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9 Apps for Korea (What to Download Before You Go)

Last Updated: Nov 12, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Seoul has so many things in store for travelers, and to access some of them, there are some apps to download before going to Korea. After exiting Incheon International Airport , you may be surprised to see many such activities, like coffee being served by a robotic arm or being able to enter an immersive “artwork experience.”

The Seoul transportation system, for example, is often praised by locals and tourists alike for its multiple methods of moving from one point to another. This is facilitated by the use of a “T-money card,” which for locals is usually attached to their bank cards.

Tourists can also buy this rechargeable card to pay for public transit and at designated stores. To go along with the rapid and continuing advances like T-money, Koreans have developed apps that complement these shifts.

Add to that the fact that most locals rarely speak English, and you can expect most of these apps to come only in Korean. Even with a basic knowledge of the Korean language , foreigners living in Seoul might find all of these intimidating and complicated, much less tourists.

So there are now a decent number of Korean travel apps with English versions, but personally, I think some translated versions still need a lot of work. Despite the rough translations, we highly suggest that you still try downloading the 9 apps for Korea described below, if only to make your life that much easier.

• ✈️ Basics of Travel in South Korea
• Subway Korea/지하철 (Transportation)
• Kakao T/카카오택시 (Travel)
• Naver Map/네이버지도 or Kakao Map (Transportation)

Klook/Trazy (Travel)

Visitkorea (travel)/i tour seoul app.

• Papago/파파고 (Language Learning)
• Coupang/쿠팡 (Shopping)/Coupang Eats (Food)

Emergency Ready App

✈️ basics of travel in south korea.

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid Korean SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

Subway Korea/지하철 (Transportation)

Cost : Free

Download : Android — Apple  

This Korean travel app is used exclusively to understand the complicated Seoul subway system . First-timers might have difficulty understanding the different colors and lines, so this app organizes all the many minute details, to make it less confusing. 

Like the other transportation apps for Korea, this one also estimates how much you will pay for the entire ride and how long the trip will be. Since the Korean subway does not have a fixed daily schedule, Subway Korea automatically updates the current subway timetable each time you open the app.

All you have to do is input the station you are in and choose the station that you wish to go to, and it accurately tells you what time the next train arrives and what kind of train it is (very helpful if you’re planning to take an Express car).

Kakao T/카카오택시 (Travel)

Download : Android — Apple

If you’re a regular Uber user, you’ll be pleased to know that this type of ride share app has a Korean version. Easy and convenient, you can avoid long lines and request the driver pick you up wherever you are with Kakao T. Skip the long wait, choose your destination, and go.

The only downside of this app is that it’s almost impossible to hail a taxi without having this app in Seoul, so it’s basically a requirement. Those who only plan to be in Seoul for less than a week might dislike the requirement of inputting a South Korean phone number to use it, but there’s no way around that for now.

It’s also a hassle if you can’t speak a lick of Korean and the taxi driver calls for clarification, so always try to have the Korean version of your destination on hand.!

Naver Map/네이버지도 or Kakao Map (Transportation)

Download : For Naver Map: Android — Apple ; For Kakao Map: Android — Apple

Foreigners often become dismayed when they realize that Google Maps is relatively ineffective here in Korea. That's why, if you wish to get around, Naver Map and Kakao Map are hands-down the best navigation apps for Korea.

All you need to do is input your destination (in Hangul in most cases – even in the English versions of the apps), and it instantly lets you know what the best routes are and what kinds of transportation you should ride to get there. 

Plus, the estimated cost also lets you know the cheapest route (bus, train, or car), helping you save money. Moreover, you can share your location with your friends, save important places and categorize them.

You can also check reviews, operating times, and pictures of your destination, making either of these  apps an ideal download for someone planning a trip to Korea.

Both apps are equally great in my opinion, but here's the rub for iPhone users: Kakao Map does not work with Apple CarPlay. If you wish to use CarPlay, you'll need Kakao Navi, but there's no English version of this app yet, so most foreigners don't bother.

Download : For Klook: Android — Apple ; For Trazy: Android — Apple

These two Korean travel apps are the best if you’re looking for discounts and deals on your trip. They both offer a range of things to do, which also takes away the stress of planning.

The best part of these apps is that they lets you earn Klook Credits/Trazy Points for your next trip, which is another way to stay frugal while you do touristy things you were already planning on doing.

Download : For VisitKorea app: Android — Apple ; For Visit Seoul app: Android —   Apple

What I love about each of these apps for Korea is that they ask you where you want to go and then give you a list of that place’s famous attractions, food, and shopping sites – letting you tailor your itinerary seamlessly.

There are also pre-made tour itineraries that you can use as reference, complete with schedules and the estimated amount. Suppose you’re interested in a particular location; each of these apps can provide a comprehensive report that shows full details of everything you need to know and even interesting facts .

These can include what gender usually frequents this establishment or the expected ages of its visitors. You can also check upcoming and ongoing events in the selected city, and both apps also give helpful advice on what you can do to plan for this properly and stay safe on your journey.

Foreigners are always encouraged to check VisitKorea’s Travel News feature to stay updated on Korean events and avail of free perks. Thanks to the VisitKorea app, I’ve actually gotten to attend numerous concerts in Seoul for free !

Papago/파파고 (Language Learning)

Papago is such a lifesaver; I think of it as the Korean Google Translate. Thanks to this app, I never had trouble communicating with locals, especially those I needed to interact with (like the maintenance guy, the bank teller, or the restaurant owner).

It even has a setting for honorifics, so I can speak to them without fearing that I might offend them (though Koreans nowadays are more understanding to foreigners). It’s super helpful, especially if you are still struggling with the Korean number system.

So if you need to know what your waiting number slip is in Korean, type it in Papago, and play the audio to hear what it should sound like (so that you know what it sounds like when they finally call you for your turn).

For documents written in Korean, it also saves you from the trouble of inputting everything in hangeul; you simply snap a picture of the note, and it immediately translates what’s written on it.

Coupang/쿠팡 (Shopping)/Coupang Eats (Food)

Download : Android — Apple ; Coupang Eats: Android — Apple

Even if you are a tourist, Coupang is still a handy app you can use to purchase things without having to go to the mall. It has everything you need, from local dishes and fresh groceries to luxury goods – it’s like the Korean Amazon (though we have Amazon here, too).

There’s also a version called Coupang Eats that lets you order food and have it directly delivered to your doorstep, similar to Uber Eats or DoorDash. Those still having difficulty interacting with locals can rely on Coupang to make shopping for items or food easier.

Like with Amazon Prime, they also send orders to you as soon as possible. Swift and efficient, you can generally trust Coupang delivery to bring items or food to you in one piece. You also don’t have to worry about meeting up with the delivery guy, because they let you know via text that what you ordered has arrived.

The only downside is that you need to know basic Korean to navigate the app properly, though this is also where having Korean friends comes in handy.

Even though Korea looks like they’re advanced enough to solve anything, there’s still this plague of heavy air pollution that they can’t seem to fix.

