🇰🇷 Best Travel Apps for Visiting Korea – 2025 Guide for Foreigners
Planning your first trip to South Korea? The right apps can make your experience smooth and stress-free. From navigation and transportation to accommodation and exclusive tourist perks, here are the top apps every foreign traveler should download before landing in Korea.
📱 1. VisitKorea – Official Travel Guide App
VisitKorea is the official travel app by the Korea Tourism Organization. It offers curated content, event info, coupons, and travel suggestions tailored for international visitors.
- 🌐 Available in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean
- 🧭 Custom travel itineraries by region
- 🎫 Coupons for attractions and restaurants (for tourists only)
- 📍 Lists of top sights, food, shopping, and events
- 📶 Offline access for saved guides
Download:
🗺️ 2. Navigation Apps
Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea. Instead, use the following local apps:
Naver Map
- Reliable walking, bus, and subway navigation
- Multilingual: English, Japanese, Chinese
KakaoMap
- Highly accurate directions with street-level views
- Real-time public transport schedules
🚖 3. Transportation & Taxi Apps
Kakao T
- Taxi booking with English UI
- Regular, deluxe, or van taxi options
- Pay directly to the driver with cash or card
KakaoMetro & KakaoBus
- Live metro and bus arrivals
- Coverage includes Seoul, Busan, and more
💳 4. T-money Transportation Card
T-money is a rechargeable card used for subway, buses, and even some taxis or convenience stores.
- Buy at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or airport kiosks
- Top up with cash at stations or stores
- Also usable for small purchases
🏨 5. Accommodation Apps
While Korean hotel apps like Yanolja or Yeogi-otte are popular locally, they may not support international payments or languages. Instead, use global apps:
- Agoda – Great for Korea deals
- Booking.com – Free cancellations and wide selection
- Airbnb – Unique local stays and long-term options
📌 Summary of Recommended Apps
| Category | App | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Info | VisitKorea | Guides, coupons, offline access |
| Navigation | Naver Map, KakaoMap | Local maps, real-time directions |
| Transportation | Kakao T, KakaoMetro, KakaoBus | Taxis, buses, subways |
| Payment Card | T-money | Convenient for transit and shopping |
| Accommodation | Agoda, Booking.com, Airbnb | Hotels, guesthouses, unique stays |
✅ Final Travel Tips
- Pre-order a Korean SIM card or eSIM online
- Download all essential apps before arriving
- Use internationally-friendly apps to avoid payment issues
- Explore coupons and event info via the VisitKorea app
🌐 For more Korea travel guides and local insights, visit our blog: Korea Snap Guide