Essential Korea Travel Apps You’ll Want to Download Before Your Trip
Traveling to South Korea is an exciting adventure filled with delicious food, stunning sights, and vibrant culture. But navigating a new country—especially one where English isn’t widely spoken—can be a little challenging. That’s where technology steps in!
Having just come back from my 26-day trip to Korea, I found that these are the most important apps for every traveler to have. From navigation to dining, shopping, and beyond, here are my favourite apps that are essential for a seamless trip!
1. Navigate like a pro with Naver Map (네이버 지도)
Forget Google Maps — it’s not your best bet in South Korea. Due to government data storage policies, Google Maps isn’t able to provide accurate information compared to Naver Map (App Store | Google Play Store).
Naver Map is the crucial navigation tool you’ll need in South Korea, thanks to its popularity and features such as detailed maps, real-time traffic, route suggestions, and integration with public transportation systems.
It’s easy to navigate, even if you’re new to the app, and offers accurate directions for walking, driving, or public transport. Plus, it provides detailed subway and bus timings, making it perfect for travelers on the go.
One feature I especially loved is the ability to save places to a list and pin them on a map! When exploring Seongsu-dong—one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Korea now—I saved 22 spots I wanted to visit. With everything pinned on the map, I could easily plan an optimized walking route that hit all the must-visit spots.
Naver Map also shines with its accurate bus schedules, clear subway exit details, and walking routes from inside subway stations to your destination. It even lists business opening hours and flags if a place has a break in the middle of the day—a lifesaver for avoiding closed restaurants.
2. Discover local favorites with KakaoMap (카카오 지도)
If Naver Map doesn’t suit your style, KakaoMap (App Store | Google Play Store) is a great alternative with a clean interface and detailed reviews. Preferences vary even among locals—some find Kakao’s reviews more reliable, while others stick with Naver Map, making it a matter of personal choice.
I prefer Naver Map for its in-built Papago translation feature, which is super helpful for understanding restaurant and attraction reviews. However, one downside is that Naver doesn’t display the number of stars for each review. Kakao Maps, on the other hand, does, so you can quickly gauge whether a review is positive or negative at a glance.
Ultimately, both apps are excellent tools, and the choice comes down to what suits you best. Try both and see which one aligns with your preferences and needs!
3. Break the language barrier with Papago (파파고)
When it comes to navigating language barriers in South Korea, a translation app like Papago (App Store | Google Play Store) is essential. While Google Translate offers a wider range of languages, Papago shines in Korea because it’s specifically designed for East Asian languages.
Developed by Naver, it’s optimized for translating Korean into English (and vice versa) with greater accuracy, making it more reliable for travelers.
One of Papago’s standout features is its image translation. Simply snap a photo of a menu, street sign, or page of text, and Papago will translate it instantly. I found this especially useful for navigating apps like Coupang and Baemin, which are entirely in Korean. It was also a lifesaver for understanding Kakao Talk updates from businesses and for reading detailed product descriptions when shopping online.
Even as someone who speaks Korean, I rely on Papago to navigate menus — especially when it comes to unfamiliar dishes.
Papago makes dining and exploring in Korea so much easier. A quick snap of the menu, and voilà—no more mystery meals (unless you want one!).
4. Get around hassle-free with Kakao T (카카오 T)
Credit: KakaoT
For getting around South Korea with ease, a taxi app like Kakao T (App Store | Google Play Store) is a must. This all-in-one transportation app makes booking taxis, navigating public transport, and even renting bikes incredibly convenient.
Payment is straightforward and flexible, even for foreigners. If you don’t have Kakao Pay or a Korean card, you can select “Other Payment” to pay the driver directly. Both cash and card are accepted, and I personally found paying by card effortless.
While Seoul’s public transportation is exceptional, there are times when a taxi becomes the best option. For me, this was usually when I was traveling with luggage, either to avoid the bus or after public transportation stops operating (usually around midnight). If you’re someone who loves nightlife or wants to maximize your day, Kakao T is a lifesaver for late-night transportation.
I was also pleasantly surprised that taxis were willing to take intercity trips. After staying out too late during a day trip to Daegu, I was relieved to be able to book a taxi back to Busan. Plus, compared to many other countries, taxis in Korea are relatively affordable, even for longer journeys. If you’ve got big luggage (or lots of shopping bags), skipping public transport for a cab can be a game-changer!