If you plan to trek the mountains or do some sightseeing in open skyscrapers, check with this app first. It provides real-time air pollution data, keeping you safe from exposure and dangerous health risks caused by “yellow dusk” and other forms of pollution.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the South Korean Government urges you to download this app just in case something happens and you need an emergency shelter for safe evacuation in cases of disaster. This app also alerts you if any form of calamity is near your area and where you can go for support.

Even if you never encounter these things during your stay, having this app on your phone will serve as peace of mind.

One of the best ways to truly enjoy Korea is to be on top of things. Downloading these Korean travel apps will help you overcome issues that most travelers face, from communication and transportation to actually planning your itinerary .

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  ** Welcome to the all-new Visit Seoul mobile app that features an optimized platform to help you take in all that Seoul has to offer in a single glance! 

** As the official tourism app of Seoul, Visit Seoul not only provides a wide array of information from tourist hot spots to popular restaurants, and more, but it also let's you in on nearby recommendations, weather forecasts, travel know-how, fun things to enjoy, and other useful tips!

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• 장기 폭염 예상 기간 프로그램 운영 중단: 7.23. ~ 8.11.
• 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 3일 전 까지 가능합니다.
• 3인 미만은 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 기존 등록된 예약 중 그룹별 정원을 초과하지 않는 예약에 한하여 1일 전 17시 까지 추가 예약 가능합니다.
• 다음달 예약은 전달 15일 이 후부터 가능합니다.
• 발열 또는 호흡기 증상(열, 기침, 가래, 근육통, 코막힘, 인후통 등)이 있는 경우 프로그램 참여를 삼가하여 주시기 바랍니다.
• 보호자가 동반하지 않는 만 14세 미만의 아동 관광객의 경우 현장에서 취소됩니다.
• 기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (발효 즉시 취소처리) ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
• 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 서울도보해설관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
• 한국어를 모국어로 사용하는 대한민국 국민의 경우, 외국어 해설 신청이 불가능합니다.
• 예약은 관광일 기준 최대 5개월 전부터 최소 5일 전 까지 신청 가능합니다.
• 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 특히 주말 및 공휴일, 봄(4~5월) 가을(9~11월) 성수기에는 예약이 조기마감 되오니 이 점 유의하여 주시기 바랍니다.
• 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다. (최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 경복궁, 창덕궁, 창경궁, 덕수궁 35인 이상 관람 시, 해당 궁궐 사이트에서 15일 전 단체 입장신청이 필요합니다. (2014.1.1.부터 시행)
• 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
• 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 1주일 전까지 가능합니다.
• 덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다. ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
• 보호자 또는 보조자가 동반하지 않을 경우 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 별도의 보조자가 없는 경우 사무국으로 문의 바랍니다. (02-6925-0777)
• 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다. ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료 ※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
• 본 프로그램은 수화해설 중심으로 진행되며, 수화가 불가능한 경우 이용이 불가합니다.
• 본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
• 보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
• Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
• Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
• In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
• Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
• Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
• Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
• All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation) ※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below. (https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
• The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
• Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
• The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
• Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
• Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
• Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
• 予約は観光予定日を基準に３日前までとさせて頂きます。
• 個人予約：最大１０名 ※京福級、昌徳宮、昌慶宮は２０名様までご予約頂けます。
• 既にご予約されたコースの中で、グループ別の定員を超えない予約に限り、観光予定日の１日前の１７まで追加での予約が可能です。
• 翌月のご予約は前月の１５日から可能です。
• 発熱または呼吸症状（熱、咳、痰、筋肉痛、鼻づまり、喉の痛みなど）がある場合は、解説プログラムへのご参加はお控えください。
• 保護者を同伴しない１４歳未満の児童観光客は、現場でキャンセルとなります。
• 気象特報（猛暑、台風、豪雨、PM2.5）によりウォーキングツアーの運営が難しいと判断された場合、全ての予約は中止とさせて頂きます。 （発効後直ちにキャンセルを行う） ※ 下記のリンクにてご予約当日の気象特報をご確認ください。 (https://www.accuweather.com/ja/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
• 観光中に発生する安全事故について、ソウル徒歩解説観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は責任を負いません。
• 予約は観光日を基準として少なくとも１週間前まで可能です。
• 本コースは、 移動弱者（移動が不自由な高齢者、障害者、ベビーカー利用者など） のためのコースです。
• 補助人（或いは同行人）を伴わない場合は利用できません。 　 ※歩行弱者１人当たり少なくとも１人以上の補助人を伴う 　 ※電動補助具（電動車椅子、電動スクーターなど）使用者の場合、補助人１当たり歩行弱者最大４人まで同伴可能
• ご希望の日付及びコースに活動可能な解説士がいない場合、予約はキャンセルされることがあります。
• 予約を確認するため、徒歩観光事務局（02-6925-0777）で確認のための連絡が行われます。 （少なくとも５日～１ヶ月前）３回以上電話が通じない場合、予約が取り消されることがあります。
• 解説を進行する時に発生する安全事故に対し、徒歩観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は 責任を負いません。
• 观光日基准最少3日前方可进行预约。
• 最多可申请10人。 (※ 景福宫, 昌德宫, 昌庆宫是例外 最多可申请20人)
• 在已登记的预约团体中，只接待不超过预约人数的团体，可在前一天17时前追加预约。
• 下个月的预约可从前一月15日开始。
• 如有发热或呼吸道症状（发烧、咳嗽、痰液、肌肉痛、鼻塞、咽喉痛等），请避免参与解说活动。
• 无保护者随同的未满14岁儿童游客，会在现场取消解说活动。
• 气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨 、雾霾 等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时，所有预约将一律被取消。 (发布紧急措施时立即取消) ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。 (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
• 对于解说活动中发生的安全事故，首尔徒步解说旅游事务局和首尔文化观光解说社不予负责。
• 观光日基准最少1日前方可进行预约。
• 本线路是为了行动不便者(行动不便的高龄者、残疾人、婴儿车利用者等)的路线。
• 无辅助人员(或同行人)伴随时，不可利用。 ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的辅助人员陪同。 ※ 电动辅助器具(电动轮椅、电动独轮车等)使用者时，每一位辅助人员最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
• 希望观光的日期及线路上无解说员时，预约有可能被取消。
• 为了确认预约，徒步观光事务局(02-6925-0777)会致电进行确认。 (最少5日~一个月前) 3次以上无法连接时，预约将被取消。
• 进行解说时，对于有可能发生的安全事故，徒步观光事务局和首尔文化观光解说员概不负责。
• 最晚請於預約日期3天前完成預約。
• 最多可申請10人。 (※ 景福宮, 昌德宮, 昌慶宮是例外 最多可申請20人)
• 已完成預約的團體若人數超過限制，可於前一天下午5點前追加預約。
• 每月15日將開放下個月的預約。
• 若有發燒或呼吸道症狀(發燒、咳嗽、咳痰、肌肉酸痛、鼻塞、喉嚨痛)，請避免參與本活動。
• 未有保護者同行的未滿14歲兒童遊客，會在現場取消參與資格。
• 氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨 、霧霾 等）而導致徒步觀光無法進行時，將一律取消所有預約。 (發布限令時將立即取消) ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。 (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
• 進行解說時，對於有可能發生的安全事故，首爾徒步解說觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光解說員概不負責。
• 觀光日基準最少1日前方可進行預約。
• 本線路是為了行動不便者(行動不便的高齡者、殘疾人、嬰兒車利用者等)的路線。
• 無輔助人員(或同行人)伴隨時，不可利用。 ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的輔助人員陪同。 ※ 電動輔助器具(電動輪椅、電動獨輪車等)使用者時，每壹位輔助人員最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
• 希望觀光的日期及線路上無解說員時，預約有可能被取消。
• 為了確認預約，徒步觀光事務局(02-6925-0777)會致電進行確認。 (最少5日~壹個月前) 3次以上無法連接時，預約將被取消。
• 進行解說時，對於有可能發生的安全事故，徒步觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光 解說員概不負責。

