried this restaurant or being sponsored by it.

Dowload Shuttle Delivery App

If you want to download the Shuttle Delivery app, you can do it from the following links:

Shuttle Delivery for IOS devices

Shuttle Delivery for Android devices

Coupang Eats

best korean travel apps

Coupang Eats is another company that is becoming very very popular in South Korea. I saw their drivers practically everywhere. They have a lot of options on their app but unfortunately the interface is only partially in English and you’ll need a translation app with you. It works similarly to Shuttle Delivery by setting up your location and choosing your food but being almost fully in Korean might generate some issues for English speaking users.

Dowload Coupang Eats App

If you want to download the Coupang Eats app, you can do it from the following links:

Coupang Eats for IOS devices

Best apps for South Korea travel

Last but not least, one of my favourite apps for travelling in South Korea was Klook. This is essentially an online travel and experiences platform that allows you to buy tickets and services at heavily discounted prices. Usually you can save between 30 and 50% with their offers on attractions and services. I used Klook to rent my portable Wi-Fi , to book my Hanbok and even to book my Arex train from the airport! The latest one is very convenient as we saved 50% on the fare price you will pay at the airport.

best korean travel apps

Klook is available in different cities around the world, so you’ll need to find the city or service you need. Be also aware that once you pay, a voucher will be given to you. You’ll need to exchange this voucher to receive your service. E.g. to get your Arex tickets, you have to go to the ticket machine at the airport and click on the screen “Exchange Klook voucher”.

Download Klook App

If you want to download Klook you can do it from the following links:

Klook for IOS devices

Klook for Android devices

Conclusions Best apps for South Korea travel

That’s it! With these few apps your South Korea trip will be smooth and you will be able to get around, talk to people, order food and even book discounted tickets for attractions!

Happy Travels!!!

Plan your trip to South Korea

Discover here all the useful articles to plan your trip to South Korea.

best korean travel apps

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Top 10 Must-Have Korean Apps You Need When Visiting in Korea

KoreaTechToday Editor

Having the right smartphone applications could make all the difference in experiencing Korea. Here are ten amazing apps that could make life so much easier. / Image take from VisitKorea website

As a diverse and beautiful country, South Korea has many fun things to do, such as exploring culture, visiting enchanting places, eating delicious food, and shopping for the latest gadgets and clothes. However, navigating and making plans could be extremely difficult, especially for visiting foreigners.

Having the right smartphone applications could make all the difference in experiencing Korea. Here are ten amazing apps that could make life so much easier daily.

Yogiyo

If you have trouble calling up a restaurant to order food or are just simply too lazy, then you could use the Yogiyo app to order and deliver your food. The app is also perfect for food lovers in general and for people who want to explore Korean food without traveling often.

The Korean food delivery app features a “category sorter” that helps people choose from its Korean food directory filled with a wide variety of food items, pictures, and prices. Yogiyo also offers other types of food variants, such as Western, Mexican, Japanese, and others.

2. KakaoTalk

"KakaoTalk?lang=en

South Korea’s flawless Wi-Fi coverage also helps users save both money and time. KakaoTalk offers a group chatting feature perfect for communicating with families and coworkers all at once. The Korean app also allows users to send their location, pictures, and videos with its built-in camera function, map function, and voice recording function.

3. Subway Korea

Subway Korea

Navigating in unfamiliar territory in a foreign land could be very difficult and frightening at times. Many South Koreans use the subway to travel around; however, it could be very confusing for foreigners. Thankfully, the Subway Korea app could help in times like these.

Subway Korea provides location and information such as departure time and routes of subway stations around the country. Just by tapping the starting station and destination, the navigation app would provide users with the fastest way while guiding users through every step of their itinerary.

Subway Korea also allows users to change subway maps according to their specified cities such as Seoul, Busan, or Daegu.

4. KakaoBus & KakaoTaxi

KakaoBus KakaoTaxi

Foreigners or locals who love to look at sceneries while traveling, and want to avoid crowded areas would find riding buses more enjoyable than taking the subway. KakaoBus allows users to search for any stop or bus number and acquire their locations and routes. The app also provides estimated arrival and departure times for the chosen bus stop.

Meanwhile, KakaoTaxi allows users to hail a taxicab anywhere in Korea. The app is quick, safe, and easy to use, as it only works with licensed and registered drivers . Users could also send notifications to friends or families detailing the route and estimated time of arrival.

5. Naver Dictionary

Naver Dictionary

The Naver Dictionay app is one of the first Korean translator apps available through the internet. Korea’s top search engine Naver developed the app delivering the most accurate and complete Korean-English and English-Korean translator.

The translator is also one of the most used apps with various instructions to help learn its usage . The homepage features grammar tips, idioms, words-of-the-day, as well as daily Korean conversations. Along with each translation comes a variety of model sentences utilizing sentence structures and keywords to create an effective learning experience.

6. VisitKorea

VisitKorea

In an effort to promote South Korea better, The Korean Tourism Office developed the “ VisitKorea ” app. KTO packed the content from the Korean Tourism Organization website into a convenient app perfect for foreigners and even locals. 

Available in Korean and English, VisitKorea provides information about popular things to do and see, travel highlights, exchange rates, map routes, weather updates, and contact numbers in Korea.

7. Itour Seoul

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The Itour Seoul app is the official travel app of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The app provides users with the location and distance of landmarks and attractions in Seoul. The app is a better alternative for people always on-the-go than bringing a heavy guidebook or a large tourist map.

8. Naver Map

Naver Map

If North Americans and Europeans have Google Maps, Koreans have Naver Map. 

Naver’s monopoly on South Korea’s interactive map applications provides a more detailed diagram than Google Maps. The app’s straightforward and intuitive system makes it a good companion for people without a good sense of direction. Naver Map also allows users to download maps beforehand, making it possible to browse them even without an internet connection.

9. Mangoplate

Mangoplate

When visiting other countries, choosing where to eat is always a tough decision. Mangoplate allows users to search what type of food they want to eat, and the app would show them exactly which place to visit and why. Users could also browse cities or areas and locate the nearest restaurant.

In Korean and English, Mangoplate ’s amazing review feature allows users to experience only the best eats by connecting them with trustworthy people and the best restaurants in South Korea.

Radish

Most visitors and people living in Korea travel by subway or bus, entertaining themselves using their smartphones. Korean startup Radish designed a great app that keeps travelers busy throughout their journey. Its mobile fiction app provides a wide range of stories for smartphone users to read.

Users could browse over 7,000 novels and communicate with others through their chatrooms. Writers could produce or curate their novels to build a consumer base and even monetize their work. Each novel only contains approximately 1,500 words, enough to finish for a single journey.

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16 Best Apps for Korea Travel

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best korean travel apps

Best Apps for Korea Travel

Planning a  trip to Korea ? Whether it’s your first time or not, having the right apps on your smartphone can make a world of difference. Korea is a fast-paced country, and with the help of these apps, you can navigate your way through the bustling streets, plan your itinerary, and communicate with the locals without any hassles. In this section, we will introduce you to the 20  best apps  for  Korea travel  that you shouldn’t miss. From  translation  apps to map and travel apps guides – we’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaways

  • Having the right apps can greatly enhance your travel experience in Korea.
  • Apps for  translation ,  navigation , and  attractions  are essential for your trip.
  • Klook and Visit Korea apps are ideal for booking activities and planning your itinerary.
  • Useful apps like  Trazy ,  GetYourGuide , KakaoTalk, and  Coupang  can make your journey more comfortable.
  • Essential apps for  living in Korea  include  Kakao Map ,  Papago , and  IQAir AirVisual South Korea .

Korean-English Translator Apps in Korea

While traveling to Korea, it’s important to be able to communicate with locals and understand written Korean signs, menus, and other content. That’s where  Korean-English translator apps  come in handy. These apps use advanced  translation  technology to provide accurate translations.

One of the most popular  Korean-English translator apps  is Naver  Papago , which offers real-time translation for both written text and spoken words. You can even take a picture of Korean text and receive a translation instantly. Another great app is Google Translate, which offers a similar translation service with the ability to download language packs for offline use and even translate handwriting.

If you prefer a translator app with voice recognition, iTranslate Voice is a great option that allows you to speak into your phone and receive an instant translation. It also offers a useful phrasebook feature with commonly used phrases in Korean for easy reference.

Additional Resources for Korean-English Translation

In addition to these translator apps, there are also online translation tools available such as Koreanclass101 and Glosbe. These can be useful for translating longer passages of text or for getting a second opinion on a translation. However, keep in mind that online translators may not always be 100% accurate, so it’s best to double-check important translations with a native speaker if possible.

Overall, having a Korean-English translator app on your phone can be a major lifesaver when traveling in Korea. With their ability to accurately translate written and spoken Korean, you’ll be able to communicate more easily with locals and fully immerse yourself in Korean culture .

Navigation Apps in English

Getting around Korea can be a challenge, especially if you don’t speak Korean. Fortunately, there are several map apps available in English that can help you navigate the country’s cities with ease. These apps provide you with much more accurate directions, public transportation information, and real-time traffic updates, making it easy for you to get to your destination.

One popular option is the  Seoul Subway app , which offers a comprehensive map of the city’s subway system, including information on fares, journey times, and transfer stations. The handy app also comes with an English language option, making it accessible for visitors to Korea.

Another popular app is the  Kakaomap , which offers detailed maps of cities and neighborhoods across Korea. The app has a variety of features, such as real-time traffic updates and public transportation schedules, making it a must-have for anyone looking to explore Korea’s urban areas.

