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Top 5 Must-Have Apps for Traveling in Korea (2025 Edition)

The essential app guide for foreign travelers in Korea

✨Why You Need Korean Apps, Not Global Ones

When traveling in South Korea, traditional guidebooks and even global apps like Google Maps, Uber, or OpenTable often fall short.

South Korea runs on local tech platforms — and if you want to navigate, eat, or get around like a local, you’ll need these essential Korean apps that support foreign users.

Hangang-nightview
Han-gang & Lotte Tower


✅ 1. Naver Map (네이버 지도)

The most accurate map for navigating South Korea

  • ✔️ Supports English, Japanese, Chinese UI

  • ✔️ Offers directions for walking, biking, and public transit

  • ✔️ Works without login; search without Korean addresses

🔎 Why use it?

Google Maps is severely limited in Korea. Naver Map provides real-time bus arrival times, accurate walking routes, and detailed local business info.

⚠️ Note: Walking directions may differ slightly from real paths — use as a reference.


✅ 2. K.ride – Taxi App for Foreigners

Global-friendly version of Korea’s #1 mobility platform

  • ✔️ Real-time taxi booking, fare estimates, and vehicle tracking

  • ✔️ English UI

  • ✔️ Login via phone number or email

🔎 Why use it?

K.ride is optimized for tourists. Easily hail a taxi and check the fare before you ride — no negotiation needed.

⚠️ Note: Service is currently focused on major cities like Seoul, Incheon, and Busan. Limited availability elsewhere.


✅ 3. Papago – AI Translation App

Korea’s smartest translation app, made by Naver

  • ✔️ Supports text, voice, and image translation

  • ✔️ Real-time conversation & offline translation

  • ✔️ 13 languages supported, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese

🔎 Why use it?

Most Korean signs and menus are written only in Hangul. Papago handles Korean-specific grammar and context far better than Google Translate.

📌 Offline use requires downloading language packs beforehand.


✅ 4. Catch Table – Restaurant Booking Without Korean Phone

Reserve restaurants with just your email

  • ✔️ No Korean phone number required

  • ✔️ English UI available

  • ✔️ Real-time booking at top restaurants in Seoul, Busan

  • ✔️ Supports Michelin-starred and hidden local gems


🔎 Why use it?

Catch Table simplifies your dining experience. Book a table at popular or authentic Korean spots with just a few taps.

📌 Some restaurants may require pre-payment or credit card information.


✅ 5. Shuttle Delivery – Food Delivery for Foreigners

Easy food delivery with English interface and foreign payment support

  • ✔️ Full English interface

  • ✔️ Supports international credit cards & PayPal

  • ✔️ Available in Seoul (Yongsan, Gangnam) and Busan

  • ✔️ Offers vegan, halal, and international options


🔎 Why use it?

Korea’s delivery scene is amazing but not foreigner-friendly. Shuttle bridges that gap with an app designed for tourists, students, and expats.

📌 Check if your area is covered before ordering.


✨ Final Tips

  • Install these apps as soon as you land at the airport Wi-Fi or hotel.

  • All apps support both iOS and Android.

  • You can change the language settings after installation in app settings.

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Location: 대한민국 서울특별시

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