7 Must-Have Apps for Travelers in Seoul: Navigate, Eat, and Explore Like a Local

    Naver Maps

    Google Maps operates with limited functionality in South Korea, making Naver Maps a go-to app for accurate navigation and public transportation guidance. It supports multiple languages, including English, ensuring accessibility for international travelers.


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    l  Supports English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), and Japanese, in addition to Korean.

    l  Provides optimal routes for public transportation (bus and subway), car/taxi, and walking/biking.

    l  Offers precise taxi fare predictions for car route options.

    l  Features navigation for cars, walking, and biking.

    l  Includes comprehensive location information about destinations.

    l  Highly praised by foreign users for reliability and usability.

    l  Recommends nearby restaurants.

    l  To use Naver Maps, you must first sign up for Naver.  

    Links:

    l  Naver Map Official Website

    l  AppStore | Google Play

     


     

    Kakao T

    Kakao T consolidates various transportation services into a single app, including taxi hailing, public transport, and bike rentals. Its English interface ensures ease of use for foreign travelers.

    l  Functions similar to Uber or Grab are not widely used in South Korea.

    l  Requires accurate selection of your current location on the map for smooth operation.

    l  Be aware that taxis might be scarce during peak hours or in remote areas.

    l  To use Kakao T, you must first sign up for KakaoTalk.     


    Links:

    l  Kakao T Official Website

    l  AppStoreGoogle Play

     

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    Kakao Subway

    This app offers intuitive and convenient experiences for subway users, making navigating Seoul’s extensive subway system a breeze. It supports both English and Japanese.

    l  Provides live subway arrival updates, service status, and crowd levels.

    l  Suggest optimal routes with details like travel time, transfers, and walking distances.

    l  Includes detailed station information, nearby facilities, and exit details.

    l  To use Kakao Subway, you must first sign up for KakaoTalk.  

    Links:

    l  Kakao Subway Official Website

    l  App StoreGoogle Play

     

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    Papago

    Developed by Naver, Papago is an AI-powered translation app that supports seamless communication across multiple languages. It's an essential tool for breaking language barriers while traveling in South Korea.

    l  Supports 14 languages, including Korean, English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, German, Russian, Portuguese, Hindi, and Arabic.

    l  Features text, voice, and image translation for versatile use.

    l  Provides an offline translation mode for areas with limited internet connectivity.

    l  To use Naver Maps, you must first sign up for Naver.  

    Links:

    l  Papago Official Website

    l  App Store | Google Play

     

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    Shuttle Delivery

    Shuttle Delivery is an English-friendly food delivery app for foreign travelers and expatriates in South Korea. It’s particularly useful for those unfamiliar with the Korean language.

    l  Offers an array of international and local food options for delivery.

    l  User-friendly interface with complete English support.

    l  While other popular delivery apps like Baedal Minjok, Coupang Eats, and Yogiyo offer a wider range of choices, they typically require some familiarity with the Korean language to navigate.

    Links:

    l  ShuttleDelivery Official Website

    l  App Store | Google Play

     


     

    Discover Seoul Pass

    This app simplifies exploring Seoul by integrating major tourist attraction tickets and public transportation passes into a single platform. It helps save money while optimizing travel plans.

    l  Offers a wide range of benefits, including free entry to select attractions and discounts for tours and shopping.

    l  Includes real-time availability updates and a digital guide for tourist destinations.

    l  Passes can be activated anytime and used for a set period (24, 48, or 72 hours).

    Links:

    l  DiscoverSeoul Pass Official Website

    l  App StoreGoogle Play

     


     

    LugStay

    Travelers often struggle with their luggage during layovers or early check-outs. LugStay solves this issue by offering convenient luggage storage services across Seoul.

    l  Allows users to locate and reserve nearby luggage storage facilities.

    l  Fees are budget-friendly, typically from $3 to $10 daily. 

    l  Ensures secure storage with flexible pick-up and drop-off times. The fees depend on the weight of your luggage.

    l  LugStay OfficialWebsite

    l  App StoreGoogle Play

     


     

    Restaurant Recommendation Apps

    Unfortunately, no widely recommended apps in Korea provide comprehensive restaurant reviews in English. For diverse options, Google Maps, Naver Maps, and Tripadvisor remain the most reliable resources for locating nearby restaurants with reviews and ratings.

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