Planning a trip to South Korea in 2025? Whether you’re exploring Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods, hiking trails in Jeju, or shopping in Busan, the right travel apps can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
From navigation to translation, here are the 12 best apps for Korea travel in 2025 you should download before you go.
12 Best Travel Apps for South Korea (2025 Guide)
| App | Category | Primary Function | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Naver Map | Navigation | Accurate walking, driving & transit directions | Free |
KakaoMap | Navigation | Maps & easy location sharing via KakaoTalk | Free |
Subway Korea | Transit | Subway routes, transfer times, and fares | Free |
Kakao T | Transport | Book taxis, rideshares, and bikes | Free (fares apply) |
Papago | Translation | Korean-English text, voice & image translation | Free |
Google Translate | Translation | Quick translations with conversation mode | Free |
Visit Korea App | Travel Guide | Official KTO app with events, attractions & tips | Free |
Trazy | Activities & Tours | Book tours, tickets, and cultural experiences | Free (booking fees apply) |
Klook | Activities & Tours | Discounts on attractions, transport & SIM cards | Free (booking fees apply) |
MangoPlate | Food & Dining | Restaurant finder with reviews & photos | Free |
Coupang Eats / Baemin | Food Delivery | Order local food to hotel or Airbnb | Free (delivery charges apply) |
Korail Talk / KTX | Transport (Rail) | Book KTX high-speed train tickets | Free (ticket fares apply) |
Pro Tips for Using Travel Apps in South Korea (2025)
Internet Access 📶
To use these apps smoothly, make sure you’re always connected. The easiest options are buying a Korean SIM card or renting a portable Wi-Fi router at Incheon Airport or through platforms like Klook or Trazy. Both options offer fast and reliable 4G/5G connections across the country.
Payments 💳
Most apps accept international credit cards, but locals often rely on KakaoPay or Naver Pay for seamless in-app payments. If you’ll be staying longer, consider setting up one of these accounts for faster checkouts, food delivery, and transport bookings.
Language Support 🌐
Don’t worry if you don’t speak Korean. Many Korean translation app now have English versions such as Naver Map English version and Kakao Taxi for foreigners, which works well for menus, signs, and conversations. This makes navigating South Korea much easier, even for first-time visitors.
Conclusion
With these 12 must-have travel apps for South Korea (2025), navigating the country will be much easier. From finding the best restaurants to booking trains and translating signs, these apps ensure you can focus on enjoying the culture, food, and experiences Korea has to offer.