When you travel to Korea,
you’ll need apps for maps, taxis, translation, and more —
but it’s hard to know which ones to install…
Friends visiting Korea often ask me the same question.
So today, as someone who has traveled frequently to Korea
and currently lives in Korea,
I’ve selected the exact apps I personally use to share with you.
📌 Why You Should Prepare Apps Before Your Korea Trip
Just like in your country, many things in Korea are done through apps.
However, many apps commonly used in your country don’t work properly in Korea.
For example:
To help you avoid problems,
I’ll recommend one essential app per category.
📍 Essential App: Navigation
The biggest challenge for first-time visitors is finding their way.
A reliable map app is crucial wherever you go.
🏷️ Naver Map
The most widely used map app in Korea.
Korean influencers also frequently share locations and URLs using Naver Map.
Recommended Points:
- English language available
- Very accurate walking routes
- Easy-to-understand subway & bus transfer guidance
Currently, until December 2025, the “BE LOCAL” campaign is active.
Many famous Korean restaurants and shops offer 20% OFF (with limits).
You can get instant cashback simply by paying with your NAMANE Card —
so make sure to check it out!
🍽️ Restaurant Reservation App
🏷️ Catch Table Global
The reservation app that foreigners find easiest to use.
Many other reservation apps require a Korean phone number for verification,
making them impossible for travelers to use.
Catch Table allows login via:
Recommended Points:
🚕 Taxi App Easy for Foreigners
🏷️ Uber
Uber is my personal top recommendation —
many travelers already know and use it.
Some people recommend Kakao Taxi,
but here’s why I prefer Uber:
Why I don’t use Kakao Taxi:
Weak English language support
International credit cards cannot be registered
Must enter destinations in Korean
Cannot be used outside Korea
Why I use Uber:
Stable English-language interface
International credit cards work directly
Can use it in other countries → saves phone storage
Reliable customer support
Once, I was charged incorrectly due to a system issue —
but after contacting support, it was resolved within an hour.
Even if you notice the issue after returning to your country, Uber support works!
🗣️ Translation App
🏷️ Google Translate
Even after living in Korea, I still use it often.
Many people recommend Papago,
but the app can be slow —
so I personally prefer Google Translate.
Recommended Points:
Take a photo → instant translation
Great for reading restaurant menus
Accurate voice translation
Offline mode available
🌤️ Check Korea’s Weather & Temperature
🏷️ Weathernews (Web Version)
Not an app, but my favorite weather site.
Convenient Points:
💳 Transit Card + Prepaid Payment Card
🏷️ NAMANE Card
My top recommendation: the NAMANE Card.
“NAMANE(나만의)” means “My Own” in Korean.
You can customize the design with photos or stickers,
making it a great keepsake from your trip.
Why I Recommend NAMANE:
1️⃣ One card for both transit & prepaid payments
Works on subway, bus, taxi — just like T-money
Reduces the need for multiple cards
2️⃣ Lower fees than Intenational credit cards
International cards charge 1.6–3% overseas fees
NAMANE, being prepaid, helps save on fees
3️⃣ Instant cashback at many famous chains
Exclusive NAMANE benefits
Popular cafés, cosmetic shops, fast-food brands
4️⃣ Safe even if lost
📶 Recommended eSIM for Travelers
🏷️ NAMANE eSIM
A package combining the NAMANE card + eSIM is available.
If you prepare it in advance from your country,
you can connect instantly when you land in Korea.
🧾 Summary
Your time in Korea is precious.
Preparing the right apps in advance
will make your trip more comfortable and save you time.
To avoid wasting valuable travel time,
make sure to set up these apps before your trip!🔥
🟧 Recommended App List
Maps: Naver Map
Reservations: Catch Table Global
Taxi: Uber
Translation: Google Translate
Weather: Weathernews
Transit + Payment: NAMANE Card
Data: NAMANE eSIM
【Bonus】If You Want Food Delivery in Korea
🛵 Korea’s Delivery App: Baemin (배달의민족)
Previously, foreigners couldn't register because it required a Korean phone number.
But recently, non-member orders became available!
Even English phone numbers work —
so now travelers can enjoy delivery at hotels,
just like in Korean dramas.
Great for after concerts or late-night snacks!
💭 What is Baemin?
Korea’s No.1 food delivery app.
Want an Even Smoother Korea Trip?
Choose the NAMANE Card
For first-time travelers struggling with:
Transportation
Payments
Mobile data
NAMANE solves all three at once.
Transit card built-in
Prepaid credit function for travelers
Instant cashback at major chains
Optional eSIM travel package
If you want a stress-free Korea trip,
check out the NAMANE card! 🟣
🛒 How to Get a NAMANE Card
① Buy in Advance (Before Traveling to Korea)
② Buy Locally in Korea
When you travel to Korea,
you’ll need apps for maps, taxis, translation, and more —
but it’s hard to know which ones to install…
So today, as someone who has traveled frequently to Korea
and currently lives in Korea,
I’ve selected the exact apps I personally use to share with you.