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Seoul Launches Tourism Mobile App, iTourSeoul+

Culture & tourism news.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced the launch of iTourSeoul+, a mobile app dedicated to tourism in Seoul, through which tourists can access real-time information on transportation, accommodations, and performances based on their current location. The app includes a variety of features such as ‘Top 10 Tourist Attractions’ as well as information on festivals, events, and recommended travel courses.

Tourists can also use the app to find information on bus stops and real-time bus schedules (including bus arrival time) simply by typing in their current or desired location. This convenient feature is particularly useful for tourists who may be unfamiliar with how to use public transportation to travel around Seoul. Location services are also used by the app to provide users with nearby accommodation and performance venue information; each database is complete with a direct link for online reservations.

The iTourSeoul+ app uses “Augmented Reality (AR)” technology to connect on and offline information. App users who pick up the “Seoul Tourism Guidebook,” available for free at over 40 tourist information centers, can get additional information by using their smartphone and the iTourSeoul+ app to scan certain pages in the guidebook.

By activating the “AR” button on the menu in the app and scanning the map in the “Seoul Tourism Guidebook”, users can view a map of tourist attractions, restaurants, performances, and shopping districts right on the screen of their smartphone. Users need only to tap a location on the map for even more information about that particular location.

iTourSeoul+ is available in five languages—Korean, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese—and can be downloaded free of charge from all major app stores.

▶ For more information on iTourSeoul App: : http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&art_id=84485&lang=en&m=0004007007003&p=07

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The Best Korea Travel Apps to Plan Your Perfect Trip

There are plenty of travel apps to help you plan and make the most of your upcoming trip to Korea. Seoul is a massive city with many outstanding landmarks and countless activities scattered throughout the city, and you will need a bit of help navigating your way around! Here are the best Korea travel apps to plan your trip to Seoul and all across the land of the morning calm.

Recommended Phone SIM Card and Pocket Wifi for South Korea

To be able to use these Korea travel apps mentioned below, you’ll need access to data. For most travelers coming to Korea the easiest and most cost-effective option is to either get a travel SIM card or rent a pocket wifi device.

Click on the links below to help you find the best pocket wifi or sim card for your trip to South Korea:

• South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up)
• Global eSIM (immediately usable via QR code) by Xplori

Best Apps to Get Around in Seoul and other Cities

While Google Maps is a great navigation app in most countries, it does not work great in South Korea. This is because local laws prohibit the storage of topographical data on foreign-based servers. That’s why it’s best to rely on local map apps like Naver Map or KakaoMap. Both of them are also available in English and are one of the most useful Korea travel apps. 

Naver Map App

Android – iOS

This is the navigation app that I use most frequently. You can save places you want to visit later and it also works great for driving.

KakaoMap App

Kakao Maps is the most popular map app in Korea. It shows all available routes and schedules for public transportation and it’s easy to share routes and places with the Kakaotalk messaging app.

Subway Korea App

If you’re looking for a For a subway-specific app, I recommend Subway Korea. It works in 5 large cities in Korea: Seoul , Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju and Daegu.

Seoul Subway App

If you only travel to Seoul , you can use the Seoul Subway app to navigate the different subway lines in the city.

KakaoBus App

KakaoBus is an app to check city buses across Korea if you don’t want or can’t use the subway.

Kakao T App

Kakao T is great for calling taxis. This app finds available taxis in your vicinity and leads them straight to you. You can also pay directly via the app when you enter your payment information. It’s sort of like Korea’s Uber.

For traveling between cities by train, check out the Korail app. You can look up train schedules and book tickets. The only downside is you cannot book your seats if you have a Korail Pass.

To book train tickets in Korea, I can also recommend using the website Rail.Ninja .

The Best Translation App for South Korea

Even though English is a mandatory language in schools in Korea and many Koreans attend English language schools (hence the many English teaching jobs in South Korea ), many people do not speak English fluently.

The best translation app to use when traveling in Korea is Papago .  Papago is a multilingual machine translation service provided by Naver. Unlike many other translators, Papago uses a neural machine translation to learn from its mistakes and improve itself. 

The best feature of the Papago app is its image recognition. This means you can take a photo of a Korean restaurant menu or street sign and it will translate it into your desired language.

If you’d like to read some more about Korean, here are 20 helpful Korean travel phrases to know!

Apps To Help You Find Out What To do in Seoul and Korea

There are several handy apps to find activities, tours, and fun places to explore in Seoul and around Korea. My favorites are listed below:

I love the Klook app! It’s a super convenient way to book tours and other experiences for your South Korea trip! The app also works as your ticket, providing scannable QR codes for your experiences. Have a look at Linda Goes East’s recommended Korea tours and experiences on Klook here.

In a nutshell, Trazy is like Groupon for Asia. Similar to Klook, you can book tours and schedule activities in different cities around Korea and other parts of Asia. I recommend checking out both Klook and Trazy as they offer slightly different experiences.

Visit Korea App

This app was developed by the Korea Tourism Organisation and provides reliable travel information for South Korea. You can find details for individual attractions, search for accommodations, festivals, and even restaurants.

Visit Seoul App

This is Seoul Metropolitan Government’s official travel app. It’s great to make the most out of your trip to Seoul . Find popular tourist attractions, authentic restaurants, and the best hotels.

Other Useful Apps for Your Trip to Korea

We’ve covered navigation and public transportation apps, talked about translation apps and useful apps to find things to do in Korea. Now let’s have a look at some “nice-to-have” apps that can prove to be very helpful when traveling in Korea.

IQAir AirVisual

South Korea, and Seoul in particular, is infamous for having subpar air-quality days. For the locals, checking the air quality is as normal as checking the weather in the morning. This app will show you how bad the air quality is and if you should wear a mask to escape the fine dust.

Emergency Ready App

The Ministry of Public Safety and Security launched this app to inform foreign residents in Korea about various natural disasters. The government automatically sends alerts for earthquakes, blizzards, missing persons, and smartphones in Korea. This app translates these alerts to allow non-Korean speakers to be able to receive the messages as well.

XE Currency App

The currency used in South Korea is called the Korean Won. Download the XE Currency app to help you convert prices into your home currency to better understand the price of things.

