Recommended Transportation Apps in Korea for Practical Use

As an experienced foreigner who has lived in Korea for many years, I understand the challenges foreign tourists may face in Korea due to language barriers and unfamiliar transportation rules. To make your trip smoother, I have put together this guide on "Recommended Transportation Apps in Korea," covering navigation, public transportation, taxi services, bike-sharing, and long-distance travel, helping you easily manage various transportation needs.

Navigation Apps: Accurate Location, No Getting Lost

Naver Map (네이버 지도)

Target Audience: All tourists (basic Korean or translation tool required).

Key Features:

• Real-time navigation (car, walking, public transportation).
• Switch between Chinese and English interfaces (set path: “Settings → Language” in the app).
• Shows restaurant ratings, business hours, user reviews, and allows online reservations for restaurants, hair salons, etc.
• No registration or login required for basic navigation, route searching, and other core functions.

Real-name authentication: Supports overseas mobile number registration, but basic navigation features can be used without registration.

Kakao Map (카카오맵)

Target Audience: Long-term residents familiar with the Kakao ecosystem or tourists who understand Korean.

Features:

• Directly linked with Kakao T, making it easy to hail a taxi.
• Supports both English and Korean interfaces.
• Rich map details, marking facilities such as convenience stores, ATMs, charging stations, etc.

Real-name authentication: Requires binding a Kakao account. The Kakao account can be registered with an international phone number, but the map functionality can still be used without registration.

Google Maps (Recommended for emergency use only)

Target Audience: Tourists who are accustomed to the Google ecosystem.

Limitations: The map data for Korea is not as accurate or detailed as local apps, and it's only suitable for general location viewing. Recommended for emergency use when the other two map apps are not downloaded.

Real-name authentication: Can be used immediately by linking an existing Google account.

Kakao Map: More convenient for foreigners to register, and can be linked with a Kakao account. It is easy to use for navigation and taxi services, with English support.

Naver Map: Also supports foreigner registration, but the process is more involved and the verification may take longer. However, once registered, you can directly book restaurants, hair salons, and other services online. It offers more service types and supports both Chinese and English.

Public Transportation Apps: Master the Subway

Smarter Subway(지하철종결자)

Target Audience: Tourists primarily using the subway.

Key Features:

• Full Chinese and English interface, supporting subway lines in Seoul, Busan, and other cities.
• Real-time arrival times, transfer guides, and exit information.

Authentication: No registration required, offline usage available.

Taxi Apps: One-click Ride, Time-Saving and Convenient

Kakao T (카카오T)

Target audience: Long-term residents or tourists who need multiple services.

Features:

• Supports instant taxi booking, reservations, and chauffeur services.
• Supports both Korean and international mobile phone number registration, and international credit card binding.

Real-name authentication: Overseas mobile numbers can register, but payments can be linked to both Korean and international bank cards.

Uber

Target Audience: All tourists.

Key Features:
Supports instant taxi booking, reservations, and other services.
Supports registration with both Korean and international phone numbers, and linking to international credit cards.
Supports multiple languages including Chinese and English.
More internationalized compared to Kakao T.

Real-name authentication: Overseas phone numbers can be registered, but payment can be linked to both Korean and international bank cards.

Bike-sharing apps: More flexibility for short-distance travel.

SEOUL BIKE(따릉이)

Target audience: Short-distance cycling enthusiasts in Seoul.

Features:

• 1,000 KRW for 60 minutes
• Bike-sharing stations are widely distributed around subway stations and tourist spots (can be located using Naver Map or Kakao Map)

Authentication: Foreigners can select the "Foreigner" option on the app's initial screen, register using an email and international credit card, and rent a bike after purchasing a usage voucher.

Practical Tips:

Essential transportation card:

Purchase a T-money card (available at convenience stores or subway stations) for a deposit fee of 3,000 KRW. You can recharge the card with cash on-site. It can be used for buses, subways, taxis, and convenience stores.

Payment preparation:

Carry some cash (some small shops/traditional markets only accept cash).

Visa/Mastercard international credit cards are widely accepted in most situations.

Language Tool：

Download Papago (developed by NAVER), for real-time translation of Korean menus, signs, and announcements

Summary:

If you're focused on real-time bus and subway information: KakaoMap or Naver Map would be great choices.

If you need taxi services: Kakao T is the most commonly used taxi app in Korea.

If you prefer cycling: 따릉이 (Seoul Bike) is a great option.

Wishing you an amazing journey in Korea!