For getting around Korea, install Naver Map or KakaoMap before you arrive, and search places by their Hangul name. Google Maps is still handy for finding places and transit routes, but whether it gives walking or driving directions has been changing, so check it in the app. Papago translates menus and signs through the camera. Delivery and booking apps often ask for a Korean phone number or Korean card, so do not plan your trip around them.
What to use for what
| Need | App | Foreign number / card? |
|---|---|---|
| Find a place, read reviews | Naver Map, KakaoMap, Google Maps | No account needed to search |
| Subway and bus routes | Naver Map or KakaoMap transit directions | No account needed |
| Walking and driving directions | Naver Map or KakaoMap; Google Maps may vary | No account needed |
| Taxi | K.Ride, Kakao T, Uber (see the taxi guide) | Depends on the app; K.Ride takes overseas cards |
| Menus, signs, conversation | Papago | Works without a Korean number |
| Food delivery, table booking | Local apps | Often need a Korean number or card |
Maps and directions
Naver Map and KakaoMap
- Languages Naver Map has offered a multilingual version since 2018, and its app store listing shows English, Japanese and Chinese alongside Korean. Check KakaoMap's language setting after you install it.
- Searching Type the Korean name when you can, for example Gyeongbokgung (경복궁). Copy names from your hotel booking or a guidebook, because English spellings often do not match.
- Transit Both show subway and bus routes with the line, exit and transfer to use.
- Reviews Naver Map translates Korean reviews into English, Chinese and Japanese.
Google Maps
- Why it is limited Korea has long restricted where detailed map data can be sent. In February 2026 the government conditionally approved Google exporting the data it needs for walking and driving directions, but no start date was announced.
- What this means Searching places and checking transit usually works. Before relying on walking or driving directions, test them in the app; if they do not appear, switch to Naver Map or KakaoMap.
- Offline maps Google says offline downloads are blocked in some countries or regions because of contractual limits, language support or address formats. Its help page does not name Korea, so try downloading before you travel and assume it may not work.
Taxis
Kakao T lists English and Japanese alongside Korean in its app store listing, and Kakao Mobility says it accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB cards from overseas. Sign-up may ask for phone verification, and card registration can depend on your card issuer. K.Ride, from the same company, is built for visitors. Fares and the rest are covered in the taxi guide.
Translation
- Papago Naver's translation app. Its camera mode translates text in photos, and its AR mode translates text on the camera screen before you take a picture. Useful for menus, signs and labels.
- Tips Keep the text in frame and free of glare. For allergies or dietary needs, show the translated sentence to staff rather than just the app.
Delivery and booking apps
- Delivery apps Many require identity verification with a Korean phone number, and some require a Korean payment method. Sign-up rules change, so check inside the app.
- Table booking Popular restaurants often take reservations through Korean apps or by phone. Ask your hotel, or walk in and use the waitlist tablet.
- A simpler plan Eat at restaurants, convenience stores and food courts, and take your own meals out. Hotels can often arrange deliveries for you.
Before you land
- Install Naver Map or KakaoMap and set the language.
- Install Papago and test the camera on a printed page.
- Install K.Ride or Uber, and register your card while you have Wi-Fi.
- Save your hotel's Korean name and address in your notes.
- Get an eSIM or Wi-Fi device, because these apps need data. See the eSIM guide.
FAQ
Do I need a Korean phone number for the map apps?
No. You can search and get transit directions in Naver Map and KakaoMap without a Korean number, but you need mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Does Google Maps give driving directions in Korea?
That has been changing. Korea conditionally approved the needed data export in February 2026, but no start date was announced. Check the app, and use Naver Map or KakaoMap if the option is missing.
Can I use maps offline?
Google Maps may not offer offline downloads for Korea, as its help page says downloads are blocked in some regions. Test it before you travel, or get mobile data.
Can I order delivery as a visitor?
Sometimes, but many apps ask for a Korean number or card. Do not rely on it; ask your hotel.
Sources and last check
Checked against Naver's press materials and app store listing for Naver Map, the Kakao Mobility app listing and report, Naver's Papago pages, and Google Maps help, all checked on 28 October 2026. App features and sign-up rules change often, and details we could not confirm are stated loosely above, so check inside each app.