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Top 15 Apps to Download When You Come To Korea

When coming to Korea for the first time, it can be overwhelming trying to work out how to navigate this new and exciting country. From finding the best places to eat in Seoul, learning how to get around the Seoul Subway , reading menus in Korean, and even going on exciting day trips from Seoul , it can quickly become overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors (particularly when they realize how unreliable Google Maps is in Korea!)

Thankfully, we live in the modern world, and in the modern world, we can rely on our smartphones to help us do just about everything. If you’re traveling in Korea, make sure you get an eSIM or SIM card when you visit Korea so you can get all of the information quickly and easily.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or it’s your seventh time visiting this amazing country, here are 16 must-have apps that you need to download in Korea.

Subway Korea

• Seoul Public Bike App

T Money & Korea Transit Card Balance

• Air Visual IQ Air

Booking.com

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

Translation and Communication

If you don’t speak Korean well (or even at all!) translation apps will come in very useful whilst in Korea, whether it’s to help you read a menu or a sign or to quickly memorize phrases so you can ask questions and place orders. Translation is important as not everyone in Korea speaks English.

As Google Translate is an English application, it can be quite unhelpful in Korea, giving poor translations and not having enough features to help you navigate the country if you don’t read Korean Hangul. It’s more helpful to download a Korean application instead for more precise translations.

Previously known as Naver Translate, Papago is a Korean translation application, created by Naver (Korea’s Google), that boasts a great range of features – all of which are extremely helpful for those who don’t speak Korean.

This application supports Chinese (simplified and traditional), Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Spanish, French, Indonesian, Russian, German, Italian, Arabic, and of course, English. Simply type in the phrase you need in your native language, and translate it at the tap of a button.

It will display the Korean translation in Hangul, Romanized Korean, and also has functions to play the sound out loud and copy the phrase on your device. 

There is a variety of other translation functions on this application too, including voice-to-text, conversation translation (so you can switch between two languages seamlessly), image translation, and a study camera, which can scan and translate in-person texts in real time – particularly helpful when it comes to reading menus!

Download the app: This app is available for both Android and IOS .

Kakao Talk is Korea’s version of WhatsApp. If you plan to spend more than a brief trip in the country, you’ll want to download this app as it’s how everyone communicates. The application also has a lot of sister apps. You’ll start to notice Kakao Taxi, Kakao this, Kakao that once you really start living in Korea and you’ll need Kakao Talk to sign into them.

Getting around Korea is simple when using the right apps to help you find your way! It’s important to note that you’ll want to install a Korean map application – as Google Maps doesn’t always display accurate information in Korea, as well as an app to help you navigate the subway. The Seoul Subway System is amazing and huge. Get ready to take a ride!

The Kakao Map application is one of the two most popular map apps in Korea. You don’t need a Kakao account to use it, but if you already have one set up, it’s worth logging in so that you can save your favorite places and log the places you’ve been.

Kakao Map may be in Korean when you install it, but the language can be switched to English if you don’t read Korean.

You can browse nearby locations with Kakao Maps, and get helpful navigation for public transport and the subway. It even has interactive subway maps for Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon.

Kakao Maps helps navigating Korea easy, as it has many similar functions to Google Maps, such as terrain maps, street view, peak times for busy locations, and traffic information.

Similar to Kakao Map, Naver Map is one of the two biggest competing map applications in Korea. Again, you don’t need a Naver or Line account to use it, but if you already have one set up, it’s worth logging in so that you can save your favorite locations.

You can use Naver Map in Korean or English, and it’s an easy way of being able to browse different areas for restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, supermarkets, parking, gas stations, banks, local attractions, and more!

It’s a great application for public transport, as it provides real-time route calculators to help you find the best way of getting to your destination, telling you exactly which buses and subway trains you need to take.

Naver Map is similar in many ways to Google Maps and includes functions such as street view, satellite maps, terrain maps, indoor maps of department stores and shopping centers, and trail maps for those who love getting out and about in nature.

Subway Korea is a simple subway navigation app but also provides information on other subways outside of Seoul, including Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju.

It helps you plan your route from your starting station to your destination, based on which route is fastest, or which requires the fewest transfers.

It provides you with to-the-minute timetables for each station, the time required for your journey, how many stations you will pass through, where you need to change to a different line, and how much your journey will cost in total. There is even information for each station to display which side of the train the exit door is on, where the restrooms are located if there is disabled access, as well as a map of the station’s exits.

One of the best things about this application is that it works well offline, so it’s a great choice if you’re traveling without a SIM card or portable wifi.

Traveling around a foreign country can be daunting at first, especially when you need to use transport. To make it easier, here are some great applications you can download for different transport services in Korea, to help you get from A to B when a bus or subway journey just won’t cut it!

Kakao Taxi / Kakao T

If you need to take a taxi in Korea, the safest and most simple way to do so is by taking a Kakao Taxi, using the Kakao Taxi (Or Kakao T) app.

Similar to Uber (which doesn’t exist in Korea) Kakao Taxi uses your current location and your target destination to find a driver for your trip.

Using Kakao Taxi is a great way to avoid being scammed by drivers who may charge tourists more as not everyone is familiar with standard taxi rates in Korea. Using a Kakao Taxi, you don’t need to worry about being taken advantage of, or being rejected when trying to flag a taxi down!

Download the app: This app is available on both Android and IOS .

If you’re planning on exploring more of Korea, and wish to take the KTX train out of Seoul to one of the many other places in Korea such as Daegu or Busan, you’ll need to do this by train. Get ready to ride the KORAIL ! To check ticket availability and book tickets, you can use the official Korail app, which also works in English.

Korean applications such as Korail can sometimes be difficult to navigate for foreigners, so using an international application such as Trip.com can make booking train tickets much more simple.

If you plan on heading out of Seoul and exploring the country, but struggle to use Korean applciations, Trip.com is a great application for booking tickets. It may be slightly more expensive than booking the tickets direct with Korail, but it guarantees foreign travelers peace of mind when traveling!

Seoul Public Bike App / Ttareungyi (따릉이)

If you’re looking to explore Seoul in an exciting way, why not rent a bicycle to ride across the city? The most common and straightforward way of doing this is by using the Ttareungi app, which provides affordable bike rentals across a range of convenient pick-up points.

You can search in the app store for “Seoul Public Bike” and Ttareungyi is typically the first one to come up. It’s important to note though that the title of the app is not in English, so be sure to look for the word “따릉이”.

If you’re staying in Korea long term, sign up using the “회원” option, or select foreigner if you’re visiting Korea short-term.

The app has a map that displays all of the stations where you can pick up and return bikes. There are two types of bikes to rent, LCD and QR code. Whilst the bikes operate the same, they have a different rental process, but these are clearly labeled on the map so you can find a location to collect your bike using your preferred method.

Simply return the bike to one of the dedicated stations once you’ve finished using it, and you’ll get a confirmation sent to your phone that the rental bike has been returned properly.

There’s a huge number of transit card check apps in Korea, so for that reason, I won’t narrow it down to just one, as this one is usually down to personal preference and also depends on what Korean transportation card you opt for.

