Before you leave
The apps you actually need
A dozen apps, and Korea becomes disarmingly simple. Install them before you go, while you still have Wi-Fi.
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Translator
Type your sentence, pick the direction, and open it straight in the translation app.
Papago is distinctly better than Google on Korean — it's what Koreans use themselves. Once open you can also just show the screen to the person you're talking to, or switch on photo translation for menus.
The one thing that fixes everything: Google Maps can't do directions in Korea
For regulatory reasons Google has no access to the country's detailed mapping data. Driving and walking directions barely work. The local workaround:
- Search for your place in English on Google Maps, as usual.
- Under the English name there is always the Korean name — copy it (long press).
- Paste that Korean name into Naver Map or Kakao Map and get your route.
Full walkthrough on the HaniSeoul guide.
Maps and directions
The reference app, the most complete: transit/driving/walking directions, reviews, opening hours, street view. English search works for major places.
Cleaner and more intuitive than Naver, and tightly integrated with Kakao T for taxis. Many people prefer its interface.
Transport
The foreigner-facing version of Kakao T: taxis with the estimated fare shown before you ride, international cards, and automatic translation with the driver.
Official booking for KTX and conventional trains. Also where you buy the unlimited KORAIL Pass, reserved for foreign visitors.
The other high-speed network, leaving from Suseo 수서 station in southern Seoul. Direct to Busan and Mokpo.
Seoul's public bike scheme. 1 h, 2 h or 24 h passes, unlocked by QR code, payable with a foreign bank card.
Translation
Paying locally
A prepaid card for tourists that works as both payment card and transit card. Top up with cash (16 currencies) at machines in metro stations.
Sign up with your passport, then book and pay for KTX, express buses and taxis, plus a wallet usable at Olive Young, GS25 or Daiso.
Eating
Food delivery in English, no Korean phone number required. Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Pyeongtaek.
Tourism and emergencies
The tourist board's official app. Geolocated itineraries, site listings, discount coupons.
A free audio guide that triggers based on your location, with themed routes around the country's major sites.
Round-the-clock tourist assistance by phone, with interpreters. Dial +82-2-1330 from anywhere.