5. Make reservations or queue early with Catchtable (캐치테이블)
Credit: Catchtable
South Korea’s dining scene is incredible, but many popular restaurants require reservations or have long queues. Catchtable (App Store | Google Play Store) simplifies the process, allowing you to book tables or get a queue number in advance with just a few taps.
What I love most about Catchtable is how it lets you secure a queue number ahead of time. Instead of arriving early to wait at the entrance or retrieve a queue number there, I could explore other places and only head to the restaurant closer to my turn. It’s a fantastic time-saver, letting you make the most of your day without sacrificing a spot at a must-try eatery.
During my trip, I anticipated a long wait at Haebangchon Chicken (해방촌닭), a popular spot in the Haebangchon area known for its mouthwatering chicken dishes, so I used Catchtable to queue early!
Surprisingly, I couldn’t find the restaurant on the global app, even when searching in Korean, so I switched to the Korean version (App Store | Google Play Store) instead. Generally, the global version of Catchtable will do the trick, but it’s worth having the Korean version on hand just in case!
6. Stay connected and informed with Kakao Talk (카카오톡)
Credit: Kakaotalk
Kakao Talk (App Store | Google Play Store) isn’t just South Korea’s most popular messaging app—it’s also a vital tool for travelers. Many businesses and apps partner with Kakao Talk for reservations, updates, and customer communication, making it incredibly useful during your trip.
I booked a photoshoot at Sanhomansion and everything—from checking availability to confirming the booking—was handled via Kakao Talk messages. The studio even sent the digital copies directly through the app!
Catchtable also uses Kakao Talk to send real-time updates about your reservations or queuing status. If you secure a queue number at the restaurant or event entrance, or if you’re using the Korean version of Catchtable, notifications will typically be sent through Kakao Talk in Korean.
Klook Tip: Pair Kakao Talk with Papago for quick translations of these messages!)
If you’re into Korea’s popular 4-cut strip photos, Kakao Talk enhances the experience. Studios like Life4Cuts offer a loyalty program linked to the app: collect five stamps, and you’ll get a free photo session complete with an original frame. Other studios, such as PhotoGray, also have loyalty programs with perks like discounts or freebies, though details may vary.
Whether you’re booking, queuing, or earning rewards, Kakao Talk is an indispensable app for staying connected and organized during your Korea trip.
7. Satisfy late-night cravings with Baemin (배달의민족) food delivery
If you’re craving food delivery, Baemin (App Store | Google Play Store) is your go-to app. Whether it’s fried chicken, jjajangmyeon, or late-night tteokbokki, Baemin offers a wide range of options delivered straight to your door. While the app is entirely in Korean, a little effort and the help of Papago can make ordering a breeze!
Baemin is also foreigner-friendly, as you can use an international phone number for verification. This makes it much easier to get started, especially if you opted for a data-only SIM.
To get started, simply type in your address at the beginning so the app can show you restaurants available in your area. I recommend entering your address in Korean to avoid any errors, so it’s a good idea to have it saved beforehand. After that, you can jump straight into browsing dishes—no need to create an account or log in!
The ordering process is similar to any delivery app you might be familiar with. Once you’ve chosen your food, you’ll see a page to review your order and payment details. If you’re unsure of the steps, take screenshots and translate them with Papago—it’s an easy and intuitive process, especially once you’ve done it a few times. When I ordered to the same address on repeat occasions, the process was even smoother and faster.
During my trip, Baemin saved me on multiple late nights when I needed a satisfying meal after a long day. While Baemin might take a little effort for non-Korean speakers, it’s well worth it for the convenience and delicious food delivered right to your door.
8. Shop anything, anytime with Coupang (쿠팡)
Think of Coupang (App Store | Google Play Store) as the Amazon of South Korea. From travel essentials to local snacks, this app has it all. Plus, its “Rocket Delivery” service ensures lightning-fast shipping—even overnight. However, it’s important to note that a Korean phone number is required to place orders on Coupang.
For me, Coupang was a lifesaver when friends back home asked me to bring back specific items and I didn’t have the time to go out of my way to search for what they wanted. Coupang not only saved me time but also ensured I got everything on their wish lists without the hassle.