It’s recommended to buy a physical card rather than use one generated in an application, however, as these do not always work. Instead, download an app with which you can scan your physical card to check your T Money balance often, so you don’t run out of money during your travels.

Download the app: These applications are available for both Android and IOS

Air Quality Check

When visiting Korea it’s important to be aware that the air quality can at times be very bad. If the air quality is not at a safe level to breathe in, it’s recommended to stay home or wear a mask outdoors.

Checking the quality of the air can be made much easier by using an app.

IQAir AirVisual

Unfortunately, there is a fine dust issue in Korea and it’s important to vigilantly check the air quality to know when to wear masks, stay indoors, or enjoy a day outside. IQ Air Visual is a great app for checking the air quality across Korea.

This app provides a clear color-coded indication of the air quality based on your location. There is also a map with the air quality of different areas if you’re planning on getting out and about. You can also use the app to view an air-quality forecast so that sensitive individuals can plan their week accordingly.

Day Trips and Tickets

The first thing you’ll want to be doing in Korea is exploring! One way of making this easier if by booking tickets and tours in advance, so you can enjoy your trip stress free.

Klook is a great application for finding great deals on tours and tickets in a number of different countries, but is particularly great for finding deals in Korea. I often use Klook for tickets and events in Korea.

From day trip bookings to Nami Island , to entry tickets for Lotte World Themepark , there’s a huge range of tours and activities you can book at excellent discounted rates on Klook.

Trazy (Travel + Crazy) , is a great travel guide app that can provide you with the best attractions and tours to take when you’re visiting Korea. Similar to Klook, you can find some excellent deals on tours and tickets when using this app.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Korea, you can find some of the best hotels, hostels, apartments and guest houses on these reliable and trustworthy applications.

Booking.com is a great application for finding accommodation in Korea. You can get some excellent mobile-only deals via the application, and if you sign up, you can accumulate points on all of your stays to earn discounts when you travel in future.

Similar to Booking.com, Agoda provides hotel, apartment and guesthouse stays across Korea. In my experience, Booking.com is better for the bigger cities in Korea, but Agoda has more options when you decide to go more rural. You can use it to find excellent accommodation during your stay and some great deals.

So if you’re looking for a short staycation in Busan, or a Hanok overnight experience in Seoul, you can find them all on Agoda!

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Top 10 Korean Travel Apps You Need When Visiting South Korea

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Here are the top 10 Korean travel apps that will make your visit to South Korea much smoother and easier in terms of navigation and roaming around.

South Korea is a stunning nation that welcomes tourists wholeheartedly. It features a wide range of attractions, from stunning natural settings and various retail centers to mouthwatering restaurants. A smooth trip to South Korea, however, may be difficult if you are a foreigner unfamiliar with the country’s intricacies, especially if there is a language barrier.

Fortunately, chalking plans and navigating have become simple with the appropriate Korean travel apps by your side at every turn. 

Here are the top 10 Korean travel apps you should install on your smartphone before you journey to South Korea.

Table of Contents

VisitKorea App

The VisitKorea app was created by The Korean Tourism Office in an attempt to better market South Korea. KTO assembled all the relevant data from the Korean Tourism Organization into this helpful resource that serves both travelers and residents alike. 

It is accessible in both Korean and English and includes details on tourist hotspots, travel itineraries, restaurant guides, festivals, lodging options, as well as updates on present currency exchange rates, weather forecasts and even crucial phone numbers.

Naver Dictionary App

This translator app by Naver, the leading search engine in Korea, is a lifesaver for foreigners thanks to its accuracy as far as Korean to English and English to Korean translation is concerned. It is one of the earliest apps to be made available online and comes with several instructions on how to use the app effectively to maximize its benefits.

On the homepage, you can get words of the day, grammar hints, idioms, and common everyday dialogues in Korean. Each translation is accompanied by a range of model sentences that make use of various sentence patterns and key terms to facilitate learning.

It might be difficult to decide where to dine when traveling to another country but worry not. The Mangoplate app is there to help you clear the confusion. You just have to type in the style of meal you wish to consume, and the app will show you exactly where to go and why. It will also give you details on the nearest eateries so that you don’t have to travel much.

The app is extremely trustworthy and is accessible in both English and Korean language. 

Get the Yogiyo app to have food delivered to your place if you are tired after toiling around the streets of South Korea all day or are simply too lazy to go to the restaurant or even phone one to place an order. This app is great for foodies and is ideal for those who want to explore Korean delicacies without frequently traveling. 

The “category sorter” on this Korean food delivery app aids users in selecting from its extensive list of food choices, pricing, and images in its Korean food directory. It also offers several meal selections, including Japanese, American, Mexican, and other cuisines.

Naver Map App

Naver Map is widely used among Koreans, just as Google Maps is in many Western countries. 

The app has a simple and clear interface and can become a great companion for first-time visitors or for those whose sense of direction is not that strong. The good thing is you can always download the maps in advance so that you do not require an internet connection to access them later. 

Itour Seoul App

If you are planning on visiting Seoul, we suggest you use the Itour Seoul app. It is Seoul’s official government travel app and is far more convenient for travelers than carrying a bulky guidebook or a sizable travel map.

You will get all the necessary information about Seoul’s famous landmarks and where tourist destinations are located, and how far they are away from this app.

Kakao Talk App

This app enables users to message, make free phone calls, and transfer images or videos. The best thing is it only needs an internet connection to operate. And with faultless Wi-Fi connectivity all over South Korea, it helps consumers to save both time and expense. 

Kakao has a group talking tool that is ideal for simultaneous conversation with coworkers and family members. With its built-in camera, GPS, and voice recording features, this Korean app also permits users to share images, videos and their locations with others.

Subway Korea App

Subways are one of the best modes of public transportation in South Korea, but they can often get confusing for travelers who are trying to use it for the first time. Thankfully, the Subway Korea app is there to help you make your subway experience better.

This app will provide you with the location of each station as well as the details on the routes and scheduled timings of the trains. You can also find information about the quickest route just by entering the start and end locations. 

Users of the Subway Korea app can also alter the subway maps to match the cities they are currently visiting.

KakaoBus App

Subway stations can occasionally get crowded, so if you want to avoid crowded locations and prefer taking in the scenery while traveling, buses may be a better alternative for you. 

We advise using the KakaoBus app to acquire all the information you need about the buses, including their routes, bus numbers, and available stop options. The projected arrival and departure timings for the bus you want to use are also provided by this Korean app.

KakaoTaxi App

Taking a taxi is always a fantastic choice if you are seeking a quicker way to get to your destination. We suggest using the KakaoTaxi app to make the reservations. This is because the app only functions with registered and licensed drivers; therefore, it is reliable and safe for usage. Additionally, you can also notify your friends and family members of the route and anticipated arrival times. 

Final Thoughts

The above-mentioned top Korean travel apps are very effective. Using them will help you avoid unnecessary headaches and get the most out of your tour to South Korea.

Happy holidaying!

