Visiting South Korea as an English speaker is actually easier to navigate than you might think. The majority of Koreans studied English in school at some point, however, there is little opportunity for them to put their knowledge into practice, since there are no English speaking countries nearby. As a result, although Koreans might not speak English very well, they can usually understand the basics. But these apps will go a LONG way towards bridging any communication or navigation gaps you may encounter while traveling in South Korea.
1. KakaoTalk
KakaoTalk is THE messaging app in South Korea. You can use it for calls, texts, videos, and photos, and it's all free of charge as long as you've got a Wi-fi connection. You can get free Wi-fi at almost any cafe or restaurant in Korea, but if you want a guaranteed connection a portable device would be the way to go. (Some features of KakaoTalk, which let you order food or shop, won't be available to you without a Korean number.) It can also be a BIG help to contact your host if you are staying in an Airbnb, or to call the number of your hotel or tour service. This app is an absolute MUST HAVE for traveling to, or living in, South Korea.
2. KakaoMap/Naver Map
Google Maps has a solid reputation for being pretty unreliable in Korea. It doesn't work well since the South Korean government requires that any mapping data be stored on local servers for national security purposes. So, you are going to want to download either KakaoMap or Naver Map. Both KakaoMap and Naver Map provide reliable navigation around South Korea. They both provide walking and driving directions, as well as public transportation options. They have slightly different interfaces, so which one you use usually depends on personal preference. Personally, I use KakaoMap most frequently since all the "Kakao" apps share information with each other, making my life a little easier in the long run. But I also think Naver Map is a bit more user friendly AND you can download maps in advance in case you go offline. In the end, it won't you hurt to have both.
3. KakaoMetro/Subway
Public transportation is very easy to navigate, but I still think these apps are a must! Seoul has 22 lines serving the city and surrounding areas, so when you first arrive it can be a little overwhelming. These apps can help you from getting turned around. If you are using KakaoMaps, you don't need to download KakaoMetro (as the subway map is already available in the menu options.) If you are visiting anywhere outside of Seoul during your trip I would recommend using KakaoMetro (it works offline!). The Subway app tends to work better in the metropolitan area in and around Seoul.
4. Papago
This is your go-to translation app. You can take pictures of Korean words and translate them in real time. You can also type and speak into the app. It is very well known in Korea, so if you are having trouble at a restaurant, you can definitely use the app to speak with the waiters. Even the kids I am teaching know what Papago is. They will sometimes ask for my phone so they can ask their questions in Korean if they are too hard to ask in English.
5. T-Money Balance Check
One of the things you will need to get when you arrive in South Korea is a T-money card. The "T" stands for transportation. It is a card that you load money onto at any convenience store (they are EVERYWHERE), and it becomes your ticket to get on any train, subway, or bus in Korea (with the exception of high-speed trains). Paying cash is a nightmare, and one you should definitely try and avoid. A one-way trip on any public transportation is about 1,200 won or $1. This app will tell you the remaining balance on your card at any time. This way you will never have to wonder if you have enough money for a subway or bus ride. And if your balance is low you can pop into any convenience store and add more money. It takes the stress out of getting around.
Honorable Mentions:
6. KakaoTaxi
If navigating public transportation sounds too intimidating, or if you need a ride home in the wee hours of the morning, KakaoTaxi is your best bet. It is the South Korean equivalent of Uber, and it is cheap, fast, and convenient.
7. WhatsApp
Don't bother adding an international plan to your phone service for the time you are in South Korea. Instead, download WhatsApp. WhatsApp is a free multiplatform messaging app that lets you make video and voice calls, send text messages and more - all with just a Wi-fi connection. It is especially useful for communication with friends and family back home while you are traveling and/or living in a different country. It is ENTIRELY free...just make sure that your friends and family download the app as well.
VisitKorea
Created by the Korea Tourism Organization, VisitKorea is a great, comprehensive app that is perfect for tourists. It lists popular attractions, restaurants, and shopping sites in the region of your choice. You can also find accurate weather and exchange rate information as well! It is extremely user friendly, and it's a great resource to use if you want to explore the top sites around South Korea.
What about you?
Have you been to South Korea and used an essential app that I haven't mentioned?
Are you looking for a specific app and didn't see it listed here?
If you want to know more about any of these apps, or if you are interested in hearing about a few apps that I would HIGHLY recommend downloading if you are planning an moving to South Korea long term, let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!
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