It’s also great for cheaper alternatives to convenience stores! Someone asked me to buy hangover jellies, which were less expensive on Coupang compared to convenience stores. Since I wasn’t planning to visit supermarkets to compare prices during my trip, ordering from Coupang made the process quick and stress-free.
9. Book tours and activities with Klook
Klook (App Store | Google Play Store) is an invaluable app for planning your South Korea trip. From booking hotels and rail passes to securing tickets for tours and attractions, it’s a one-stop platform for all your travel needs.
Plus, Klook often offers exclusive discounts, including mobile coupons for popular stores like Olive Young and Daiso, helping you save money while shopping. Additionally, the Discover Seoul Pass is an essential travel tool for tourists, offering free or discounted access to a wide range of attractions in Seoul.
One of my most memorable experiences I booked through Klook was a yacht tour in Busan. It was the perfect way to end the day, with stunning views and even a fireworks show on board—an unforgettable experience!
Another highlight was the Everland shuttle bus transfer. This service made it incredibly easy to get to the park without worrying about getting lost, and it saved me so much time.
Klook was also a lifesaver when it came to intercity bus tickets. While tickets can be purchased at bus stations, buses for popular timings often sell out. Being able to secure my seat in advance gave me peace of mind and made traveling between cities smooth and hassle-free!
10. Secure payments with a multi-currency travel card
Credit: Jonas Leupe on Unsplash
When traveling to South Korea, a multi-currency travel card is a game-changer for managing your finances. Cards like Revolut, Instarem, or Wise allow you to make secure payments in multiple currencies, including Korean won, without the hefty fees associated with traditional credit cards.
Klook Tip: For iPhone users, it's important to note that Apple Pay is not widely accepted in Korea, so it's good to keep the physical card on you at all times.
These travel cards offer better exchange rates and lower transaction fees, making them a cost-effective option for travelers. You can use them to book accommodations, flights, and activities, and even withdraw cash from ATMs, something I found very useful during my trip! Do note that cash can only be withdrawn from certain banks' ATMs.
Whether you’re shopping in Myeongdong or dining in Hongdae, having a multi-currency travel card ensures you can easily manage your expenses and enjoy your South Korea adventure without financial stress.
Exciting Experiences to Try in Korea
Once you’ve got your travel apps downloaded, it’s time to plan the fun! South Korea offers a wide range of unique activities and experiences tailored to all kinds of interests. Here are some ideas to add to your itinerary:
For Beauty Enthusiasts
South Korea is a global leader in beauty and skincare, so why not indulge in activities that highlight its expertise? Consider a personal color analysis to discover shades that suit you best, take a makeup lesson to learn the latest K-beauty techniques, or unwind with a luxurious spa experience featuring traditional Korean treatments.
For K-pop and K-drama Fans
Dive into the world of your favorite idols and dramas! Take an MBC studio tour to see where popular shows are filmed, visit iconic K-pop stores and entertainment companies like the Kwangya gift shop, or explore locations your favorite idols endorse or frequent. These experiences let you feel closer to the stars you admire.
For Culture Lovers
South Korea’s rich history and traditions make it a fascinating destination for culture enthusiasts. Visit the country’s majestic palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung, and immerse yourself in its heritage. Don’t miss the chance to savor traditional Korean food like bibimbap, tteokbokki, or samgyetang at local eateries.
For Nature Seekers
If you love the great outdoors, South Korea’s natural beauty won’t disappoint. Go hiking at one of its national parks, such as Seoraksan or Jirisan, to enjoy breathtaking views and serene landscapes. Alternatively, spend a relaxing day at one of Korea’s many beautiful beaches, like Haeundae Beach in Busan or Jeju’s pristine shores.
With so many exciting activities, South Korea has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring its vibrant beauty scene, diving into K-pop culture, soaking in its rich history, or embracing nature, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure!
Start Planning Your Trip to South Korea
Exploring South Korea has never been easier thanks to these must-have apps. From navigating city streets to booking activities, they’ll make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free.
So, what are you waiting for? Download these apps, pack your bags, and start planning your ultimate Korea adventure.
What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel and experiences platform, with over half a million offerings in over 2,700 destinations! Browse our growing collection of travel activities and services in 15 languages, and complete bookings seamlessly with 40 currencies and over 40 payment methods.
We're here to bring the world closer together through experiences. Whether it's something new in your neighborhood or an adventure abroad, with Klook you're always connected to a world of things to do and places to see.
