Are you planning a trip to South Korea? Whether you're exploring the busy streets of Seoul, hiking in the serene countryside, or indulging in the rich cultural heritage, having the right mobile apps can greatly enhance your travel experience. 

From navigating public transportation to translating menus, here are some essential apps to download before embarking on your journey to South Korea.

Mobile Apps for South Korea


Recommended Mobile Apps for South Korea

1. Naver Map

One thing to know about South Korea is that Google Maps doesn't really work here. Well, it does for public transportation but if you want to walk, you can't navigate with Google Maps.

A highly recommended alternative is Naver Map. It is a powerful navigation app that offers detailed maps, real-time traffic information, and public transportation routes throughout South Korea. Whether you're traveling by subway, bus, or on foot, Naver Map provides accurate directions, estimated travel times, and even which train car to get on if you want to navigate to the exit faster. It also offers features like nearby attractions, restaurants, and reviews, making it an indispensable tool for exploring the country.

2. Buca Check

Buca Check is an app designed for checking the balance or amount of money on your T-Money card. While it's not high on my list of essential apps, I find it very useful when I want to check how much money I have on my card and if I need to reload it. I wouldn't want to get on the bus and tap my card only to find out that it doesn't have enough money for the fare.

3. Papago

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, having a reliable translation app can still be incredibly useful. Papago by Naver offers comprehensive translation services for Korean, English, and many other languages. Its offline mode allows you to access translations without an internet connection. Compared to Google Translate's traditional approach to machine translation, Papago prioritizes accuracy and is less robotic. 

4. DeepL

Apps like Papago and Google Translate are useful for translations but when it comes to conversations, DeepL is a much more reliable app. DeepL is an AI-powered translation tool that uses deep learning techniques to provide high-quality translations between multiple languages. It's popular for its accuracy, and natural-sounding translations, as it can handle complex language structures. It supports translations between several languages, including major languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese.

I have some friends in South Korea and communication can be challenging at times, so this is where DeepL comes in handy. I just record what I want to say in English and it provides translations in Korean quickly, making it suitable for both casual and professional conversations where fast turnaround times are important. It's very easy to use. 

5. Visit Korea

The Visit Korea app is an official travel guide provided by the Korea Tourism Organization. It offers a wealth of information on attractions, accommodations, dining options, and events across South Korea. You can also discover curated travel itineraries and receive real-time updates on weather and transportation. Additionally, this app provides essential travel tips and emergency contacts to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

6. Klook

If you've been a long-time reader of my blog, then you already know that I frequently use this for my trips. For travelers looking to book activities, tours, and experiences in South Korea, Klook is the go-to app. From cultural tours and food tastings to theme park tickets and transportation passes, Klook offers a wide range of options at discounted prices. You can conveniently browse and book activities on the go, receive instant confirmation, and access exclusive deals available only through the app.

7. KakaoTalk

KakaoTalk is South Korea's most popular messaging app, widely used for communication among locals and travelers alike. In addition to text messaging, KakaoTalk offers free voice and video calls, as well as a wide range of emoticons and stickers. You can also create group chats to stay connected with friends and family during your trip, even if you're using different mobile networks or Wi-Fi connections.


With these mobile apps, your journey to South Korea is bound to be more enjoyable, efficient, and memorable. Download them before your trip and get ready to travel with confidence!