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Anyaa is a versatile writer with an insatiable wanderlust and a deep love for all things Korea. Her passion for exploration and storytelling shines through in her diverse articles covering every aspect of Korean travel. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the tranquil beauty of Jeju Island, her articles serve as a virtual passport for readers, providing them with insider tips, detailed itineraries, and practical advice to ensure an unforgettable journey through Korea.

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Seoul Launches Tourism Mobile App, iTourSeoul+

Culture & tourism news.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced the launch of iTourSeoul+, a mobile app dedicated to tourism in Seoul, through which tourists can access real-time information on transportation, accommodations, and performances based on their current location. The app includes a variety of features such as ‘Top 10 Tourist Attractions’ as well as information on festivals, events, and recommended travel courses.

Tourists can also use the app to find information on bus stops and real-time bus schedules (including bus arrival time) simply by typing in their current or desired location. This convenient feature is particularly useful for tourists who may be unfamiliar with how to use public transportation to travel around Seoul. Location services are also used by the app to provide users with nearby accommodation and performance venue information; each database is complete with a direct link for online reservations.

The iTourSeoul+ app uses “Augmented Reality (AR)” technology to connect on and offline information. App users who pick up the “Seoul Tourism Guidebook,” available for free at over 40 tourist information centers, can get additional information by using their smartphone and the iTourSeoul+ app to scan certain pages in the guidebook.

By activating the “AR” button on the menu in the app and scanning the map in the “Seoul Tourism Guidebook”, users can view a map of tourist attractions, restaurants, performances, and shopping districts right on the screen of their smartphone. Users need only to tap a location on the map for even more information about that particular location.

iTourSeoul+ is available in five languages—Korean, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese—and can be downloaded free of charge from all major app stores.

▶ For more information on iTourSeoul App: : http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&art_id=84485&lang=en&m=0004007007003&p=07

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The journey is the reward

17 Great Apps for Traveling in South Korea

South Korea is famous for its K-pop, K-drama, and cosmetics. It is also a popular tourist destination with 24/7 convenience stores, outstanding landmarks, bustling shopping streets, and countless fun activities. Thanks to the advancement of technology, now traveling to Korea is much easier if you have the right applications on your phone.

So if you are planning a trip to the land of the morning calm, make sure to check out these 14 great apps that will help you make the most out of your trip!

Table of Contents

Apps Communication in South Korea

Kakao talk (카카오톡).

Android – iOS

Kakao Talk is the number one communication app in Korea. It has a diverse range of features and a cute chat interface. You can also buy a variety of chat emoticons on it. The app is no just for text messages or video calls, you can also send or receive files, share locations, and even pay with it!

Papago (파파고)

Papago is a Korean translation software that I recommend to every Korean learner. It provides translation between Korean and 10 languages including English. Papago belongs to Naver, the largest search engine in South Korea. Papago translates Korean much more accurately than google translate. It can definitely help you communicate with native Koreans more effectively.

If you are thinking about learning the Korean language , LingoDeer is your best choice. Whether you wish to just learn some travel phrases or dig deeper into the language, LingoDeer has something for you. It allows you to learn a variety of useful phrases  in a relatively short period of time. If you want to learn how to order at a restaurant, simple hello and goodbye, thank you, and other Korean that you may use during your trip, you must try it!

Apps that Help you Find out Where to go in South Korea

Naver map (네이버 지도).

Android  –  iOS

Google Maps or Apple Maps are not very useful when traveling in Korea. Naver Maps , like papago (Korean translator), was developed by Naver , the largest search engine company in Korea. It is available in multiple languages and has very comprehensive traffic navigation. Even for hiking, it has planned hiking routes! All the bus and subway information is in there, and with it, you don’t have to worry about getting lost in Korea at all!

Kakao Map (카카오 지도)

Kakao Map is also the choice of many people, and it belongs to the same company as Kakao Talk, the most used chat app in Korea! It’s similar to Naver Map, so you can choose between them!

Tips : In Korea, each subway gate will have a corresponding number, and both maps will show you on your subway navigation which subway gate you should wait at to be able to transfer or exit the station most easily and quickly!

I Tour Seoul (아이 투어 서울)

I Tour Seoul app is Seoul Metropolitan Government’s official travel app. If you plan to spend much time in Seoul, this app can save you a lot of time by providing popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels in Seoul.

Visit Korea (한국 관광)

Visit  Korea app is quite an official tourist app developed by the Korea Tourism Organisation. You can find plenty travel information in the app, including events, tourist attractions, restaurants, accommodations, etc.

Apps for Transportation in South Korea

Kakao t(카카오 택시).

Uber is not quite popular in South Korea. So if you want to take a taxi, you should try its Korean counterpart – Kakao T. Kakao T is a must-have Korean taxi app that can be set up in multiple languages including English. You can choose from different rates and directly pay via the app when you’ve reached your destination.

Speaking of taking taxi, be sure to note that in South Korea, there are black cabs with much high prices than regular cabs! If you want to save money, don’t wave when you see a black cab.

Korail talk (코레일톡)

If you wish to travel by train, try Korail app.  Korail is a software to buy tickets for high-speed trains in Korea and supports many kinds of online payments. Transportation in Korea is very well developed and you can reach almost all inland cities by high-speed trains, and they are usually very punctual. Be sure to first get a Korail Pass before booking tickets on it.

Bustago (버스타고) 

Besides the high-speed train, another way to travel is by bus. Bus is a very comfortable option in Korea and it has a fixed price that does not change with the time or date. It has spacious seats, so you don’t have to worry even if you are traveling long distances. They have their own passing lanes on the road, so you don’t have to worry about traffic jams or being late at all!

Apps for Food Delivery in South Korea

Baemin (배달의민족).

Baemin is one of the most used delivery app in Korea for everything from gourmet food to all kinds of vegetables, fruits, and necessities. You can even order clothes, shoes, flowers, and more. It also newly added a live shopping function, from which you can order discounted food or other goods! The only downside is that it only supports the Korean language , which is not suitable for foreigners who don’t know Korean.

Yogiyo (배달요기요)

Yogiyo has basically the same features as Baemin. From my personal experience of using this app, I found it’s often cheaper than Baemin, giving away more discount coupons. You can order take-out from a wide variety of restaurants, from Korean, Chinese, Western, KFC, Mcdonalds, pizza, even dessert or coffee, you name it! And it supports both Korean and English ! So if you don’t know Korean, got with this app!

Coupang Eats (쿠팡 이즈)

Coupang Eats is another foreigner-friendly food delivery app. If you don’t speak Korean, I recommend you download it! By the way, new users are usually given discount coupons when they sign up, so don’t forget to use them when you pay! With so many 24-hour restaurants in Korea, you can even have your fried chicken with beer delivered at 3 am!

Apps for Accommodation in South Korea

Airbnb has made overseas accommodation booking so convenient. If you don’t have a Korean bank card, don’t speak Korean, and don’t have a Korean cell phone number, you can still easily book a room at a fair price with Airbnb. The app is also becoming more and more popular in South Korea, so you have plenty of choices when booking a room. Most residences in Korea use code door locks and the check-in time is very flexible.

