Essential Apps for Travelers in South Korea
Traveling to South Korea offers a vibrant blend of culture and modernity, but navigating daily life smoothly often requires local apps. Many Korean apps are not available internationally or need a Korean phone number. Below is a guide to the most crucial apps for payments, transport, food, and more, plus practical tips for setup and use while you’re there.
Before You Arrive in South Korea
- Purchase a Korean SIM Card: Buy a SIM card at Incheon International Airport or major cities. Plans from SK Telecom, KT, or LG U+ offer affordable data. Opt for a prepaid “Tourist SIM” for ease of use.
- Download Essential Apps: Some apps like KakaoTalk require a Korean phone number to register. You can download them abroad first (if possible) but finalize setup after arriving with a local number.
Top Apps for Travelers in South Korea
1. Kakao Pay (카카오페이)
- Language: Korean (minimal English support)
- What It Does: South Korea’s top mobile payment app. Use it for in-store purchases, taxis, bills (utilities/credit), and transfers. Supported by most merchants.
- How to Set Up: Link a Korean bank account or credit card. Most stores display a QR code for contactless payments via Kakao Pay.
2. Kakao Talk (카카오톡)
- Language: Korean (partial English options for some features)
- What It Does: Korea’s most-used messaging app. Connect with locals, join communities, share multimedia, and use integrated features like accounts and Pay.
- How to Set Up: Enter your Korean phone number. Scan QR codes or share contacts to message friends. Create an account if you haven’t already.
3. KakaoT (카카오T)
- Language: Korean (partial English support)
- What It Does: South Korea’s leading ride-hailing app. Book taxis, private cars, or luxury vehicles. Payment is seamless via Kakao Pay, WeCard, or others.
- How to Use: Input your pickup and destination. Use the in-app translation to set notes for drivers in Korean if needed.
4. Baedal Minjok (배달의민족)
- Language: Korean (limited English support)
- What It Does: One of Korea’s largest food delivery platforms, covering both local eateries and fast food chains.
- Tips: Search for restaurants with English menus online first. Use offline maps to avoid gaps in service areas.
5. Yogiyo (요기요)
- Language: Korean (some delivery-specific English terms)
- What It Does: Competes with Baedal Minjok in delivery options. Offers photo-rich menus and discounts. Better at translating menu items partially.
- Tips: Filter for restaurants offering delivery to your location. Use Kakao Pay for fast checkout.
6. Naver Maps (네이버 지도)
- Language: Korean (basic English search supported)
- What It Does: Korea’s top navigation app with precise directions. Highlights transit options, real-time traffic, and local POIs (hot spots, malls).
- Tips: Download offline maps for subway routes and metro areas. Use street view for unfamiliar places.
7. Papago (파파고)
- Language: Korean + English & many other languages
- What It Does: A translation app from Naver supporting text, voice, and image translations. Ideal for converting menus, signs, or phrases.
- Tips: Save common phrases offline. Use the camera to translate written text instantly on street signs and flyers.
8. Sam (삼버)
- Language: Korean
- What It Does: The official app for real-time transport updates. Tracks schedules for buses, subways, trains, and intercity buses nationwide. Great for long-distance travel.
- Tips: Check the app before departure times, as schedules can change due to events or weather.
Tips for Using Apps in South Korea
- Language Barriers: Use Papago to translate menus or messages if the app’s English support is insufficient. Many businesses will have staff who can help with translation.
- Cash or Card: Most shops accept cards/Pay apps, but carry ₩30,000-50,000 in cash for small vendors who lack QR codes.
- Offline Access: Download city maps and vocabulary lists via Papago before losing network coverage.
Conclusion
With these apps, you’ll master South Korea’s digital ecosystem in no time. From paying quickly with Kakao Pay to navigating via Naver Maps, you can fully enjoy exploring Korea’s highlights, from bustling markets to serene temples. A local SIM card ensures you never miss out on app notifications or updates!
