Planning a trip to Seoul? Don’t forget to prepare your phone before you go. With the right apps, navigating Korea becomes much easier—even if you don’t speak the language. Seoul is full of vibrant neighborhoods, hidden spots, and exciting food scenes, but exploring the city can be overwhelming without the right tools. This guide shares the best apps for Seoul travel, from public transit navigation to local food delivery. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been to Korea before, these apps will make your experience smoother, more enjoyable, and much less stressful.
Navigation Apps: Naver Map & KakaoMap
Google Maps isn’t reliable in Korea due to limited local data. Although many travelers instinctively open Google Maps when they arrive, in Korea, this will often leave you confused or misdirected. It lacks full support for real-time transit, detailed walking directions, and street-level accuracy. For the best travel experience, it’s strongly recommended to use Naver Map or KakaoMap, which are built specifically for Korean users and environments.
One major reason to choose Naver or Kakao is access to authentic, Korean-language reviews. These platforms contain detailed local feedback that Google simply doesn’t provide. If you want to discover what Korean locals really think about a location—especially restaurants—these apps are essential. They help you avoid tourist traps and uncover hidden gems that may not even exist on global platforms.
KakaoMap is particularly recommended for food lovers who want honest, no-nonsense restaurant reviews. Many Korean users post direct and candid feedback here. On the other hand, Naver Map sometimes hosts sponsored review events where users receive freebies in exchange for writing reviews. As a result, the rating scores on Naver can occasionally be inflated or less critical.
In addition to reliable ratings, both Naver and Kakao provide accurate public transport directions, estimated travel times, and up-to-date route changes. They support multiple languages, allow address searches in English or Korean, and show detailed information like store hours, menus, and user-uploaded photos.
Naver Map is packed with features like lane-specific driving instructions, real-time traffic updates, and street views. It’s great for planning multi-stop routes and searching for nearby businesses. KakaoMap has a cleaner interface and integrates well with other Kakao services, making it ideal for everyday navigation.
Subway Apps: Fastest Way to Ride the Metro
The Seoul subway system is one of the most advanced in the world, but with dozens of lines and hundreds of stations, it can be confusing. Two standout apps are Smarter Subway and Kakao Subway. These apps are optimized for both locals and tourists, offering route searches, transfer info, station exit numbers, and real-time train arrival details.
Smarter Subway provides in-depth info such as the best subway cars for faster transfers, elevator locations, and time-saving tips. It also shows which station exits to use for landmarks, which is especially useful if you're heading to busy spots like Myeongdong or Hongdae.
Kakao Subway is clean, fast, and user-friendly. It offers station maps, route planning, and quick access to train schedules. It’s also synchronized with other Kakao apps, so your journey across Seoul feels seamless.
Kakao T: Taxis, Bikes, and Local Transport
Kakao T is Korea’s all-in-one transportation solution. Whether you need a taxi, want to check bus schedules, or are looking to rent a bike, this app has it all. For travelers, it’s especially helpful because many features are available in English, and the app lets you avoid language barriers by handling everything in-app.
Need to get across the city late at night or avoid long subway transfers? With Kakao T, you can call a regular or deluxe taxi with just a few taps. The app also shows price estimates, driver information, and arrival times. You can even track your ride in real time.
Additional features include calling designated drivers, booking intercity buses, and accessing airport transportation. If you're staying longer, the bike rental option is a great way to explore parks and riverside areas at your own pace.
Food Delivery Apps in Seoul: Baemin, Yogiyo, Coupang Eats
Korea is known for its fast and diverse food delivery services. Apps like Baemin, Yogiyo, and Coupang Eats let you order meals from thousands of local restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores—straight to your accommodation. Delivery is available almost everywhere, including hotels, guesthouses, and even parks.
Baemin offers the widest selection of restaurants, from traditional Korean cuisine to international chains. While the app is mostly in Korean, the menu images make it fairly easy to navigate. With the help of translation apps like Papago, you’ll have no problem placing orders. Yogiyo is another top contender with many local favorites and useful sorting options like minimum order amount or delivery fee. Coupang Eats differentiates itself by focusing on one-order-per-driver delivery, resulting in faster service in many cases.
Whether you want fried chicken after a night out or hot soup during a rainy day, these apps ensure you can enjoy local flavors without stepping outside. Just be sure to enter your Korean address correctly—Naver Map can help you copy and paste it.
With these apps on your phone, traveling in Seoul becomes far less intimidating. From navigating the subway and booking rides to enjoying a late-night snack in your hotel room, these digital tools let you experience Korea like a local. Download them in advance, explore their features, and get ready for a smoother, more confident journey through the heart of Korea.
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