For those who prefer a more interactive experience, the  Naver Maps app  is an excellent choice. This app offers detailed street-level views of Korea’s cities and towns, allowing you to explore your surroundings in real-time. It also provides information on nearby restaurants, cafes, and  attractions , helping you plan your day more efficiently.

In  conclusion , having a map app that supports English language is essential for navigating through Korea’s cities and  attractions . With the right app, you can enjoy your trip without the worry of getting lost or missing out on exciting experiences.

Korean Subway and Bus Apps in English

Getting around Korea’s public transportation system can be intimidating for travelers. However, with subway and bus apps that are available in English, you can easily plan your routes, check schedules, and avoid getting lost.

KakaoMetro (Seoul Subway App)

*An alternative for KakaoT, when you need a taxi, is to call +82-1644-2255 and ask for an international taxi, which you can communicate with the driver in English.

Both of these apps are free and available for download on iOS and Android devices. They are reliable and often updated, ensuring that you have access to the latest information.

If you’re looking for discounted tickets to popular attractions and activities in South Korea, the  Klook app  is a must-have. This app offers a wide range of options, from traditional cultural experiences to modern attractions.

You can easily browse through different categories, such as theme parks, museums, and outdoor activities. The app also features exclusive deals and skip-the-line options, allowing you to make the most of your trip without spending too much time waiting in queues.

Booking through Klook is simple and hassle-free, with a secure payment system and instant confirmation of your bookings. You can access your booking details and e-tickets directly from the app.

From exploring the bustling city of  Seoul  to immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Jeju Island, Klook has something for everyone. Download the app before your trip to South Korea to access all the best deals and make the most of your visit to this amazing country.

Visit Korea App

Planning a trip to South Korea? The Visit  Korea app  is a must-have for any traveler. As the official travel guide provided by the Korea Tourism Organization, this app offers comprehensive information on attractions, events, accommodations, and local recommendations to help you plan your trip efficiently.

With the Visit  Korea app , you can easily browse through popular destinations, find detailed information on historical sites and cultural events, and make reservations for accommodations and transportation. The app also provides real-time updates on local weather and air quality, so you can plan your activities accordingly.

One of the best features of the Visit  Korea app  is its offline map function. You can download maps of major cities including  Seoul  and use them without an internet connection. This makes navigating through Korea’s bustling cities and finding your way to attractions a breeze!

Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay, the  Visit Korea app  is an essential tool for your  South Korea travel . Download the app and make the most of your  trip to Korea !

Other Useful Apps for Travel in Korea

Aside from the apps mentioned earlier, there are other useful apps that you can use during your  trip to Korea . Here are some of our suggestions:

  • Trazy  – This app is perfect for booking unique tours and experiences in Korea. From food tours to theme parks, you’ll find a wide variety of activities that suit your interests. You can even find discounted tickets to some of the most popular attractions in the country.
  • GetYourGuide  – Similar to  Trazy , this app also offers a wide range of tours and experiences in Korea. You can easily browse through their selection and book tickets in advance to skip the lines.
  • Kakao Talk Messenger  – Keeping in touch with locals can be a challenge when you’re traveling. However, with  KakaoTalk Messenger , you can easily send messages, make calls, and share photos with your Korean contacts. Plus, it has a translation feature that can translate messages in real time.
  • Coupang  – If you need to shop for essentials or souvenirs during your trip,  Coupang  is a great app to use. It offers a wide variety of products that you can purchase online and have delivered to your hotel or Airbnb. Plus, they often have exclusive deals and discounts for their app users.

With these apps, your Korea trip will surely be more convenient, fun, and memorable!

Essential Apps for Living in Korea

If you’re planning to live in Korea or stay for an extended period, there are certain apps that are essential for your daily life. These apps will help you navigate your new surroundings, communicate with locals, and stay informed about your environment.

When it comes to navigating Korea’s streets,  Kakao Map  is a must-have app. It provides real-time traffic updates, public transportation information, and detailed directions that are often more accurate than Google Maps. Additionally, it allows you to search for nearby restaurants, shops, and other points of interest.

As a foreigner  living in Korea , communicating in Korean can be challenging. With  Papago , you can easily translate any text or speech from Korean to English or other languages. It’s a reliable and accurate translation app that can be especially helpful when dealing with official documents or communicating with locals.

IQAir AirVisual South Korea

Korea’s air quality can be a concern, particularly in the cities.  IQAir AirVisual South Korea  is an app that provides real-time air quality information, alerts, and health recommendations to help you plan your day in the best possible way. You’ll be able to check the air quality before going outside and adjust your activities accordingly.

With these essential apps at your fingertips,  living in Korea  can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. They will help you navigate your new surroundings, communicate with locals, and stay informed about your environment.

Summary of All essential Apps

When planning your trip to Korea, downloading the right apps can make a significant difference in your overall experience. With these apps, you can navigate the cities, communicate with locals, and easily book activities and accommodations.

If you’re visiting  Seoul , be sure to download the  Seoul Subway app  or the  Kakaobus app  to navigate the city’s public transportation system effortlessly. The  Klook app  also offers great discounts on attractions and activities, while the  Visit Korea app  provides comprehensive information on all the must-see sights and events.

For those planning on living in Korea or staying for an extended period, apps like  Kakao Map , Papago, and  IQAir AirVisual South Korea  are essential for daily life. These apps will help you navigate the city, communicate with locals, and monitor the air quality in your area.

Overall, having the right apps on your trip to Korea can greatly enhance your travel experience. So, make sure to download these apps before packing your bags and embarking on your journey to Korea. Happy travels!

Q: What are the 20 best apps for travel in Korea?

A: We have compiled a list of the 20  best apps  that are essential for your trip to Korea. These apps will enhance your travel experience and make exploring Korea more convenient and enjoyable.

Q: Are there any Korean-English translator apps available?

A: Yes, there are several  Korean-English translator apps  available. These apps will assist you in communicating with locals and understanding signs, menus, and other written content in Korean.

Q: Are there any Korea map apps available in English?

A: Yes, there are Korea map apps that offer English language support. These apps will provide you with accurate directions, public transportation information, and real-time traffic updates.

Q: Are there any Korean subway and bus apps available in English?

A: Yes, there are Korean subway and bus apps available in English. These apps will help you plan your routes, check schedules, and avoid getting lost while navigating through Korea’s public transportation system.

Q: What is the Klook app and how can it enhance my trip to South Korea?

A: The  Klook app  offers a wide range of discounted tickets and activities for popular attractions in South Korea. You can easily browse and book experiences, skip the lines, and enjoy exclusive deals to make the most of your trip.

Q: What is the Visit Korea app and how can it help me plan my trip to South Korea?

A: The  Visit Korea app  is an official travel guide provided by the Korea Tourism Organization. It offers comprehensive information on attractions, events, accommodations, and local recommendations to help you plan your trip efficiently.

Q: What are some other useful apps for travel in Korea?

A: Apart from the ones mentioned above, other useful apps for travel in Korea include  Trazy  and  GetYourGuide  for booking tours and experiences,  KakaoTalk Messenger  for staying connected with locals, and  Coupang  for online shopping and delivery services.

Q: Are there any essential apps for living in Korea?

A: Yes, if you’re planning to live in Korea or stay for an extended period, certain apps will be essential for your daily life. These include Kakao Map for  navigation , Papago for translation, and IQAir AirVisual South Korea for air quality information.

Q: How can these apps enhance my travel experience in Korea?

A: Having the right  apps for your trip  to Korea can greatly enhance your travel experience. Whether it’s for  navigation , translation, booking activities, or staying connected, these apps will be your best companions throughout your journey.

What to pack for Korea travel: South Korea Packing List

How to Get Around Seoul: Korea Public Transportation Guide

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Top 6 Best Map and Navigation Apps in Korea

Expat Guide Korea

The transportation system in Korea is always highly appreciated for its convenience and speed, making it easier to travel around. Especially with the help of map apps, it has become much easier to navigate the way. If you come to Korea for the first time and still have no experience in finding your way, let us show you how to use map apps to find your way in Korea.

1. Naver Map 네이버 지도

ioS | Android  

best korean travel apps

Naver is also known as the Google of Korea with the most excellent information system for Koreans. In addition to sub-channels such as news, blog, culture, society, music, etc. Naver also offers many useful apps. Among them, Naver Map (네이버 지도) is considered to be the most accurate map app. You can conveniently use surrounding information, public transport, navigation, and MY tab right from the home menu tab. Especially Naver Map developed a feature called SmartAround which collected all the data provided by Naver users. You can check information such as locations, reviews, and menus of famous restaurants or shops. With the integrated search box, you can find all the necessary information about places, possible buses, subway lines, and detailed addresses. 

In addition, real-time traffic information and Clova voice command functions are added to provide an accurate and quick guide to the destination with optimized usability for drivers. When you walk or cycle, you can rotate the map 360 degrees, and check the actual appearance of major landmarks in a three-dimensional view. In case you are working as a part-time worker at night, you can check the optimal route and arrival time, including late-night buses, by setting the departure date and time. You can save your favorite travel plans or places of interest such as restaurants you want to go by folder, and you can easily check them on the map. 

