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Navigation apps
Naver Map and Kakao Map
In South Korea, Google Maps and Apple Maps are not very accurate. They are missing lots of addresses and information, so it is better to use local apps. The two map ones are Naver Map and Kakao Map.
They work just like classic navigation apps. You can search for places (e.g., restaurants, shops, cafes), save them as favourites, and obviously navigate to a location.
These apps also give you all the information you need about public transportation, including the routes and hours of subway lines and buses.
They work across all regions of Korea, not just Seoul.
It’s up to you which one you prefer!
To download Naver Map : Android – iOS
To download Kakao Map : Android – iOS
Seoul Subway
This is the official app of the Subway service of Seoul. If you use Kakao Map or Naver Map, you probably won’t need it, but it could be a useful backup or an alternative if you like the design better.
To download Seoul Subway : Android – iOS
Seoul Bike
This app gives you access to public shared bikes in Seoul. You can use it to locate bikes and purchase passes.
To download Seoul Bike : Android – iOS
Kakao Taxi
In Korea, you can hail taxis in the street just by raising your hand. Alternatively, you can request one using Kakao Taxi. It works exactly like Uber.
You must have a Korean phone number to use it, but you may pay with a foreign or Korean bank card, or PayPal. You can even pay the driver in cash.
To download Kakao Taxi : Android – iOS
Other apps
KakaoTalk for communications
In Korea, the most popular messaging app is KakaoTalk. To facilitate your communications and your social interactions, it is essential to have an account. It is free and works over the internet, so it doesn’t require you to already have a Korean phone number.
To download KakaoTalk : Android – iOS
Papago for translations
If you don’t understand Korean, you can download Papago, an online translation tool that allows you to take photos of text and then translates them into your language. You can also translate audio recordings, which can facilitate verbal exchanges with locals.
The translations can sometimes come out a bit weird, but in general it is very helpful.
To download Papago : Android – iOS
Naver, the Korean Google
Naver is Korea’s very own search engine. You can find information that would be hard to obtain from other engines. The limitation is that it is only available in Korean and accepts only searches in Korean.
To download Naver : Android – iOS
Coupang and Coupang Eats for shopping and food
Coupang is the biggest online marketplace in Korea, similar to Amazon. You can buy all your groceries on Coupang. Coupang Eats allows you to order food from places near you, similar to Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
To download Coupang : Android – iOS
To download Coupang Eats : Android – iOS
Meetup to meet new people
Meetup is a website and app that allows you to browse and sign up for various events organized in your area. It is the perfect platform through which you can meet new people who share your interests and hobbies.
To download Meetup : Android – iOS
Alltrails for hiking
This app houses all the hiking trails in a given area. Hiking is a popular activity in Korea, so Alltrails can help you discover the beauty of Korean landscapes by foot. There are trails of all levels, from basic to expert.
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