KOREA
A male caucasian hand holding a mobile phone tablet from profile view with digital application logos above the device illustration concept.

(file photo)

Essential apps for your life in Korea

KakaoTalk is a free messenger widely used among Koreans, similar to WhatsApp. It’s a main tool for communicating with Koreans and local businesses. Get used to the cute Kakao emoticons as they are commonly used in everyday texting. KakaoTalk PC allows you to use this messenger on your computer.

(KakaoTalk)

Naver Papago provides the most accurate translation from Korean to other languages.

(Naver Papago)

Naver Map stands out as the most efficient mapping app in Korea, offering detailed maps, directions, real-time traffic information, and additional features such as finding nearby interesting places.

(Naver Map)

Subway Korea offers metro maps with real-time information on schedules, fares, routes, travel time and more, covering all areas with subway systems in ROK.

(Subway Korea)

Kakao T is known primarily as a taxi-hailing app, but it also extends its service to finding parking spots, EV charging stations, and more.

(Kakao T)

KorailTalk is a simple way to book trains operated by Korail without any language barrier.

(KorailTalk)

Skyscanner is an excellent app for finding deals on flight tickets, both domestically and internationally, as well as searching for hotels and car rentals.

(Skyscanner)

Klook and Trazy

(Klook)

(Trazy)

They are both similar travel shops for activity and tour bookings. Klook covers destinations around the world while Trazy focuses only on Korea. Use both apps, as sometimes one or the other offers a better deal and more options.

Booking accommodations

Airbnb offers diverse options for stays and activities hosted by locals.

(Airbnb)

Agoda is mainly for accommodations, offering many local stays at a good deal. They also provide deals for transportation and activities.

(Agoda)

Hotels.com offers accommodations worldwide, including many in Korea. They often feature special deals and discounts.

(Hotels.com)

Hostelworld allows users to compare prices from various hotel booking websites, helping them find the best deals and options.

(Hostelworld)

Hostelworld Staying at a hostel can be a great way to save your budget as well as make friends during your trip.

(Hostelworld)

Useful apps for studying Korean

Naver Dictionary is a useful app allowing you study vocabularies and save them on your own vocab list.

(Naver Dictionary)

Naver Keyboard is necessary when you want to text in Korean on your phone.

(Naver Keyboard)

Duolingo is an app providing Korean lessons according to your level, teaching from words to conversation. It’s especially helpful when learning the Korean alphabet, Hangeul.

(Duolingo)

HelloTalk is a language exchange app where you can practice Korean with locals.

(HelloTalk)

The best stories from the Pacific, in your inbox

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more.

Sign Up Now