2. Kakao Map 카카오맵

  ioS | Android  

best korean travel apps

Besides Naver Map, Kakao Map is also a popular map app to Koreans for its high accuracy. However, many people think that Kakao Map is more convenient than Naver Map because it can be linked to both KakaoTalk and KakaoTaxi. Like other map apps, Kakao Map allows you to find out your current location, find the fastest route to the destination you want to go, and provide detailed directions for you. This app also provides directions for a variety of transports such as cars, bicycles, public transport, and also for walking. It also tells you which bus/subway you have to take and when the bus/subway will arrive. Travel time on this app is calculated quite accurately. You can choose the fastest way to go, the shortest subway and bus waiting time, the least-walk way, and the simplest way to go.

In particular, when you take the familiar bus from home to school every day, you can set a reminder notice by pressing the orange bell icon on the right. Then, the app will automatically inform you of the journey and destination. Another feature is the vector-based 3D map. The 3D view, 360° rotation, and tilt functions allow you to view from various angles. It also helps save up to 50% on data usage.

3. Kakao Navi 카카오내비

ioS | Android   

best korean travel apps

A navigation app developed and released by Lock & All on March 14, 2011. At the time of launch, its name was 'Kimgisa', but in 2016 Kakao bought the whole Kimgisa and renamed it Kakao Navi. The map uses data from Kakao Map and removes many non-essential features and simplifies setup. 

It is popular for its accurate self-implemented navigation algorithm. The app will help to choose the best route found based on users' actual driving data and real-time traffic information. Based on big data and traffic prediction algorithms, Kakao Navi will also inform you how long it takes to the destination depending on the departure time. If you connect your smartphone to your car, Kakao Navi will appear on a bigger screen. You can drive more comfortably with directions optimized for vehicle display and audio. 

If it's hard to explain your location to your friend, you can share your real-time location easily with KakaoTalk. If you need anything while driving, tell the artificial intelligence Kakao i. You can do many things from searching for a destination and nearby gas stations to KakaoTalk and music simply by using your voice. 

4. T map T 맵

best korean travel apps

T map is a navigation and map app provided by SK Telecom. Originally, it was exclusively for SKT users but from the end of 2011, it has been opened so that subscribers from other telecommunication companies can use the T map for an additional fee. Since 2016, thanks to its popularity, everyone can use this service for free. One of T map's new features is "children protection path" (어린이보호경로). It guides you to the path that bypasses the school zone as much as possible for safety. Voice reports such as "Tell me about congestion" and "Tell me about speed cameras" are also possible.

T map is popular for providing the most accurate route guidance in Korea. It collects and processes the driving data of users in real-time to guide them to the optimal route. This app also provides the first real aerial map navigation in Korea.

Recently, T map has collaborated with NUGU voice assistant to launch various functions with voice commands, such as: “Find Incheon International Airport”, “Let’s go home”, “Tell me the toll”, “Call my mom”, “Send a text message to Aari Kim” “Listen to music ”, “Listen to the news”, “Tell me the weather tomorrow”, etc. 

Drivers can check their driving records that can be seen immediately when they arrive at their destination. By using driving scores, they can save up to an 11% discount on car insurance premiums. Also, SKT smartphone plan users are free with data charges (air maps are also provided for free). However, data charges are not included when using music, news, radio, and podcasts. 

5. One Navi 원내비

best korean travel apps

This is one of Korea's representative smart navigation app. One Navi has various advantages for drivers. Besides normal functions like finding the fastest and most accurate way using real-time traffic information and searching for destinations through integrated search through voice, One Navi can guide drivers to the cheapest gas station to reduce fuel costs. In addition, you can react immediately to unexpected situations through the black-box function. Useful Information on fine dust around the current location/destination and notification of the issuance of emergency fine dust reduction measures is also provided. 

When you go on a trip with your friends, you can create a group with contact-based acquaintances, deliver a destination to go with, and drive together. When driving in a group, personalized character decoration with images and profiles will be displayed to other group members. The app then offers various features such as the order of arrival, group members' destination, estimated time of arrival, and current location. Similar to T Map, since this app was founded by KT, KT customers are provided free data when using the navigation system. However, a data fee is charged for services that are linked to other websites. (web browser linking, etc.)

6. Google Map

ioS | Android

best korean travel apps

Google Map is a popular tool that is no stranger to many of you. Not only in Korea but at every corner all over the world, Google Map can also help you find your way easily. The world's most popular navigation software has continuously updated routes in Korea since 2005 up to now so it will definitely assist you in finding your way to any place in Korea! The using method is also very simple, you just need to locate the location you are at or enter the address where you live or where you are and select a destination, then the map application will help you find the fastest way from A to Z.

Google Map also allows you to choose subway lines and bus routes accurately. Google Map also guides the exit gate for you to walk in the most convenient way. The app provides detailed instructions on subway numbers, line colors, and the most convenient exit doors. In addition to finding directions, Google Map also has many other cool utilities that you can exploit such as: save your home and work address, save a list of favorite places of interest, share the location where you are, check the schedule of public transport, find nearby places, voice navigation, etc. 

You can also download offline maps to use when there is no Internet. You can select maps to find your way around the area you live in or the area you are going to travel to download first and use the maps to easily find your way even without an Internet connection.

Note: Maps have a limited time, can be deleted or updated when the Internet is available.

Offline maps help you find the shortest distance within the saved map limit, but the app will not be able to provide traffic data without the Internet.

One of the downsides of the app compared to Korean maps is that its data about Korean streets, subways, buses, shops, etc. is quite limited. Also, Korean map apps are always updated so it is more accurate if you find directions using the Korean map apps. Moreover, while Google Map is great in most countries, it is only the 2nd choice in South Korea as it doesn't help you with walking navigation. This situation occurs because the Korean government does not allow the storage of terrain data on servers based abroad, so you can only look up the route using local mapping apps. Google Map still works for long-distance buses, subways, and public transport.

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Top 5 Map and Navigation Apps in Korea

Top 5 Map and Navigation Apps in Korea

Seoul is the fifth-largest city in the world so, for first-time visitors, it may seem a bit daunting. However, don’t be intimidated by the city’s vast urban area. Navigation apps in Korea make life very simple. 

Whether you’re moving to Korea or simply visiting, it’s smart to look at navigation apps. In theory, Seoul is pretty well-organized. Resources like the Seoul City bus tour help familiarize you with the locality. 

However, if you get lost, it’s difficult to navigate your way out. Most people don’t speak English, so you have to rely on navigation apps in Korea. 

These apps will help you organize your routes and reach your destination without getting lost. In this way, you can easily explore the city.  

What are the five best map and navigation apps in Korea? Let’s take a look. 

Google Maps

Google Maps is pretty much universal. It’s the most widely used navigation app in the world. So, of course, it’s also available in South Korea.

There are a few pros to using Google Maps. 

Firstly, it’s familiar. You probably use Google Maps in your home country. Therefore, you know how it works and what to do. 

If you’ve used it before, you don’t even need to create an account or change the language settings.

Secondly, Google Maps offers many convenient features. For instance, there’s the offline map option. 

When you’re traveling, WiFi or mobile data is not always available. The offline feature solves this issue.

In this way, you don’t need to sacrifice expensive mobile minutes just to find a location.  

Here are the iOS and Android links to download the Google Maps app. 

Out of all the navigation apps in Korea, Naver Map is ranked next to Google. 

Like Google Maps, it has the most detailed maps and navigation information. The app records real-time information from users to optimize its navigation system. 

Moreover, it has several user-friendly features, some especially catering to tourists.   

As you can see below, you can get a preview of the street you’ll be visiting. If you haven’t been to your destination before, you’ll know what to look for. 

You can even rotate the street view 360 degrees. This feature allows you to find landmarks and other prominent places next to the location. 

Therefore, finding places becomes easier. Check out the app on both iOS and Android . 

Thirdly, there’s the T Map application. This app belongs to SK Telecom, a wireless telecommunications operator. 

The best part about the app is its safety features. It has a ‘children protection path’, which warns you about school zones. 

Moreover, you can ask the app for voice reports on traffic, quickest routes, and speed cameras. 

Overall, the app has excellent AI features. Once you’ve installed it on your phone, it responds to voice commands.

If you’re driving, it can even call or send text messages for you, adding to the safety features.

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. 

Navigation maps in Korea usually have high accuracy. However, Kakao Map surpasses all accuracy expectations with its high-end navigation software.

You can use the app for detailed directions and travel time. The app has options for types of transports: walking, cycling, driving, or using public transport. 

If you’re on foot, it’ll keep you safe on pedestrian-friendly routes. Moreover, if you want to use public transport like the subway, it’ll help you track your stops. 

You can download the Kakao Map app for iOS and Android with these links. 

Lastly, One Navi is also one of the best navigation apps in Korea. It’s the best app for drivers. If you’re on a road trip, you should use One Navi. 

Not only does it give traffic reports, but it also helps minimize fuel costs. How? 

Well, it’ll give you the shortest route possible and guide you to cheaper gas stations. Therefore, you won’t have to spend too much gas money. 

If you’re traveling with friends, you can customize characters for everyone. So, when one person drives, their name and character will appear on the screen. 

It’s a cute and fun thing to do with loved ones. 

Like all the apps on this list, One Navi is also accessible on both iOS and Android . 

To sum it up, navigating Korea is much simpler with these five apps. All of them have translation options, so language isn’t a problem. 

So, whether you’re going to work or simply exploring tourist spots, use these navigation apps in Korea. 

Moreover, if you’re looking for recommendations on where to go, check out Seoul’s infamous Harry Potter Themed Cafe. Read all about the cafe and its attractions here .

Also, you can’t visit Korea without learning your Korean name. Don’t know what that is? Here’s a complete guide on finding your Korean name.

