Apps You Need in Korea (and Why Google Maps Isn't Enough Yet)

Last checked: Oct 2026

The short list

What for	App	Why
Maps and directions	Naver Map or KakaoMap	Walking, transit and driving directions that Google Maps can’t give in Korea yet
Taxis	k.ride or Uber	Easy sign-up and foreign cards; Kakao T if you can receive Korean texts
Translation	Papago	Point the camera at menus, signs and machines

Maps: Naver Map or KakaoMap

Google Maps shows public transit in Korea but doesn’t give walking or driving directions. Korea approved Google’s request to use detailed map data in February 2026, but as of October 2026 the full service hasn’t launched.

Use a Korean map app instead:

Naver Map: maps in English, Japanese and Chinese as well as Korean, with transit, walking and driving directions and English navigation.
KakaoMap: similar coverage, with an English interface.

Search in English, or paste the Korean name of the place for the most reliable results.

Taxis: k.ride, Uber or Kakao T

App	Good for visitors because…	Watch out for
k.ride	Kakao’s app for foreign visitors. English, Chinese and Japanese; sign in with Google or Apple; pay with an overseas card	Offers higher-priced taxi tiers rather than the cheapest regular taxi
Uber	Use your usual Uber account and card; chat with the driver is translated automatically	Several ride types at different prices; check which one you’re booking
Kakao T	Korea’s main taxi app, with the most cars. Accepts Visa, Mastercard, AmEx and JCB	Sign-up needs a number that can receive a text, which often fails with foreign numbers

Taking a taxi off the street instead? Show the driver your destination in Korean with our taxi card. More on fares and paying in taking taxis in Korea.

Translation: Papago

Papago is a translation app from Naver. Its image translation lets you photograph a menu, sign or ticket machine and read it in English. It can also translate text offline once you’ve downloaded a language.

Before you land

Install the apps on Wi-Fi at home and sign up while your phone still works normally.
Sort out mobile data: eSIM, SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi.
Save your hotel’s Korean name and address somewhere easy to find.

FAQ

Will Google Maps work properly in Korea soon?

Korea approved Google's request to use detailed Korean map data in February 2026, and Google has said full navigation is coming. As of October 2026 walking and driving directions have not launched, so bring a Korean map app.

Can I use Kakao T with a foreign phone number?

Kakao T accepts foreign Visa, Mastercard, AmEx and JCB cards, but signing up needs a phone number that can receive a text message, which often fails with foreign numbers. k.ride, Kakao's app for visitors, avoids that problem.

Do these apps work in English?

Yes. Naver Map, KakaoMap, Kakao T and Papago all have English interfaces. Some place names and reviews will still appear in Korean.