7 Apps to Download Before Korea (+ how to use this map effortlessly)

7 Apps to Download Before Visiting Korea :

1. Naver Maps (네이버 지도)
   Naver Maps is the navigation app I rely on most in Korea. I use it to look up walking routes, subway directions, and bus transfers, and it’s consistently more accurate than Google Maps here (pro tip, Google Maps doesn't work here). If you’re traveling in Korea, this one is absolutely essential.

2. KakaoTalk (카카오톡)
   KakaoTalk is the messaging app I use while in Korea. It works just like WhatsApp, but many hotels, tour companies, and local businesses communicate through KakaoTalk instead of email or text. If you don’t have it, your next best option will be WhatsApp. You'll want at least one of these if you plan on doing any tours since it's how your tour guide will communicate with you.

3. Papago (파파고)
   Papago is a popular translation app under the parent company of NAVER. Since I've fluent in Korean I've never used it myself, but I've heard it's the best options because 1, it's free, and 2, you can download the languages you need and use them while you're offline. The camera function also lets you translate signs/menus, and from what I've heard it's a lot more accurate than Google Translate.

4. Kakao T (카카오 T)
   Kakao T is the main "ride-hailing" app I use in Korea. It's basically the Korean version of Uber, and we'll set you up with taxis to get around when public transportation isn’t convenient or when it’s late at night. Since Uber isn’t widely used here yet (although that's changing within the last year), Kakao T is one of the most reliable ways to get a ride.

5. Uber / UT (우티)
   Uber exists in Korea under the name UT, and it works similarly to how Uber does elsewhere. I use it as a backup option since it connects to local taxis and feels a lot more familiar if you already use Uber at home. Availability can be a bit more limited compared to Kakao T, but it’s still useful to have.

6. Klook (클룩)
   Klook is basically the only app I use to book tours and activities. They have a lot of other options like hotels, SIM cards, train tickets, etc., but I really only use them for tours or day trips out of Seoul. I like having the app on my phone because then I have the QR code tickets for my tour available right away, and it just makes for an overall easier experience. The crazy thing is booking tours on Klook is also usually cheaper than booking in person.

7. Rexby (렉스비)
   Rexby, of course! Technically, you don't need this for Korea specifically, but if you've purchased a guide or map, then it's the best way to use it seamlessly. The app makes the experience 100x's better and way easier to use on the go, plus you can use it in real time if you're already out and about.

+ How to Use this Map Effortlessly

Once you've downloaded all these apps, getting around in Korea will automatically be 100x's easier. If you've downloaded the Rexby App, for each stop I've included the Korean name in parentheses so you can easily ask & show locals the name if you need help on how to get there. I've also included the link to each spots NAVER pin, so you can click the link and it'll automatically pull up the geo-location on NAVER, meaning you just need to press "To" on the NAVER App to get the best directions.