Majid Mushtaq is a passionate content creation wizard, Youtuber, traveler, and selfie-fanatic. He is currently living in Seoul and after being bitten by the travel bug, he has been to 25 countries. He loves writing about cultures, technology, food and more food. Gracias :)

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best korean travel apps

10 Best Free Apps to Learn the Korean Language

Anyaa M

 80,885 total views,  6 views today

best korean travel apps

While you are waiting to plan your next trip to South Korea, why not use this time to upskill yourself by taking a chance to learn the Korean language by using Korean learning apps? You can show off your new language skills whenever you get an opportunity to travel to South Korea. 

Most of the free learning Korean apps can help you learn vocabulary and grammar, Korean numbers, and other aspects of the native language.

You can learn Korean using Korean language learning apps if you don’t like hitting the books. There are plenty of functional and free Korean learning apps that are available for both platforms. You can also learn the Korean language by sitting on your sofa and binge-watching Korean drama series. Turn on the subtitles, and go for it! 

There is an additional benefit to learning Korean – you might be able to understand the dialogue in your favorite K-drama streaming on Netflix ! 

If you have time to be bored at home, then you have time to learn something new!

Here are the best apps to learn a new language and learn the Korean language for free, right from your couch!

Table of Contents

It is one of the best app to learn Korean language. The app focuses mostly on Asian languages, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese. LingoDeer features an innovative and fun approach to learning that will get you to speak from day one and build toward fluency. 

The lessons start off simple and follow a building block approach. You will be able to sense your improvement and progression intuitively. Unlike many other apps, the lessons organically integrate vocabulary, sentences, and culture. 

Download here : Apple | Android

Drops: Learn Korea

Drops is a popular language-learning app for a variety of languages, including Korean. The app prioritizes vocabulary and phrase learning above other topics like grammar. It proceeds at a rapid pace, includes a variety of things like games and quizzes, and it gives you a pretty decent mental workout. The free version limits you to learning five minutes per day. You can subscribe to extend that time limit. 

Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps on Google Play. It supports a ton of languages, including Korean. Duolingo takes a simple approach to language learning. You slowly build up a variety of vocabulary words and phrases. Over time, they connect, and you learn Korean. It seems reasonably acceptable. Duolingo boasts that 34 hours of the app equals a semester of university-level education.

Memrise is a powerful and intelligent flashcard system for learning a new language. It allows users to submit their own vocabulary decks. The app goes through vocabulary units using mix-and-match games, auditory quizzes, spelling challenges, and definition prompts so that the word is implanted in every part of your brain. It also includes a social element allowing you to speak the language you want to learn from locals. 

HelloTalk Language Exchange

HelloTalk is a social learning app for languages. You pair up with another individual and learn their language and culture. For example, if you are a fluent English speaker but want to learn Korean, you’ll be matched with someone fluent in Korean and is looking to learn English. The app includes audio, and video calls, and messages of various types, and you can even selectively choose the topics to talk about. It is like a modern version of the old-school pen pal program. 

Learn Korean Phrases & Words

You can learn Korean phrases and words from the native Korean-speaking parrot. The parrot works together with you to practice your speaking and listening skills wherever and whenever you are. Learning Korean can never be easier! Common words are organized into categories such as Romance and Shopping. For each piece of vocabulary, you’re given the usual Hangul/Romanized spellings and audio clip. You can listen to the audio at a slower speed or record your voice for comparison. You can even use it as a travel companion app. 

korean learning apps

KORLINK Talk to Me in Korean (TTMIK)

Talk to Me in Korean (TTMIK) grammar lessons provide a great starting point for those looking to learn or improve their Korean language skills. Beginners can start with the grammar lessons, building their knowledge of vocabulary, phrases, and grammar rules as they progress through the levels. Material for intermediate to advanced users is also available – helping you improve your Korean no matter your level. The app also includes a 한글 (Hangeul – the Korean alphabet) intro, reference, and keyboard practice to help you as you get started.

korean learning apps

Mondly  

Mondly is another popular, influential, and best app to learn a new language with a ton of languages, including Korean. It throws away the traditional method of language learning. Instead, it dives right in and teaches you conversational Korean. You learn the core ideas and expand from there. It also features audio pronunciations, quizzes, various lessons, phrase learning, verb conjugation, and other useful stuff. 

TenguGo Hangul

TenguGo Hangul teaches you the history and structure of Hangul, then lets you learn Hangul at your own pace using easy-to-navigate lessons, quizzes, and flashcards. It’s a beginner only app that illustrates the pronunciation of the Korean alphabet through audio and animated demonstrations of mouth and tongue position. The app includes vowel and consonant charts and instructions for reading and writing in Korean. 

tengugo hangul

It is a fantastic tool to help you learn Korean verbs. This best app to learn Korean teaches all of the different Korean verb conjugations, and it can also help you improve your Korean writing skills. ‘Dongsa’ means ‘verb’ in Korean, and that’s what the app focuses on. It’s a handy app if you want to learn the Korean alphabet.

korean learning apps

There are many more free korean learning apps in the market, but we have selected the ones that are reliable, easy-to-use, and they are free! 

If you’ve been making excuses not to learn Korean, now is the perfect time to download and start learning.

Love it? Pin it and save it for later!

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Anyaa is a versatile writer with an insatiable wanderlust and a deep love for all things Korea. Her passion for exploration and storytelling shines through in her diverse articles covering every aspect of Korean travel. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the tranquil beauty of Jeju Island, her articles serve as a virtual passport for readers, providing them with insider tips, detailed itineraries, and practical advice to ensure an unforgettable journey through Korea.

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Learn Languages From Home

12 Best Korean Translator Apps to Download Now [2024]

Whether you’re studying Korean to understand K-dramas and K-pop or because you have plans of traveling to Korea soon, learning the Korean language definitely comes in handy. But even the most diligent learner can get stuck sometimes. Fortunately, there are Korean translator apps to get you unstuck.

But with so many apps for translating English to Korean, how do you know which one is best for you? This list will help you assess your options.

Girl using Korean translator app

Why use Korean translator apps

  • They help you learn the language faster. Most Korean translator apps work well in combination with Korean language learning apps . Mobile apps for translating Korean words and phrases that are more difficult will come in handy as you progress in your learning journey.
  • They help verify the meanings of words. Learning a language doesn’t happen overnight. Even though I can read Hangul, I personally find Korean translator apps useful for words that I don’t know the meaning of. And if you’re a beginner, you’ll encounter lots of unfamiliar words which will be easier to understand through translator apps.
  • They’re cost-efficient and convenient. Korean language books and Korean online courses are worthy investments but not everyone has the budget or the time for either. Most Korean translator apps, on the other hand, are free or fairly priced. And since it’s mobile, you can literally take and use it anywhere, anytime.

Translator apps are great for studying Korean, translating the menu or messages from your favorite K-pop idol, or understanding casual conversations. It must be said, however, that you would still need human translators for formal documents, long-form literature, and translating idioms, and slang.

What to look for in Korean translator apps

  • Functionality : Do you need an English-Korean translator app for studying or for travel? Some apps give literal translations, which might be enough as you’re just starting to learn the language. But when traveling to Korea, you’ll need accurate translations for idioms and colloquial phrases. Knowing your needs will help you weed out your options.
  • Accuracy : No translator app can replace a human Korean translator but some do come close. And while an app may give accurate translations for Spanish to English, for example, it doesn’t mean that translations from English to Korean will be just as accurate.
  • Usability : Is the app easy to navigate? Is it easy on the eyes? Does it have other useful features aside from translations? Is the font readable? These things are worth considering when choosing which app to download.
  • Price : Most Korean translator apps are free but some do charge minimum for additional features. And it’s up to you if you’re willing to subscribe to pay for these.

And without further ado, here are our hand-picked Korean translator apps that are available for you to download!

The best Korean translator apps

1. google translate.

Google Translate

No list of translation apps is complete without Google Translate. It supports over 100 languages, with over 50 of those languages available offline including Korean. Aside from the standard text translation, it also supports camera and photo translations (through text recognition), handwriting, and voice input.

Although not the most accurate translator for Korean, Google Translate has improved over the years. Translations skew towards business or formal terms, which is good if you want to be more polite. If you want to sound casual or translate idioms, this may not be the best choice.

Google Translate is great for quick, verified translations, especially if you already have basic knowledge of Korean. If you’re a beginner in Hangul, Google Translate’s romanization will come in handy.

What I like about Google Translate :

  • As it supports over 100 languages, it’s the only translator app you’ll need if you’re a frequent traveler
  • Offline access
  • Plenty of input choices – typing, writing, speech, conversation, text recognition, and voice input
  • Good, simple interface; no ads to block your view

For iOS , Android , and web browser

Price: free

2. Naver Korean Dictionary

Naver Korean Dictionary

You’d be hard-pressed to find a list of Korean translator apps that doesn’t mention Naver Korean Dictionary. Combining a search engine, dictionary, translator, and learning app, this multifunction tool is a godsend.

Developed by Korean search engine Naver, this app gives accurate and complete Korean-English and English-Korean translations. Aside from the meaning and translation, it also provides plenty of variations and sentences to help you learn its usage. You can also record your (or someone else’s) voice, transcribe, and translate your speech.

The app also features grammar tips, idioms, words-of-the-day, and other sources for Korean language learning. One caveat, though, is that most text in this app is in Korean so it’s best for users who can read Hangul.

What I like about Naver Korean Dictionary :

  • Highly useful and immersive app not just for translations but also for learning Korean
  • Includes a lot of sample sentences and variations for better word context and usage
  • Translations have audio so you can also hear the correct pronunciation.

