10 Must-Have Apps to go to South Korea

Key Takeaways

• Looking for the “10 must-have apps to go to South Korea“? This article is for you!
• Navigate like a native and make your South Korean travels a breeze with apps such as Naver Map and KakaoMap for precise navigation and real-time information.
• Trust Subway Korea to get you through Seoul’s subway system and receive current train data.
• Even if Uber is available throughout South Korea, but locals prefer the local ride-hailing app Kakao T for prompt and hassle-free taxi rides.
• Chat with locals and other visitors on KakaoTalk, which features messages, group chats, and media sharing.
• Break the language barrier with Papago’s translation capabilities, helping you comprehend signs, menus, and conversations.
• Dine with Baedal Minjok and discover adventure with Klook, leaving you more time to savor delicious meals and breathtaking adventures from the comfort of your own couch.
• To stay connected in South Korea, take a Ubigi eSIM.

Introduction

These are the essential apps in South Korea for getting around, connecting with locals, and simplifying everyday life.

There are apps for transport, food delivery, banking, and social chat that work seamlessly for locals and visitors alike. Most apps provide English support and hassle-free registration.

Take your pick from the likes of KakaoTalk, Naver Map, and Yogiyo. Here’s a list of useful apps for your South Korea travel.

1. Naver Map

Naver Map app is your default travel app for your everyday navigation in South Korea, particularly when Google Maps can’t hack it. Get step-by-step walking routes, bus, and subway maps, and don’t get stuck in traffic. Its real-time traffic updates help you avoid congested roads and save time.

The app connects with Korea’s public transit, so you can see real-time bus and train times, as well as hacks such as which subway exit to use. They have a gigantic listing of restaurants, shops, and sights, but most of the reviews and menus are in Korean, which does take some adjusting to.

The interface is clean, with predefined labels for easy searching. Well, okay, maybe it’s hard to locate odd-named places, but locals swear by this app for city travel.

2. KakaoMap

KakaoMap offers a comprehensive arsenal of navigation tools for traveling across South Korea. It accepts English and Korean as input on the app. It allows you to search for bus numbers, stops, and places all in one convenient location.

Discover nearby shops, cafes, or sights and access user reviews, star ratings, photos, and blogs. Road View displays actual streets and 3D Sky View allows you to view a location from the air. It integrates with other Kakao services, so your trip planning flows seamlessly.

Public transit times and walking paths update live. The app is free, although it sometimes displays locations that are off by as much as 50 meters. Even so, photos and tips from users keep you clear of surprises. It is the best among Korean travel apps.

3. Ubigi eSIM

Ubigi eSIM provides you with high speed internet and extensive coverage while traveling across South Korea. No need to look for physical SIM cards, simply configure the eSIM on your eSIM-enabled phone, tablet, or laptop.

Plans fit your needs, so you choose the right data pack and top up anytime, even without Wi-Fi. The app is user-friendly and you can have it on standby for any trip, not just South Korea but also Japan, Africa, and 200+ destinations.

Ubigi offers various data plans for South Korea from 3GB to Unlimited data plans. It is perfect for a one-week to a one-month trip to discover and explore South Korea.

A lot of people claim it’s slick, easy to use, and cheaper than roaming. You get a powerful signal and rapid web, in addition to being gentle on your budget. You can even use your eSIM as a mobile hotspot!

4. Kakao T

Kakao T is your default cab-hailing app in Korea, particularly Seoul. You have the convenience of a straightforward ride request, but the ‘general request’ option doesn’t always behave nicely. The interface is slick, but some aspects appear in Korean only, which will bog you down if you’re not fluent.

After you configure your account, you can view fare estimates and driver ratings before you accept a ride. Live times for buses and subways help you plan better, and the navigation mode is useful on new ground.

As for delivery, face-to-face is best unless you’re proficient in Korean. Get your account configured before your trip.

5. KakaoTalk

KakaoTalk is the Korean WhatsApp. It is the must-have app for keeping connected in South Korea. You can send free texts, initiate voice or video calls, and share your pictures, videos, or voice. With over 53 million people on the app, including almost the entire country, it’s a really popular messaging app. It becomes simple for you to connect with locals or catch up with friends.

Group chats assist you in organizing trips or get-togethers, and there’s no ceiling to the number who can participate. Send stickers, play games, or even purchase gifts, all within chat.

KakaoTalk operates in 15 foreign languages and more than 130 countries, making it easy for you to use it wherever you are.