Dabang (다방)

Android –  iOS   

If you wish to live for a longer period in South Korea, consider renting a room or apartment. Dabang is one of the apps that can help you rent in South Korea. You can filter rooms according to your own preferences and location. There is also third-party personnel that can help you complete the whole process. However, using Dabang can be quite hard if you speak zero Korean, because of all the false listings and potential scams.

Yanolja (야놀자)

Yanolja (야놀자) is one of the most commonly used accommodation booking app in South Korea. You can even book flight tickets on it. Sometimes they give various limited-time discounts. The disadvantage is that it does not support foreign bank card payments and English interface .

Yeogie-eottae ( 여기어때)

Yeogie-eottae (여기어때) is similar to Yanolja, but it also doesn’t support foreign bank card payment and English interface, and you can’t use foreign cell phone number to register, so if you live in Korea and speak fluent Korean, it’s a good app for hotel booking!

Published by Ziqiao Xu

Ziqiao is a France-based multilingual who speaks English, Korean, French, and Chinese fluently. She persued a degree in Korean-French translation and is passionate about learning different languages. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and language learning experience with LingoDeer blog readers. View all posts by Ziqiao Xu

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VISITKOREA : Official Guide 4+

Designed for ipad.

• 3.3 • 6 Ratings

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Description.

Travel Korea with the VisitKorea app! The VisitKorea app provides information on beautiful tourist attractions, delicious food, comfortable accommodations, pleasant shopping centers and exciting festivals in Korea to help tourists have the most satisfying trip ever. In addition, it provides all the information tourists may need when traveling to Korea such as finding directions and public transportation information, and emergency contacts to make their trip more convenient and safe. All about Korean Tourism News and travel columns are updated regularly to provide special travel information about Korea. Check them out to learn more about current and upcoming trends on tourist attractions, restaurants, accommodations, shopping center and festivals. In the Travel Basics menu, you can find useful information such as visa and entry requirements, emergency contacts, operating hours of public agencies and tourist police. Record you itinerary Record memories of your trip in Korea. This new feature will help you manage your schedule and remember your trip in the form of a timeline. Simply save your arrival and departure information, your planned itinerary, and add photos and memos. Korean tourism information recommended automatically Are you in Seoul now? Then, the VisitKorea app will guide you to the most satisfying tourist areas in Seoul. The VisitKorea app recommends information such as tourist attractions, good restaurants, accommodations etc. according to the user’s preference by using big data. (You must register additional information in the settings menu to receive customized recommendation for tourism information.) Maps to find your way around Korea Use the directions menu in the map to find your way to your destination while traveling in Korea. You can find the route via public transport, taxis, or on foot. In addition, the subway menu provides subway route maps and subway directions for Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon. As a reliable travel guide provided by the Korea Tourism Organization, VisitKorea provides information for tourists who are planning a trip to Korea or are currently traveling in Korea. Users can feel like they are in Korea even when using the app at home. Korea Tourism Organization is working hard to improve the VisitKorea app service for an enjoyable trip to Korea.

Version 6.1.1

minor bug fixed

Ratings and Reviews

Could be better.

I think the app is absolutely amazing & I love how it stays up to date BUT recently it started showing an error when I try to click on majority of the options & it tells me to check my connection (which is absolutely fine) so if that got fixed I’d be extremely happy with the app & I definitely recommend it otherwise!

Developer Response ,

Thank you for using the VisitKorea app. The app has been released with version 5.0. With this version you will have improved designs and services.

Useful and helpful app

App looks appealing aesthetically, but usability is a little bit lacking. For example, I like that there's a map function with pinpoints of things to do, eat, see, and sleep near you but the map itself loads just a tiny bit slow and all the pinpoints get in the way when you just want to look at the map to find your way around (e.g. how many streets do I have to walk until I get to Lotteria?). For the attractions section, I felt overloaded with the listings of so many places to visit; it reminded me of the Yellow Pages (a big book listing all the businesses in a city) which I guess is good and bad in a way. For the accommodation section, it would be great if the rates were also listed as well as a filter to sort hotels/motels/etc by star rating and price (from low to high and high to low). Overall, I can see the app developers really put thought and effort into making this app helpful and useful to users because the app sections are thoughtfully planned and laid out with so much categories to choose from and information to read, so kudos to that.

Good information for tourists

There is a lot of good stuff in this app. You can find basic Korean phrases, information regarding transportation, ATM withdrawals, etc. I like the nice photos and descriptions for major and minor sights in Seoul. On the minus side. I am not 100% happy with the map. Depending on the zoom level, icons can appear in a wrong location. This happens when you have multiple objects from the same category in close proximity to each other. Also, the restaurant selection is very poor compared to the wealth of eating options here! Overall this is a great app for any visitor! M.

App Privacy

The developer, 한국관광공사 , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Identifiers

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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The 16 Essential Apps for Korea Travel (Download for Free)

In today’s tech-savvy era, we have numerous options to make our travels safer and more convenient. As a traveler, you probably rely on certain smartphone applications that are invaluable for any trip, such as Klook, Airbnb, Google Maps, and more.

However, when traveling to countries like Korea, Japan, Vietnam, or China, communication can become a challenge. The local people in these countries often have limited English proficiency, and likewise, we may struggle to understand their language.

It’s important to prepare for such language barriers by using translation apps or learning some basic phrases in the local language. This can greatly enhance your travel experience and help you navigate effectively in these countries.

In such cases, smartphone applications are the most helpful companion. 

Now, if you’re planning a trip to Korea, the situation is the same and you would find communication problems. So, take your phone and download these 16 essential Apps for Korea travel 202 4. And all these apps are totally free to download.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Essential Apps for Korea Travel, Apps to enter Korea.

For the recent pandemic, like any other country in the world, the Korean government has also imposed some requirements and restrictions on travelers. So, from now, if you want to enter Korea, you will have to follow those rules. And to follow the rules you have to have the following apps.

1. Self-Check

Korea has been utilizing self-check apps, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, for health check-ins, contact tracing, and monitoring potential exposure to the virus. These apps are crucial components of the government’s strategy to effectively manage and contain the spread of the virus. However, it’s important to note that the specific apps and their functionalities may evolve over time in response to changing situations and policies implemented by health authorities.

For travelers planning to visit Korea or those currently in Korea, it’s highly recommended to stay updated with the latest information on self-check apps by referring to official sources or local authorities. This ensures that you have the most accurate and relevant guidance regarding the use of these apps for your health and safety while in Korea.

This app is available in five different languages, including Korean, English, French, Chinese, and Japanese. Download: iOS ｜ Android

K-ETA is the abbreviation of Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. Not all travelers need this app. It is mandatory only for visitors who have come from countries that concluded a visa waiver agreement with Korea and designated visa-free entry to Korea.

By using the K-ETA app, you can apply for K-ETA easily and conveniently. You just have to submit relevant information in the K-ETA application form. And the application must be filled out at least 24 hours before boarding your flight or ship.

Download: iOS ｜ Android

Travel Guide

When you’re visiting a new destination, particularly a new country, a travel guide may be the first thing that you would look for. 