Papago

While Naver Korean Dictionary offers a lot of functions, Papago focuses on translations. Also developed by Naver, it currently supports translations between 13 languages, including Korean.

Papago supports real-time text translations, text recognition, voice input, handwriting, and website translation. It can also translate offline. Apart from initial translation results, dictionary information is also available. A phrasebook also comes in handy for travelers.

Papago does have a leg up on Google Translate when it comes to accuracy; translations in Korean sound more casual and natural, and it can even translate some idioms. But it does have translations for honorific.

What I like about Papago :

  • Simple user interface
  • Plenty of input options
  • Instant, accurate translations and a phrasebook for beginners and travelers
  • In-screen translations via Papago Mini when you copy the text from your other apps
  • Options to translate to both polite and casual form

4. Daum Dictionary

Daum Dictionary

Developed by Kakao Corp., Daum Dictionary has a similar layout and function to the Korean Naver Dictionary. A word search yields different meanings, translations, and even romanization. If you enter a sentence, the app will break it down into separate words and give meanings and translations for each.

Daum does require Korean knowledge and is best for advanced learners. You can translate English to Korean or vice versa, or you can look up words in just Korean. You can also search for other languages; however, Daum’s coverage isn’t as wide as Naver’s.

What I like about Daum Dictionary :

  • Highly immersive dictionary and translator if you already know Korean
  • Simple, user-friendly interface
  • Verified, accurate results

5. GreenLife Korean English Translator

GreenLife Korean English Translator

GreenLife is one of the best Korean translator apps if you’re looking for a learning aid. Not only does it translate Korean to English (and vice versa) accurately, but it also gives sentence correction! How cool is that?!

GreenLife’s Translator is able to translate via text, speech, or conversation in multiple languages including Korean, English, Italian, French, German, and Japanese. It also features an offline dictionary, word of the day, crosswords, a phrasebook, and flashcards.

The app also shows what grammatical function a word has in a sentence. You can also speak a sentence and hear its translation, a feature that is perfect for travelers.

What I like about GreenLife Korean English Translator :

  • Voice recognition for translations on-the-fly
  • Translation history which you can send to yourself for studying later
  • The ‘word of the day’ and in-app learning games that help build vocabulary
  • Grammar lessons and sentence correction

For Android only

Price: free. Offers in-app purchases.

6. SayHi Translate

SayHi Translate

SayHi is an Amazon company that specializes in conversational translation – you simply have to speak into the microphone and it’ll translate your speech instantly.

The app is so easy to navigate. You literally just have to tap a button and start speaking to translate to Korean and other languages. And with over 90 languages and dialects, it has good coverage, too.

Most translations are also pretty accurate. Translations are clickable and you can copy or share it easily via email, SMS, or social media. You can also change between languages, choose male or female voices, and speed up or slow down the speech rate.

What I like about SayHi Translate :

  • Simple, straightforward, uncluttered interface
  • Quick and accurate translations via speech, perfect for conversing with someone who doesn’t speak your language
  • Accurate text-to-speech

For iOS and Android

7. Microsoft Translator

Microsoft Translator

Microsoft Translator has all the basic features of a good translator app – multilingual support, text and voice translation, text recognition, offline access, plus all the bells and whistles. But this app comes with an extremely useful and unique feature: multi-person conversation translation.

Using a 5-letter code, you can connect your device and join conversations with up to 100 people across languages. Then you can speak and the app will automatically translate it when you’re done. Not only does this app help you understand unfamiliar words and phrases, but also solves a lot of problems for multilingual teams.

This app also comes with phrasebooks which is great if you’re traveling to Korea. Pronunciation guides and alternate translations and meanings of a word are also provided. Pretty nifty, right?

What I like about Microsoft Translator :

  • Accurate Korean translation from English
  • Multi-participant conversation translation
  • Clean interface

8. Klays-Development Korean-English Translator

Klays-Development Korean-English Translator

Klays-Development’s has one of the most accurate Korean translator apps in the market. Its translations to Korean are provided in both oral and written versions that include standard and slang. This means you can get more accurate and contextual translations.

Being able to see more casual translations is helpful for those who plan to travel to Korea. However, this would be more beneficial for learners who already have knowledge on the Korean language and culture.

Aside from the instant translations via text and voice, you can also save some of your translations in a ‘favorites’ list. You can go back to these later and even access the list offline.

What I like about Klays-Development Korean-English Translator :

  • Casual speech translations
  • Offline access for favorite translations

Flitto translation app

Need professional Korean translators for technical and business documents? Flitto’s translation service might just be what you’re looking for.

Flitto is known for its direct human translators and crowdsourced translation service. Available in 173 countries and supporting 25 languages including Korean and English, the site offers crowdsourced translation and professional translation for different kinds of translation needs.

Users can request for translation in text, voice, and image formats. You can get translations within three minutes in average for short texts, and longer for professional documents. Proofreading service, as well as the basic text translation, is also available.

What I like about Flitto :

  • Crowdsourced translations that give you more ‘human’ results
  • Professional and accurate translations for technical and business documents

Price: Basic text translation is free. Rates for crowdsourced and pro services vary.

10. Korean Dict Box

Korean Dict Box

Korean Dict Box by Evolly is one of the simplest Korean translator apps in the market but it gets the job done. Translate to Korean and vice versa in few, easy taps. Since this app also functions as a dictionary, it’s also great for those learning Korean.

Features include offline support, smart word suggestions and word corrections, audio pronunciations, a picture dictionary, and flashcards for memorization. It can even translate text directly from the web browser and over other apps. Korean translations are pretty accurate, too.

What I like about Korean Dict Box :

  • Fuss-free accurate translations
  • Useful features for language learners
  • Can translate text from other apps

11. Yandex.Translate

Yandex.Translate

If you’re looking for multipurpose Korean translator apps, Yandex is a great choice. This useful app can translate between any of the 90 languages that it currently covers, which include Korean and English.

Besides the standard text translations, you can also get entire sites translated to Korean. The predictive typing function and automated language detection makes this a user-friendly app.

Text recognition and photo translations are available for some languages. However, this feature is currently not available for Korean.

What I like about Yandex.Translate :

  • Build-in dictionary helps verify meanings.
  • Predictive text saves time.
  • Can translate entire sites

Tandem

Technically, Tandem is not a translator app but a language exchange and language learning app. But I’ve included it in this list because it does have a translation feature.

Tandem lets you master any language by chatting with real people. This social and collaborative app has chat and video communication tools and correction features. Free translations are limited to only three messages per day so that users will stop and think before mindlessly translating everything.

What’s great about this is that you can translate a quick message when you’re not sure about a word or two in your sentence. When you run out of free translations, you can just try to work it out with your language partner using hints in each language. Or go for the pro membership which has unlimited translations.

What I like about Tandem :

  • The social component makes learning Korean more fun
  • Correction feature
  • Quick and accurate albeit limited translations

Price: free. Tandem Pro costs $9.99/month, $6.66/month for three months, and $4.17/month if you sign up for a year. Comes with unlimited translations, no ads, and lets you find language partners in the same city.

And there you have it! You’re now equipped with the best Korean translator apps. No more getting lost in translation!

Want to take your Korean learning journey further? Check out this comprehensive list of Korean learning resources like apps, books, online courses, and podcasts . Happy learning!

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Hidden Gems: The Best Korean BBQ Spots In Seoul You Haven’t Tried

Published: August 26, 2024

by Tiertza Redmon

hidden-gems-the-best-korean-bbq-spots-in-seoul-you-havent-tried

Are you a fan of Korean BBQ but tired of the same old spots? Seoul has some hidden gems that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine grilling tender, marinated meats right at your table, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. These lesser-known BBQ joints offer unique flavors and experiences you won't find in the more popular places. Whether you're a local or a tourist, venturing off the beaten path can lead to some of the most memorable meals. Ready to discover the best Korean BBQ spots in Seoul you haven't tried yet? Let's dig in!

Savor Authentic Korean BBQ in Seoul

Seoul is a paradise for food lovers, especially those craving authentic Korean BBQ. While popular spots often steal the spotlight, some hidden gems offer an equally delightful experience. Here are some lesser-known BBQ spots you must try.

1. Mapo Sutbul Galbi

Mapo Sutbul Galbi is a cozy restaurant known for its charcoal-grilled meats. The smoky flavor from the charcoal adds a unique taste to the tender beef and pork. The side dishes, or banchan, are plentiful and delicious, making every meal here a feast.

2. Yeontabal BBQ

Yeontabal BBQ offers a luxurious dining experience without breaking the bank. Specializing in premium cuts of beef, this spot is perfect for those who appreciate high-quality meat. The marinated short ribs are a must-try, bursting with flavor in every bite.

3. Wangbijib

Wangbijib is a hidden gem located in the bustling Myeongdong area. Known for its generous portions and reasonable prices, this restaurant is a favorite among locals. The pork belly here is particularly popular, grilled to perfection and served with a variety of dipping sauces.

4. Palsaik Samgyeopsal

Palsaik Samgyeopsal offers a unique twist on traditional Korean BBQ. The name translates to "eight colors of pork belly," referring to the eight different marinades used. Each piece of pork belly is marinated in a distinct flavor, from ginseng to curry, providing a diverse and exciting dining experience.

5. Saemaeul Sikdang

Saemaeul Sikdang is a chain restaurant, but each location maintains a cozy, local feel. Famous for its 7-minute kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and thinly sliced pork belly, this spot offers a comforting and satisfying meal. The quick service and delicious food make it a popular choice for a casual dining experience.

