September 24, 2023
Last update: August 2025

Must-have apps for a trip to Korea

What are the apps to download when going to Korea?

When planning a trip to Korea, knowing the best apps to install on your smartphone is essential to make your stay as smooth and comfortable as possible. Of course, to use them you will need an Internet connection, either by renting a pocket WiFi or purchasing a SIM card.

Few people know that the same apps widely used in Europe or the US are not as common in Korea.

In this article, you will discover the must-have applications for your smartphone when traveling to Korea in 2025, or even if you are relocating to study or work. From transportation to payments and dining, there is literally an app for everything.

The apps I recommend here are the most useful and practical ones, so you don’t have to spend hours researching like I did on my first trip to Korea.

Some are essential for every traveler (Trazy, GetYourGuide, Naver Maps, Seoul Subway, Uber, Papago, and Revolut), while others may be useful depending on the specific services you need. For each recommended app, you’ll find a short description and download links from the Play Store (for Android users) and the App Store (for iPhone users).

Apps for commuting

Naver Maps: this is by far the very first app to download when traveling to Korea. As many already know, Google Maps in Korea is not updated either for public transportation or for points of interest. Naver Map will be your personal navigator throughout your trip. Just enter your departure and destination, and it will provide the best route with up-to-date public transportation schedules. You can also download Kakao Map, but it is more difficult to use since it has less English support. Naver Maps is also great for finding restaurants and checking their reviews.

Seoul Subway: the brand-new official Seoul subway app. It provides real-time train information, notifications about the operation of all lines, and maps of all routes.

Korail Talk: the official app of Korea’s main railway company. If you need to buy train tickets, check routes and schedules, or simply get information about traveling between cities in Korea, Korail Talk is the right app. It has an English language setting. However, I personally recommend buying tickets directly from the Korail official website on PC, since it is easier to use.

Uber: Uber is finally available in Korea! You can use it in all major cities, and prices are the same as regular taxi (much cheaper than European fares). With Uber, you can book both taxis and standard Uber rides. Definitely a must-have!

Kakao Taxi: works exactly like Uber, but often with slightly shorter waiting times thanks to a larger supply of drivers. If you need a cab, the easiest and fastest way is definitely to use Kakao Taxi, since this way you avoid misunderstandings with drivers who often do not speak English. If you don’t have a Korean phone number, always remember to select the option to pay the driver directly.

Apps for experiences, tickets, guided tours, attractions

Trazy: when planning your trip to Korea, it’s very important to book activities in advance to avoid sold-out situations and long queues once you’re on site. Whether you need a private airport transfer, tickets for Seoul Tower, a guided tour to the DMZ, or simply sightseeing tours, Trazy is the best app to use — and it’s 100% a Korean service. Ticket prices are always lower than buying on the spot. I recommend making a “substantial” first purchase by including several services in the same order, so you can take advantage of the welcome discount code for first-time users.

GetYourGuide: offers very similar services to Trazy but with different experiences. If you can’t find a specific activity on Trazy, you might find it on GetYourGuide, and vice versa. For example, tickets for the Sky Capsule in Busan can be booked on GetYourGuide but not on Trazy.

Apps for payments

Revolut: if you have the Revolut prepaid card (highly recommended because it’s the only one that allows you to pay and withdraw money in Korea without paying any commission), the app will be extremely useful for managing all your transactions. For extra convenience, you can easily link it to both Google Wallet and Apple Pay.

WOWPASS: if you have purchased or plan to purchase the WOWPASS payment card and want to use it to its full potential, download the official app to check your balance and track all your transactions. (If you already have Revolut, you can skip buying it, since Revolut covers all payment needs.)

Apps for communication

Before moving on to communication apps, let’s answer one of the most common questions: Does WhatsApp work in South Korea? The answer is yes. WhatsApp works perfectly in Korea, you just need a data connection via pocket WiFi or a Korean SIM card, exactly as in Europe.

WhatsApp will probably be the app you use the most to text and call your family and friends back home. Regular international phone calls are very expensive, but with WhatsApp everything is included in the data plan you purchased.

Papago: the Korean alternative to Google Translate, but much more accurate when it comes to the Korean language. Just like Google Translate, Papago can translate text, voice, and even photos, making it especially useful for menus, signs, or directions.

KakaoTalk: the most widely used messaging app in South Korea, equivalent to WhatsApp in Europe or the US. If you plan to make local friends, communicate with Korean contacts, or use services that require a local app, KakaoTalk is essential.

Apps with itineraries and tourist information

VISITKOREA: the official app of the Korea Tourism Organization. It works as a complete travel guide with suggested itineraries, detailed information on attractions, cultural sites, and events all across South Korea.

Visit Seoul: the official app of the Seoul Tourism Organization. It provides comprehensive details on the city’s main attractions, points of interest, festivals, and recommended things to do in Seoul.

Apps for food

Coupang Eats: a popular food delivery service in Korea, available with an English interface. You can order meals from restaurants or even items from convenience stores. This app is particularly useful if you’re staying long-term in Korea or living in an apartment.

Air quality apps

IQAir AirVisual: at certain times of the year, air pollution levels in Korea can be quite high. This app lets you monitor real-time air quality so you know when to wear a mask outdoors, keep windows closed, or take precautions for sensitive health conditions.

After trying the best and most recommended apps for travel to Korea, you’ll be able to move around, communicate, pay, and enjoy your trip much more smoothly. Make sure to install these apps before your departure so you’ll be ready to experience Korea like a local, without unnecessary stress or wasted time.