The short list
| App | Use it for | Foreign card / number |
|---|---|---|
| Naver Map | Walking, subway and bus directions | No account needed |
| Papago | Translating menus, signs and conversations | No account needed |
| Kakao T | Calling a taxi | Usually works · may fail |
| Google Maps | Saving places, reading reviews | Limited directions |
| Emergency Ready App | Government disaster alerts in your language | No account needed |
1. Naver Map — your main map
Naver Map is what Koreans use. It gives turn-by-turn walking directions, subway and bus routes with live arrival times, and the exact subway exit to use. Switch the app language to English in settings. You can search in English, but searching the Korean name of a place is more reliable — every place on our neighborhood maps lists its Korean name for that reason.
KakaoMap does the same job and is a good backup if a search fails in Naver.
2. Papago — translation
Papago, made by Naver, is the translator most visitors prefer for Korean. Point the camera at a menu or sign to translate it, or use voice mode to talk with a shop owner. Download your language pack before you fly so it works offline.
3. Kakao T — taxis
Kakao T is the taxi app almost every driver uses. Kakao says it accepts foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB and AMEX cards for regular taxis, but visitors still report card errors at sign-up. If your card will not register, choose the option to pay the driver directly and pay by card or cash at the end of the ride. Check the fare first with our Seoul taxi fare calculator.
Uber also works in Seoul and takes your usual foreign card, though fewer cars are on it.
4. Google Maps — for saving places
Keep Google Maps for what it is good at in Korea: saving places to a list and reading reviews in English. Walking and driving directions have long been limited in Korea because of map-data rules. The government approved Google’s request to export detailed map data in February 2026, but full directions had not been confirmed when we checked — so plan routes in Naver Map.
5. Emergency Ready App — safety alerts
The Korean government’s disaster app sends emergency alerts, safety guidance, embassy contacts and shelter locations in many languages. For any other help, call the 1330 travel hotline (24 hours, English, Japanese and Chinese).
Useful, depending on your trip
- Trains (KTX): book on Korail’s English website with your passport and a foreign card, or on Klook, which sells Korail tickets.
- Food delivery: Baemin is the biggest app and accepts foreign cards, but some features need a Korean phone number. Hotels can usually help you order.
- Data: get a Korea eSIM before you land so Naver Map and Papago work from the airport.
Before you fly: checklist
- Install Naver Map, Papago, Kakao T and the Emergency Ready App.
- Set Naver Map and Papago to your language; download Papago offline packs.
- Try adding your card to Kakao T at home, where you have time to fix errors.
- Check your entry paperwork: K-ETA and the e-Arrival Card.
- Buy a transport card on arrival — see our T-money guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google Maps work in Korea?
Partly. Place search, reviews and transit info work, but walking and driving directions have been limited in Korea. Most visitors use Naver Map or KakaoMap for directions.
Do I need a Korean phone number for these apps?
Naver Map, Papago and the Emergency Ready App work without an account. Kakao T can be set up with a foreign number and card, though registration sometimes fails. Some delivery-app features need a Korean number.
What is the best translation app for Korea?
Papago is the most popular with visitors for Korean. It translates text, photos of menus and signs, and voice.
How do I call a taxi in Korea as a tourist?
Use Kakao T. If your foreign card will not register, choose to pay the driver directly. Uber is an alternative in Seoul.
Sources: Ministry of Justice — Emergency Ready App notice · Seoul Start — Kakao T guide · AA — Korea approves Google map data export · Financial News — Korail and Klook partnership. Last checked 2026-10-09.