6. Hanam Pig House

Hanam Pig House specializes in pork BBQ, offering a variety of cuts and marinades. The restaurant's signature dish is the pork neck, known for its tenderness and rich flavor. The attentive staff ensures that each piece of meat is grilled to perfection, making every visit memorable.

7. Ggot Dwaeji Gallery

Ggot Dwaeji Gallery is a small, art-themed BBQ restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The walls are adorned with local artwork, creating a cozy and creative atmosphere. The menu features a variety of pork and beef options, all grilled to perfection and served with an array of tasty side dishes.

8. Samwon Garden

Samwon Garden is one of Seoul's oldest and most respected BBQ restaurants. Known for its high-quality meat and elegant setting, this spot is perfect for special occasions. The galbi (marinated short ribs) here are legendary, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that keeps diners coming back.

Doma is a trendy BBQ spot located in the hip Hongdae area. The restaurant offers a variety of meat options, including beef, pork, and chicken, all grilled to perfection. The lively atmosphere and delicious food make it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends.

10. Seochomyeonok

Seochomyeonok is a hidden gem located in the Seocho district. Known for its beef BBQ, this restaurant offers a variety of cuts, including ribeye and brisket. The meat is grilled over a charcoal fire, adding a smoky flavor that enhances the natural taste of the beef.

Savoring Seoul's BBQ Delights

Seoul's Korean BBQ scene offers more than just popular spots. Hidden gems like Maple Tree House , Wang Bi Jib , and Jangsu Galbi provide unique flavors and experiences. Each restaurant has its own charm, from traditional settings to modern twists on classic dishes. Exploring these lesser-known places can lead to unforgettable meals and memories.

Trying out different BBQ spots not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you a deeper appreciation of Korean culture and cuisine. Whether you're a local or a visitor, venturing beyond the well-known restaurants can be a rewarding adventure. So next time you're in Seoul, skip the usual places and discover the hidden gems that make the city's BBQ scene truly special. Enjoy the journey and the delicious food that awaits.

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best korean travel apps

10 Apps That Will Make The Most Of Your Vacation In 2024

I f you've ever spent time at a networking event, made small talk at your kids' soccer games, or scrolled through a dating app, you'll know that "travel" is something almost everyone will tell you they enjoy. Couple that with an attachment to our smartphones that borders on co-dependent, and it's no surprise to learn that travel apps are a hot commodity. Some of the best innovations in travel come in the form of apps. Staying in touch with people at home, travel planning, staying organized on the road, or connecting with other travelers? Not only is there an app for that, there are many apps for that. 

To help you sort through the plethora of what's out there, here are some travel-ready apps to make your vacation a blast. We've sourced suggestions from people who travel for a living and those who leave their local area only rarely, so no matter how often you jet-set, there is an app for you.

Read more: 12 Smart Gadgets You Didn't Know Existed

If your cell plan doesn't include international roaming, you can get slammed with steep fees for using mobile data outside your own country.

There are a few ways to get around roaming charges, including buying a local SIM card for the country you are traveling in, using a Wi-Fi stick , or investing in a dual SIM phone, like those from Samsung, Apple, or Google. One of the easiest and cheapest options though, is an eSIM app like Airalo . Airalo was one of the first in the eSIM game and continues to be popular with travelers. Fans of the app point to how easy it is to download and get started quickly, and how much it saves in fees. On the other hand, some users have noticed a discrepancy in how well it works in different countries. One reviewer on TrustPilot states "We do NOT recommend this plan given the extremely poor performance in Vietnam" despite noting excellent service in Hong Kong. 

Airalo is a paid service, available on the App Store and on Google Play.

Google Maps is often the default app travelers reach for when navigating new territory. It's a trusted resource for a lot of reasons, including the ease of finding reviews and info for even very small businesses. But it's not the only map app out there, nor is it the best in every situation. The main advantage of Maps.me over Google Maps is that it is based on user-generated information. Particularly for folks who are getting around on foot, this "boots on the ground" approach is excellent and more direct than reporting problems to Google Maps . It also means that if you find a cool place on your travels and want to make sure other travelers can find it, you can add it to a map.

Like Google Maps and other useful way-finding apps, you can download maps and bookmark points of interest for offline use, although the background information on locations is not as robust as on Google Maps. Maps.me also allows you to access various modes of transportation while offline, which Google doesn't. 

Maps.me is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Cash's position as king is increasingly precarious. On your travels, you'll find cashless options in places you might not expect. The mass availability of mobile payment platforms like Square means you may be able to whip out your phone or card at Swiss coffee carts or Mexican street vendors. Wise (formerly Transferwise) lets you move between currencies seamlessly. Wise lets you operate in 40 currencies, which is particularly handy if you are traveling to several different countries. They advertise charges that are less than the major banks. However, some users have complained about complications with money transfers, so be forewarned if you intend to use this app for sending money. 

Of note to travelers is the option to get an actual bank card that can function as an international debit card with a nominal conversion fee (not all bank cards can pay by debit in countries other than your home base.) Or, save a step and scan your phone to pay from your Wise account. 

Wise is available on the App Store and from Google Play. There is no charge to download the app, but fees are charged for some banking activities.

If you are going to be traveling from place to place on your vacation, you will want the Rome2Rio app on your phone. Enter your destination and departure location, and the app spits out the options and approximate costs for each leg of your journey. For instance, if you are in Edmonton, Canada, and want to get to the Thai island of Ko Yao Yai, the app will suggest six options, labeling the best, cheapest, and fastest combination of flight, minibus, and ferry. You can't purchase tickets through the app, although there are links to book accommodation that take you to Booking.com. Being able to purchase travel fares through the app would make things easier, especially if they were offered in a package, but the absence of that feature means you can investigate and compare prices from different booking operators , so we are putting it in the win column.

Rome2Rio is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Rick Steves Audio Europe

Rick Steves is recognized as a top voice in travel guides. His down-to-earth approach to travel has endeared multitudes of followers to him, spawning an industry of books, television shows, and a sprawling web presence that features how-to guides, articles, and an active travelers' forum. On top of all that, he has a free app for self-guided walking tours through many of Europe's top sights called Rick Steves Audio Europe . Reviewers of the app give it a high rating (4.7 on Google Play and 4.3 on the App Store) using superlatives like "This app is GOLD," and comparing the quality of the tours to paid audio tours. On the downside, it is difficult to sync the app on multiple devices, so if you are in a group you may all be at slightly different parts of the tour, which can be mildly annoying. There are a bunch of tour sites, with more added periodically.

The audio tours and accompanying maps are downloadable, so you don't need to worry about burning through mobile data or needing to rely on Wi-Fi. Rick Steve Audio Europe is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

How many trips come vividly back to life in your mind just by thinking about that one excellent bowl of Cacio e Pepe pasta or sun-drenched sip of a Paloma? Exploring a place through its flavors and discovering new spots to eat is a beloved part of travel. In Europe, TheFork (the French version is called LaForchette) is the go-to app for crowd-sourced restaurant reviews. Previously, the app also covered Australia, but at the start of 2024, it was announced they will be pulling out of Oz.

You can find Michelin-starred restaurants with months-long wait lists or little hole-in-the-wall spots by searching the name of the eating establishment, the city or neighborhood you want to eat in, or the kind of cuisine you are craving.

The app is worthy of its space on your phone just for the restaurant listings and reviews, but if you want to explore more of the capabilities, there are ways to expand its usefulness. You can make reservations, register to collect points, access discounts and specials at select spots, and pay through the app. TheFork is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Looking for a little love on the road? The Fairytrail app might be the ticket to romance (or ROAMance) you are looking for. Aimed at digital nomads and van life devotees, the app is a nice addition to the dating lives of travelers of all stripes. Members are evaluated and assigned a fairytale character similar to enneagram-slash-Myers-Briggs personality types, which is a new and novel approach compared with other iPhone dating apps or Android dating apps .

Because the app is focused on people with nomadic lifestyles, matches are location-independent. The idea is that users of the app will be willing to travel to each other to meet and date. There is a setting that allows an extra layer of matching: dream places to visit. If you so choose, before chatting with a match you need to have an overlapping "bucket-list" destination. Previously, this was an unavoidable step but became an optional setting after it was changed in response to frustration expressed by reviewers. The app is being redesigned in 2024 and soliciting feedback from users. Stay tuned, it seems more happy endings are in store! Fairytrails is free to download with in-app purchases and is available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Price Scanner And Converter

A very unpleasant aspect of vacationing in another country is coming home to a shocking credit card bill. Part of the problem is the tendency of holidaymakers to spend like money isn't real, but the other problem is how difficult it is to calculate prices into your own currency. Sure, you can come up with shortcuts to do quick math, but that gives you an estimate rather than an exact cost. To help, there are many different currency converter apps out there, with features like real-time rate calculation and offline capability. The somewhat clunky-named Price Scanner and Converter takes it one step further by using your phone's camera to scan prices and display them automatically in your preferred currency (out of 150 global currencies.) New iPhone cameras also have a similar capability, but it isn't as seamless a process as using this app.

This price scanning app isn't presently available on Google Play, although there are similar apps to be found. The reviews are pretty overwhelmingly mediocre, so if you are on team Android, your best bet may be to download a regular currency converter and enter in prices the old-fashioned way.

Downloading the Price Scanner and Converter is free from the App Store.