6. Papago

Papago is a translation app you must have when visiting South Korea. This Naver app aids you in speaking, reading, or listening instantly by translating text, voice, or images. Take it on a doctor’s visit, a business talk, or a quick cafe chat.

The app encompasses Korean translations to English, Japanese, and more, so it does the trick for most requirements. Conversation mode allows you to maintain a seamless chat with locals or other tourists.

To download Papago, 263.7 MB, requires iOS 16.0 or later. You receive crisp, precise translations to assist you in learning and connecting more effectively. It is the perfect pocket translator app!

7. Baedal Minjok (Baemin)

Order food quick with Baedal Minjok, one of South Korea’s leading food delivery apps. The app connects you to an extensive directory of restaurants in your neighborhood, allowing you to choose between Korean, Asian, or even international cuisines.

User reviews and ratings assist you in selecting dishes that meet your preferences or requirements. Membership for WOW gives you perks like same or next day delivery. New users receive a ₩10,000 coupon off their first order.

You can treat a friend or loved one to some grub, and you can shop for groceries and essentials. Baedal Minjok requires your address and data to operate, and they are contactable via Instagram for assistance.

8. Klook

Klook is an official tourism app. It makes it easy to plan your South Korea trip. Book tours, museum tickets and local experiences from your phone and skip long lines. The app features deals for major attractions, such as theme parks or performances, allowing you to save money and maximize activities.

You receive booking credits you can spend on your next adventure. Klook provides sample itineraries, helping you optimize your time. The app operates in English and 33 additional languages, covering a wide array of user preferences.

It operates on IOS 15.0 or beyond and measures approximately 343 MB in size. Klook connects your information for an easier booking.

9. Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay provides a secure method of paying using your phone, eliminating the need for cash or cards. It launched in Korea in 2015 and grew rapidly. There are now nearly 19 million users in Korea alone.

You can add credit cards, debit cards or other payment methods, which makes it easy to pay in stores, even small ones. By 2024, the app’s transaction value reached $63.6 billion, an indication of how prevalent mobile payments are in this region.

Samsung Pay works in a lot of asian countries, but it is a top pick in Korea, where almost half of all digital payments are made through phone. Not having to worry about cash for your shopping is just one reason Samsung Pay makes life easier.

10. Subway Korea

You receive a means of transportation through Korea’s hectic subway systems, thanks to the Subway Korea app. It provides real-time train times, costs, and even plans the best route for you. The perfect alternative app when Google Maps does not work!

The app’s map is clean and in English, so you can locate lines and stations quickly, even if you don’t know Korean. You can identify connections, find out whether you have to change trains, and get an idea of how long each journey will take.

Some stations have luggage storage, from 3,100 to 6,100 won for 4 hours. In major cities such as Seoul or Busan, this app enables you to identify direct routes, manage extended rides, and steer clear of bald-iron moments like train sell-outs.

Conclusion

South Korea is fast, and these helpful travel apps will allow you to keep up with daily life. Navigate with Naver Map and KakaoMap. Subway Korea makes every train ride a breeze.

Kakao T and KakaoTalk let you move and talk effortlessly. Papago tears down language barriers, and Baedal Minjok delivers your next meal.

Klook provides you convenient discoveries for getaways. Samsung Pay makes every purchase fast, and Ubigi eSIM keeps you connected.

These apps offer obvious incentives to stick around, whether you’re in for a week or a year. Give one or more a whirl and see how much more fluid your South Korean days feel.

We hope that this article on the “10 must-have apps to go to South Korea” helped you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best navigation apps to use in South Korea?

Naver Map and KakaoMap are the most trusted navigation apps in South Korea. Both provide precise directions and public transport routes and are in English.

Can I use Google Maps for directions in South Korea?

Google Maps has limited navigation features in South Korea. For the ultimate experience, utilize Naver Map or KakaoMap for precise routes and local insights.

How can I order food delivery in South Korea?

You can order from a lot of restaurants using baedal minjok (배달의 민족), one of the most popular food delivery apps. It provides English language menus and convenient payment.

Which app is best for public transportation in South Korea?

Subway Korea is the best subway app. It presents real-time schedules, route planning, and station information in English.

What is the best translation app in South Korea?

Papago is the most common translation app in South Korea. It is multilingual and is intended for casual conversations.

How do I get a local SIM card or data plan in South Korea?

Ubigi eSIM allows you to purchase data without a physical SIM card. You can purchase and activate a plan immediately, making it convenient for tourists.

What messaging app should I use to communicate in South Korea?

KakaoTalk is South Korea’s number one messenger app. It’s used for texting, calls, and group chats and is universally embraced in everyday life.