Unlike the past days, now we really do not depend on a person who can guide us in a new place. Rather we prefer technology or apps to guide us. 

Here are some travel guide apps that will serve you on your trip to Korea.

T-money is a contactless smart card used for transportation, making payments at convenience stores, and other purposes in South Korea . To make it easier to manage your T-money balance on the go, there is an Android app available which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

This T-money Android app allows users to check their balance, view transaction history and recharge their card on their devices. Furthermore, users can also find information about transportation routes and schedules as well as discounts and promotions. To access all features of the app, users need to set up an account with their T-money card number and personal information upon logging in.

4. Visit Korea

Visit Korea is a well-known Korean app that is specially made for travelers by the Korea Tourist Organization . This app will give you multiple services like tourist attractions, tour courses, information about Korean, Korean festivals, finding restaurants and shopping centers, exchange rates, weather updates, and many more.

So this one app can make your Korea trip so much better. Furthermore, the Visit Korea app is managed by the South Korean Government, which makes this app much more reliable than any other app.

And if you can’t manage an internet connection, you can always save information for the offline visit.

Trazy is the short form of travel+crazy. This app is very helpful and essential when you’re finding a travel guide app. Trazy not only shows you unique attractions and trendy things to do but by using this app, you will get discounts on tickets and tours as well.

Who doesn’t love discounts, especially when you’re on travel and the budget is tight? You can have the best deals on most Korean attractions and activities with only a few clicks.

There is barely any traveler in Asia who doesn’t know about the Klook app. This app is useful for any destination or country, including Korea. If you’re a regular traveler, I am pretty sure you already have this app on your mobile phone. Klook is a great travel guide that also offers numerous alluring deals on tours and tickets. Moreover, if you’re a regular user of Klook, you can have a special loyalty discount the more you book tickets and tours through it.

Translation & Communication

In a country like Korea which doesn’t use English as their first language, travelers face communication problems a lot. Because we hardly understand a single word of the Korean language. 

On the contrary, Korean people are not very used to of English language. In such a case, translation apps are lifesavers.

Here are the two transaction and communication apps that would help you to understand and translate the Korean language into English.

My personal favorite translation app is Papago which I have been using for years. It not only helped me on my Korea trip but also on trips to Japan, China, and Vietnam. 

Papago is an app from Naver Corporation that supports nearly 13 languages, which is pretty awesome for travelers like us. Furthermore, it can translate images, voice, and handwriting as well.

And from my personal experience, I can tell you this app will give you more accurate translation than any other app.

8. Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate

If you’re willing to do some chitchat with locals in the Korean language, you can use Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate , which is specially made to translate the Korean language. But don’t think that it only serves you in Korea. This appointment can also translate languages like French, Thai, Vietnamese, Hindi, and more.

Yeah, you can say, ” I have Google translation, which is the number one translation app in the world”. I admit it. But do you admit that often Google translates stupidly, which has no meaning?

I bet you do notice that. Well, with the Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate app, you would not face such awkward translations. This application will give an accurate translation of the Korean language.

Social Network

Social network is undoubtedly a significant benefit of having a smartphone. If you’re coming to Korea to meet a local friend, you certainly have to have a social network app to stay connected. 

9. Kakao Talk Messenger

Kakao Talk Messenger is a number one social network app in Korea that is used by nearly every Korean person. This app has so many features. Apart from texting and calling, you can share photos and videos, transfer money, and share your current location.

All you need is to have an internet connection to use this app. This app helped me a lot to stay connected with the host of Airbnb. So if you don’t use the Kakao Talk app, it could be a bit difficult to stay in touch in Korea.

When you’re in a new place, it is no need to say that you need to have a Map that will direct you through the town or country. In the past days, travelers carried a printed map and a compass to direct themselves.

But in the days of technology, who carries such things as printed maps or compass, right? So here, you need a digital map on your phone to direct you through Korea.

10. Naver Map

In Korea, you will not get much benefit from Google Maps as it doesn’t work well there. For security purposes, the Korean Government declares to store the map data on the local server. 

So, it would be more handy and helpful if you use the Korean local map application, the Naver Map . Besides showing the exact location, this app gives you more facilities to make your trip easier. 

When you’re in a foreign country, it is hard to have an internet connection all the time, particularly on the road where you’re finding some address. Isn’t it a familiar problem to you? 

Naver Map can be the solution to this problem. You can download any location or address and then you can track that location offline, without data. Furthermore, this app supports languages like English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.

Transportation

Transportation apps are unavoidable at any destination. So, you have to have these apps to travel here and there in Korea. And some of these apps will also give discounts on ticket prices.

11. Subway Korea

Subway Korea is another local map app that shows the subway routes of some major cities and areas of Korea. With this app, your Korea trip would be more convenient. 

The Subway Korea app tells you which route would be the fastest and easiest to get to your destination and also shows the to-the-minute train schedule. The best part is that you can also use this app offline.

12. Kakao Metro

Kakao Metro is locals’ favorite app that shows the most convenient and fastest routes and public transportations. By using this app, you can find stations, the best transport, transport schedule, and how fast the transport is. So, this one app can give you multiple services.

13. Kakao Taxi

Not every time we manage to take public transport, especially when you are loaded with luggage. In such a case, you certainly need to grab a taxi and the Kakao Taxi app is the most trustable for this purpose.

This app works like Uber. You just have to give your current location and your targeted destination. Then you’ll have the “Request Taxi” button, click on it. That’s all! Within a few minutes, your taxi will come to pick you up.

Taking a taxi from this app is the safest and most convenient way, where you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off.

Exchanging Currency

The name of the Korean currency is Korean Won which you need to exchange with your home currency. Here is the app that will help you out.

14. XE Currency

XE Current is a very useful app when it comes to exchanging your home currency for Korean Won. This app helps you to understand the currency rate and change it according to that rate.

Find Food & Restaurants

Many travelers’ travels purpose is to taste the local cuisine. But at a new destination how would you know which food or restaurant is the best and local favorite? 

Here are the apps that will help you find out the best food and restaurants in Korea.

15. MangoPlate

MangoPlate is one of the most popular apps to find the best restaurants in Korea. It shows you more than 200,000 restaurants with their rating and review. So you can have multiple options to choose a fine restaurant to dine at. Furthermore, this app is available in the English language which makes it more convenient for travelers.

If you’re not willing to go to a restaurant, you can always order food online through the Yogiyo app. This app will give you delivery anywhere. Yes, I mean it ANYWHERE, whether you’re in your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or outside. 

For example, you’re chilling at some famous attraction in Korea, and you feel hungry. Immediately you can order food via Yogiyo which delivers food within only 30 minutes. Sounds good?

To make your Korean trip hassle-free and enjoyable, you surely should use these applications. Because these apps will help you at every step. And if you have been to Korea and used any of these apps, let us know how your experience has been. We are eager to know your travel stories!

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Hi, thx for the list just went to South Korea. Such a beautiful country. And used almost all of those apps. Esspeicialy the Kakao Taxi app help me a lot, so easy to order a taxi with it.

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