Searching through your emails for confirmations and itineraries isn't an efficient way to access your travel information. And good luck if you have used your work email for some of your planning and your personal email for others. What if you are offline when you need to find your tour details? Nightmare fuel. Tripit has created a simple user experience, allowing you to forward all those endless travel planning emails to be arranged into an easily accessible itinerary in a single spot, which you can access from any of your devices.

Other features of this include the ability to load PDFs, QR codes, and other travel documents to your Tripit travel folder. There are helpful navigation tools, like airport maps, neighborhood safety ratings, and nearby places. You can share your travel plans and sync them to your calendar. For $49 a year (or a free 30-day trial) you can upgrade to Tripit Pro for enhanced travel aid, including notifications to help keep you on track and on time. 

Tripit is free to download from the App Store and from Google Play, and you can upgrade to the premium Tripit Pro on the Tripit website or in the app.

Mobile Passport Control

The latest app from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol goes by the wildly creative name, " Mobile Passport Control ." It's a no-nonsense app with a no-nonsense name that allows users to streamline the customs experience. Rather than filling out declarations forms, users enter their information into the app and send it to border officials so they can access it as soon as they get to customs. You can do this immediately upon arrival, say as your plane is taxiing to the gate.

The app is for United States citizens and Canadians with a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa who are entering the USA at one of 33 American airports, 11 preclearance sites, and four seaports. It works in tandem with your passport, but it doesn't replace it.

As a bonus, some sites allow those with the Mobile Passport Control app to use their own (almost always shorter!) line or expedited Global Entry lines at passport control. You can enter family members on the same app and there is no approval process, just download and go.

A previous iteration of the app had a premium, paid version, but this is no longer the case. The app is free on the App Store and Google Play.

Read the original article on SlashGear .

person checks phone at airport

Going away for Labor Day weekend? Here's when you should hit the road in North Jersey

3-minute read.

Portrait of Daniel Munoz

Less than a week of summer remains before kids head back to school. There’s just a few days left to soak up the sun at the Jersey Shore or enjoy some quality barbecue time with families. Labor Day weekend is upon us.

Travel experts predict the highways, beaches and airports in New Jersey and across the nation will be swamped over the holiday weekend with families trying to squeeze out that last bit of summer.

For example, the federal Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 17 million passengers between Thursday and next Wednesday, which would set a record for Labor Day weekend. 

Story continues below photo gallery

“People are traveling more than ever this summer,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. 

Friday will be the busiest day, with 2.86 million passengers expected to pass through airports across the nation, the TSA said. 

Airfare has become cheaper in recent months compared to last summer, according to the federal Consumer Price Index .

Car rental costs are down, travel within the U.S. is high

Meanwhile, AAA estimated that domestic car rentals cost 16% less than last year, perhaps enticing even more people onto the roads. 

"Americans see the extended Labor Day weekend as an opportunity to say farewell to summer with one final trip,” said AAA’s vice president for travel, Debbie Haas. 

"Since many kids are already back in school, regional road trips tend to be the most popular option for families."

Bookings for domestic travel are up 9% over last year, according to travel club AAA, while international bookings are down 4% from last year.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Newark Liberty International Airport, the George Washington Bridge, and Lincoln and Holland tunnels, expects 6.7 million travelers to use the airports and river crossings between Thursday and next Tuesday.

That’s about 3% higher than in 2023 and 8% higher than 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically curtailed international and domestic travel. 

How much will NJ gas cost for Labor Day weekend?

According to AAA data, the average cost of a gallon of gas in New Jersey was $3.25 on Tuesday — down from $3.29 a week ago and $3.39 last month — only adding to the temptation to hit the road this weekend. 

Prices are only expected to go down, with the possibility of reaching below $3 a gallon in many parts of the country, especially after the switch to the cheaper winter blend of gas on Sept. 16, said Patrick De Haan, head petroleum analyst at GasBuddy. 

Gas prices have been aided by fewer heat waves and a calmer hurricane season, which translated to fewer disruptions of refinery activity in the South, including Louisiana and Texas, De Haan said. 

“"It’s been a great summer for motorists to hit the road,” De Haan said. 

This is the worst time to travel on Labor Day weekend. When to go instead

Thursday, Friday and Saturday are expected to be the worst days, “especially as commuters mix with travelers on the weekdays,” AAA said.

Between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday will be the worst travel times, AAA said, as will 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. 

How to get through TSA quickly at the airport

  • Arrive early, even if your flight is domestic. TSA recommends you get to the airport two hours before your flight to give yourself enough time to get to the gate. For international flights, three hours should do.
  • Have your stuff properly packed. Save precious time by making sure your liquids are the right amounts — that's no more than 3.4 ounces if you forgot — and kept in a clear plastic bag . If you're bringing breast milk , powdered formula, sippy cups or liquid or cream medication, that should be separated and placed in its own bin at security. It's also recommended that medicine is kept in its original, marked container
  • Most importantly, be patient — and be nice 

This article contains information from USA Today

Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record. 

Email:  [email protected] ; Twitter: @danielmunoz100   and  Facebook

This tiny island has the best beach in Europe. Did your favorite make the top 10?

Portrait of Kathleen Wong

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Travelers love flocking to Europe to relax and recuperate at one of its many beaches .

It's no wonder why. Europe's diverse coastline is full of natural beauty, from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic coast. These beaches are set against the backdrop of charming coastal villages and host iconic European beach clubs (Aperol Spritz, anyone?).

To help travelers find the perfect beach for their next Euro-trip, U.K.-based travel insurance comparison site Quotezone ranked Europe's most popular beaches, considering factors such as sea and air temperature, calmness of the water, TripAdvisor reviews and average cost to visit (including food, drink and an overnight stay). The beaches spanned beloved destinations like Greece, Spain and Italy but also included lesser-known locales such as Slovenia.

"Anyone planning a vacation to Europe should be sure to visit these beauty spots featured in our index, especially our top three hidden gems Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia," CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson, told USA TODAY in a statement.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Can't make it to Europe? Try Montreal for its European flair

Read below to find the best beaches in Europe.

10. Plage de Palombaggia in Corsica, France

Located in the Mediterranean Sea just south of mainland France, Corsica offers beaches comparable to the Caribbean, and Plage de Palombaggia is one of the most popular beaches on the island, with crystal-clear water, soft white sand and secluded coves. The beach scored the 10th spot on the ranking for its gentle waters and its more than 3,300 five-star reviews. Visiting the beach won't come cheap, however. Plage de Palombaggia is the most expensive beach on the ranking at €233 (about $260) for an overnight stay with food and drink.

9. Bournemouth Beach in Bournemouth, England

Tucked beneath cliffs, sprawling Bournemouth Beach has been voted the top beach in the U.K. on TripAdvisor, offering rare warm waters for the country, a bustling pier and calm surf. Visiting the beach is a bit costly – the beach is the second-most expensive on the index – clocking in at an average of €180 (about $200) for a one-day stay.

8. Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Spain

Spain's Canary Islands are idyllic, offering diverse beaches made of black or golden sand. Playa de Maspalomas on the island of Gran Canaria is well-known for its lighthouse, rolling dunes and warm waters, which earned it a spot on QuoteZone's index. The beach is surrounded by restaurants and hotels, and visiting costs, on average, €151 (about $168).

7. Praia da Falesia in Algarve, Portugal

One of Portugal's most famous beaches, Praia da Falesia is worth the hype. The beach has an array of natural beauty on display with its sandstone cliffs and bright blue water, but it also offers a lot to do. Visitors can check out the tide pools at low tide, swim or surf. Visitors can expect to pay about €137 (about $152) for a one-day stay.

6. La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, Italy

Located on the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is a picturesque escape for travelers, and its beaches are no different. La Pelosa Beach's tranquil waters and white sands have made it so popular that you need to book your visit in advance, which will cost €3.50 (about $3.90). Staying near the beach is pricey at €166 (about $185).

5. Zlatni Rat in Bol, Croatia

Translating to "Golden Horn," Zlatni Rat is a famous triangle-shaped beach on the Croatian island of Brac that extends into the ocean. As the tides and swells change, the beach also shape-shifts. It's stunning, but it's also relatively inexpensive to visit, coming in as the second-least expensive on the index. For food, drink and a one-night stay, the average price is €96 (about $107).

4. Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece

Crete is beloved by travelers, and Elafonissi Beach is one of the Greek island's famous beaches. Depending on the season, you may encounter the iconic pink sand, and year-round, the beach is beautiful with calm azure waters. The beach isn't exactly tranquil, however; it gets quite crowded as the day goes on. To visit, the average cost is €184 (about $205).

3. Portoroz Beach in Portoroz, Slovenia

Nestled against the Adriatic Sea, Portoroz Beach is a gorgeous pebble beach fronting Portoroz's resort area, so you can take a break from the sun and stroll the promenade. The beach is also the cheapest on the index at €93 (about $103) on average for a one-day stay.

2. Mellieha Bay Beach in Mellieha, Malta

Not only is Mellieha a sheltered bay that provides gentle and warm waters, but it's also the largest sand beach in Malta, which makes it the perfect place for families. The beach scored high on the index for its warm temperatures and water. Visitors can rent sunbeds, swim, kayak and more. To visit, it will cost €117 (about $130) on average.

1. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Earning the top spot on the index is the picturesque Nissi Beach in Cyprus – and rightfully so. The beach seemingly has it all: warm weather and water temperatures, and calm waters because it's in a bay. Close by is a small island, which adds to the beach's natural beauty. "This destination ranked in the top spot across all factors, including water and air temperatures, waves, value for money and the number of 5-star reviews left by visitors," Wilson said. To visit for one night, it will cost €103 (about $114).