📌 Why You Should Prepare Apps Before Your Korea Trip
Just like in your country, many things in Korea are done through apps.
However, many apps commonly used in your country don’t work properly in Korea.
For example:
Google Maps doesn’t work well in Korea
→ No accurate navigation
→ Many shops/restaurants aren’t even registered
→ Routes are unreliable
To help you avoid problems,
I’ll recommend one essential app per category.
📍 Essential App: Navigation
The biggest challenge for first-time visitors is finding their way.
A reliable map app is crucial wherever you go.
The most widely used map app in Korea.
Korean influencers also frequently share locations and URLs using Naver Map.
Recommended Points:
Currently, until December 2025, the “BE LOCAL” campaign is active.
Many famous Korean restaurants and shops offer 20% OFF (with limits).
You can get instant cashback simply by paying with your NAMANE Card —
so make sure to check it out!
🍽️ Restaurant Reservation App
🏷️ Catch Table Global
The reservation app that foreigners find easiest to use.
Many other reservation apps require a Korean phone number for verification,
making them impossible for travelers to use.
Catch Table allows login via:
Google
Apple
Email
Recommended Points:
English language supported
More listings of popular restaurants than other apps
🚕 Taxi App Easy for Foreigners
🏷️ Uber
Uber is my personal top recommendation —
many travelers already know and use it.
Some people recommend Kakao Taxi,
but here’s why I prefer Uber:
Why I don’t use Kakao Taxi:
Weak English language support
International credit cards cannot be registered
Must enter destinations in Korean
Cannot be used outside Korea
Why I use Uber:
Stable English-language interface
International credit cards work directly
Can use it in other countries → saves phone storage
Reliable customer support
Once, I was charged incorrectly due to a system issue —
but after contacting support, it was resolved within an hour.
Even if you notice the issue after returning to your country, Uber support works!
🗣️ Translation App
🏷️ Google Translate
Even after living in Korea, I still use it often.
Many people recommend Papago,
but the app can be slow —
so I personally prefer Google Translate.
Recommended Points:
Take a photo → instant translation
Great for reading restaurant menus
Accurate voice translation
Offline mode available
🌤️ Check Korea’s Weather & Temperature
🏷️ Weathernews (Web Version)
Not an app, but my favorite weather site.
Convenient Points:
View hourly forecasts
Check weather up to 2 weeks ahead
Easy to compare temperatures with your country
💳 Transit Card + Prepaid Payment Card
🏷️ NAMANE Card
My top recommendation: the NAMANE Card.
“NAMANE(나만의)” means “My Own” in Korean.
You can customize the design with photos or stickers,
making it a great keepsake from your trip.
Why I Recommend NAMANE:
1️⃣ One card for both transit & prepaid payments
Works on subway, bus, taxi — just like T-money
Reduces the need for multiple cards
2️⃣ Lower fees than Intenational credit cards
International cards charge 1.6–3% overseas fees
NAMANE, being prepaid, helps save on fees
3️⃣ Instant cashback at many famous chains
Exclusive NAMANE benefits
Popular cafés, cosmetic shops, fast-food brands
4️⃣ Safe even if lost
Easy reissue
App shows remaining balance
Much safer than carrying cash
📶 Recommended eSIM for Travelers
🏷️ NAMANE eSIM
A package combining the NAMANE card + eSIM is available.
If you prepare it in advance from your country,
you can connect instantly when you land in Korea.
🧾 Summary
Your time in Korea is precious.
Preparing the right apps in advance
will make your trip more comfortable and save you time.
To avoid wasting valuable travel time,
make sure to set up these apps before your trip!🔥
🟧 Recommended App List
Maps: Naver Map
Reservations: Catch Table Global
Taxi: Uber
Translation: Google Translate
Weather: Weathernews
Transit + Payment: NAMANE Card
Data: NAMANE eSIM
【Bonus】If You Want Food Delivery in Korea
🛵 Korea’s Delivery App: Baemin (배달의민족)
Previously, foreigners couldn't register because it required a Korean phone number.
But recently, non-member orders became available!
Even English phone numbers work —
so now travelers can enjoy delivery at hotels,
just like in Korean dramas.
Great for after concerts or late-night snacks!
💭 What is Baemin?
Korea’s No.1 food delivery app.
Want an Even Smoother Korea Trip?
Choose the NAMANE Card
For first-time travelers struggling with:
Transportation
Payments
Mobile data
NAMANE solves all three at once.
Transit card built-in
Prepaid credit function for travelers
Instant cashback at major chains
Optional eSIM travel package
If you want a stress-free Korea trip,
check out the NAMANE card! 🟣
🛒 How to Get a NAMANE Card
① Buy in Advance (Before Traveling to Korea)
② Buy Locally in Korea