The apps you actually need in Korea

Install these before you land — starting with a Google Maps replacement

Korea runs on its own app ecosystem, and the single most useful thing to know before arriving is this: Google Maps barely works here for directions. Because of restrictions on exporting detailed map data, Google can show you public-transit routes but generally can't give you proper walking or driving navigation in Korea. Everyone — locals and long-term foreigners alike — uses Korean map apps instead. Here's the short list that covers 95% of situations.

Maps & navigation (the non-negotiables)

• Naver Map — the default choice for foreigners: full English interface, walking/driving/transit directions, real-time bus arrivals, and the place database everyone's business listings live in. If you install one app from this page, it's this one.
• Kakao Map — the other major map app, also with an English mode. Some people prefer its interface; either one works. Power move: have both, since place reviews and photos differ between them.
• Searching places: many small shops and restaurants are findable only by their Korean name — copy-paste the Korean text from a blog or listing into the map app rather than typing an English guess.

Translation

• Papago — Naver's translator, and the one most people find strongest for Korean↔English. The camera mode reads menus and signs; the conversation mode handles simple back-and-forths.
• Google Translate still helps as a backup and for other language pairs — but for Korean, try Papago first.

Taxis & getting around

• Kakao T — Korea's dominant taxi-hailing app. It shows the destination to the driver in Korean, tracks the ride, and removes the language barrier entirely. Payment options for foreign cards have improved over time but vary — worst case, choose the option to pay the driver directly by card or cash at the end.
• Uber operates in Korea (merged locally with the UT service) and works with your existing account and card — coverage is best in Seoul.
• For subway and bus specifics — T-money cards, transfers, late-night options — see the full Getting around guide.

Messaging (yes, you need KakaoTalk)

• KakaoTalk is Korea's messenger the way WhatsApp is elsewhere — near-universal. Any Korean friend, language partner, meetup group, or small guesthouse will ask for your "Kakao." Set it up while you still have easy access to your home phone number for verification.

Food delivery & the honest caveat

• Korea's delivery apps — Baemin (Baedal Minjok) and Coupang Eats — are legendary, but they're built for residents: sign-up and payment generally expect a Korean phone number and often Korean payment methods, so short-term visitors frequently can't use them.
• Tourist-friendly workarounds exist and change often (some hotels order for guests; some services target foreigners) — treat delivery as a bonus, not a plan. Convenience stores at 2am fill the same need surprisingly well.

Worth adding for longer stays

• Naver (the search app) — Korea googles with Naver; restaurant hours and reviews are better there than on Google.
• Coupang — the "Korean Amazon" with famously fast delivery; needs a local address, so it's for residents.
• Banking, government and telecom apps come later in the settling-in process — the order to tackle them is in Your first week in Korea.

Before-you-land checklist

• Install: Naver Map, Papago, Kakao T, KakaoTalk (all free).
• Sign into KakaoTalk and Kakao T while you can still receive verification texts easily.
• Sort your data plan so the apps work from the arrivals hall — options in SIM, eSIM & internet.
• Bookmark the live exchange-rate and weather tools — no install needed.

Next: Getting around Korea →