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COMMENTS

  1. 18 Best Apps for Korea Travel: Easy & Convenient

    Naver Map. The second must-download app is 'Naver.'. If you are planning to travel to Korea, it may be good to set aside the Google suite of your smartphone. Google Maps can't show the way to your destination because of the law in Korea. 'Naver' is a Google in Korea, providing an English map service called Naver Map.

  2. 9 Apps for Korea (What to Download Before You Go)

    Klook/Trazy (Travel) Cost: Free. Download: For Klook: Android — Apple; For Trazy: Android — Apple. These two Korean travel apps are the best if you're looking for discounts and deals on your trip. They both offer a range of things to do, which also takes away the stress of planning.

  3. 13 Best Korean Travel Apps

    BucaCheck. This handy app will allow you to check the balance of your T Money card (Korea's public transport card) at any time. All you need is a smartphone with NFC (which nearly all modern smartphones have). Simply tap the card against the back of your phone, and see your balance and recent transactions.

  4. 9 Best Korea Travel Apps (All Free!)

    The Best Korea Travel Apps. Listed in no particular order, here are the best travel apps to use in Korea. Visit Korea: Official Guide. Price: Free Availability: iOS & Android Major Perks: Provides in-depth travel guides, discounted coupons, promotions, a 24/7 travel helpline, and more. Developed by the Korea Tourism Organization, Visit Korea is one of the best apps to download before going to ...

  5. Top 10 Korean Travel Apps You Need When Visiting South Korea

    Naver Dictionary App. This translator app by Naver, the leading search engine in Korea, is a lifesaver for foreigners thanks to its accuracy as far as Korean to English and English to Korean translation is concerned. It is one of the earliest apps to be made available online and comes with several instructions on how to use the app effectively ...

  6. The 16 Essential Apps for Korea Travel (Download for Free)

    With this app, your Korea trip would be more convenient. The Subway Korea app tells you which route would be the fastest and easiest to get to your destination and also shows the to-the-minute train schedule. The best part is that you can also use this app offline. Download: iOS|Android. 12.

  7. 15 Best Apps for Korea To Download Before You Go

    Forget about Uber and Grab. Kakao T (Kakao Taxi) is Korea's go-to app for reliable and convenient taxi services. More than just a taxi app, Kakao T is a daily staple in Korea. It offers an intuitive interface, quick connections to nearby taxis, real-time tracking for added security, and multiple payment options.

  8. 15 Helpful Travel Apps for Visiting South Korea

    7. Korailtalk. For those planning to travel across South Korea by train, Korailtalk is an essential app. It allows you to check train schedules, book tickets, and manage reservations. The app covers the extensive Korail network, making it easier to explore beyond the major cities.

  9. 7 Best Apps for Korea Travel: Ones I Actually Use

    Mostly, I just figure things out on KakaoMap or I'll use Visit Korea's actual site. NAVER Korean Dictionary - You won't use it unless you're, like, hardcore studying Korean. I barely used it even when I was! Instead, Papago is much easier, especially if you're just traveling. Naver Map - I like Kakao's better.

  10. 10 Must-Have Apps For Your South Korea Travels: Transportation, Food

    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 ...

  11. Best apps for South Korea travel

    Klook. Last but not least, one of my favourite apps for travelling in South Korea was Klook. This is essentially an online travel and experiences platform that allows you to buy tickets and services at heavily discounted prices. Usually you can save between 30 and 50% with their offers on attractions and services.

  12. Top 10 Must-Have Korean Apps You Need When Visiting in Korea

    2. KakaoTalk. KakaoTalk is a must-have app that allows users to text, make free calls, and send videos or pictures. The app only requires an internet connection making it the go-to messaging service for smartphone users in South Korea. South Korea's flawless Wi-Fi coverage also helps users save both money and time.

  13. 16 Best Apps for Korea Travel

    Korea is a fast-paced country, and with the help of these apps, you can navigate your way through the bustling streets, plan your itinerary, and communicate with the locals without any hassles. In this section, we will introduce you to the 20 best apps for Korea travel that you shouldn't miss. From translation apps to map and travel apps ...

  14. Top 6 Best Map and Navigation Apps in Korea

    1. Naver Map 네이버 지도. ioS | Android. Naver is also known as the Google of Korea with the most excellent information system for Koreans. In addition to sub-channels such as news, blog, culture, society, music, etc. Naver also offers many useful apps. Among them, Naver Map (네이버 지도) is considered to be the most accurate map app.

  15. Top 5 Map and Navigation Apps in Korea

    Naver Map. NaverMap. Google Play. App Store. Out of all the navigation apps in Korea, Naver Map is ranked next to Google. Like Google Maps, it has the most detailed maps and navigation information. The app records real-time information from users to optimize its navigation system.

  16. First time solo travel to Korea, which apps and services ...

    A few other apps besides the main ones people listed (Naver Maps, Kakao Maps, Kakao Taxi, Papago) 1330 Korea Travel Helpline, you can chat or call for assistance 24x7. My wife used it for help in directions to a remote town. Airport Railroad (generic name but verify it is the Korean AREX Express) You can book ticket online for the express (not ...

  17. Must have apps for travel? : r/koreatravel

    Depending on what you plan on using for phone service, you could. A. Add on an international plan to your existing account. B. Remove your SIM and buy a Korean SIM for your time in the country. But I recommend you get an American VOIP number (Google Voice, Talkatone, Vonage, etc) in case your American apps want to authenticate you.

  18. Helpful Apps : r/koreatravel

    1330 Korea travel helpline. Free person who can help you translate or guide you with anything travel related and I believe it is 24/7. The subway app!! It's super helpful with planning your trip via subway and even tells you which train door to use to transit between lines. Papago is better than google translate Trazy if you looking for tours ...

  19. 10 Best Free Apps to Learn the Korean Language

    Here are the best apps to learn a new language and learn the Korean language for free, right from your couch! LingoDeer. Drops: Learn Korea. Duolingo. HelloTalk Language Exchange. Learn Korean Phrases & Words. KORLINK Talk to Me in Korean (TTMIK) Mondly. TenguGo Hangul.

  20. 12 Best Korean Translator Apps to Download Now [2024]

    Yandex.Translate. If you're looking for multipurpose Korean translator apps, Yandex is a great choice. This useful app can translate between any of the 90 languages that it currently covers, which include Korean and English. Besides the standard text translations, you can also get entire sites translated to Korean.

  21. Best eSIM for Korea Travelers

    Best eSIM for Korea travel. For your Korea trip, using eSIMCard is much more reliable as it offers seamless and high-speed internet with flexible and affordable data plans, covering over 190 countries. With this service, you can enjoy an easy activation process and reliable connectivity and manage your plan directly through their user-friendly app, when you download it from your play store.

  22. The 10 Best Travel Apps to Enhance your Journey

    Buckle up, buttercup - we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of the apps that'll make your journeys smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy, from a transfer to stays. 1. AtoB Transfer: How to Book The Ultimate in Modern Transfers. Imagine touching down on the tarmac in a foreign land, bleary-eyed and discombobulated.

  23. Best International Travel Apps and Tools for a Smooth Trip

    However, having a travel guide app makes the journey better. Not only do you need to pack in necessary accessories and luggage, but you need to be familiar with some of the best travel app names. This guide lists 9 essential travel apps you should pack for your upcoming trip and every subsequent holiday afterwards. Read on!

  24. Hidden Gems: The Best Korean BBQ Spots In Seoul You Haven't Tried

    Seoul's Korean BBQ scene offers more than just popular spots. Hidden gems like Maple Tree House , Wang Bi Jib , and Jangsu Galbi provide unique flavors and experiences. Each restaurant has its own charm, from traditional settings to modern twists on classic dishes.

  25. 10 Apps That Will Make The Most Of Your Vacation In 2024

    Reviewers of the app give it a high rating (4.7 on Google Play and 4.3 on the App Store) using superlatives like "This app is GOLD," and comparing the quality of the tours to paid audio tours.

  26. Labor Day weekend 2024 traffic, the best time to leave in North Jersey

    Car rental costs are down, travel within the U.S. is high. Meanwhile, AAA estimated that domestic car rentals cost 16% less than last year, perhaps enticing even more people onto the roads.

  27. When's the best time to travel during Labor Day weekend?

    AAA expects a 9 percent increase in domestic travel this holiday weekend versus last year, with an influx in traffic expected to begin Thursday afternoon. If you have holiday travel plans, AAA says the following days and times are the worst times to travel: Friday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Sunday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.

  28. Europe's 10 best beaches, according to a new ranking

    To help travelers find the perfect beach for their next Euro-trip, U.K.-based travel insurance comparison site Quotezone ranked Europe's most popular beaches, considering factors such as sea and ...

  29. Travel news: World's best city for nightlife, according to Time Out

    1. Rio de Janeiro: The Brazilian seaside city is home to annual over-the-top Carnival celebrations and, according to Time Out, the best place in the world for nightlife right now. Click through ...

  30. MorningSave: Best of Labor Day Clearance

    Simple Living 6-Piece Garment Washed Sheet Set $19.99 (save up to 75%), Chefman 5-Quart Turbotouch Easy View Air Fryer with 8 Presets and Probe $39.99 (save 60%), EnerPlex Double Height Air Mattress with Built-in Pump (Queen) $49.99 (save 45%), Cuisinart Advantage 6-Piece Ceramic-Coated Knife Set (Nautical) $14.99 (save 77%), Dreametech L10 Pro Robot Vacuum & Mop (Blemished Box/Open Box) $129. ...