If you’ve traveled with Google Maps your whole life, Korea is going to catch you off guard. Here’s what to use instead, and why.
Why Google Maps Doesn’t Work Well in Korea
Google Maps barely functions here — walking directions are unreliable, and a lot of businesses simply aren’t listed. This comes down to local mapping regulations that restrict detailed map data from being exported to foreign companies, so Google’s Korea data has always lagged behind domestic apps. Don’t rely on it for anything beyond a very rough overview.
Naver Map vs. Kakao Map
Korea actually has two major local map apps, and each has its own strength:
- Naver Map (네이버 지도): Excellent for business info, reviews, and finding specific places (restaurants, cafes, shops). Solid English support.
- Kakao Map (카카오맵): The stronger pick for public transit and subway routing, with very clean walking directions. It also connects directly to Kakao T for taxis, which is the app most Koreans use to call a cab.
Both are free, and in my experience the smartest move is just downloading both — Naver Map tends to win on finding a specific destination, while Kakao Map tends to win on getting you there efficiently by subway or bus.
How to Actually Use Them as a Tourist
- Finding a place: Search Naver Map first — it has the most complete and up-to-date business listings.
- Getting there by subway/bus: Switch to Kakao Map and enter the destination for route, transfer, and timing info.
- Calling a taxi: Use Kakao T (the companion taxi-hailing app), since drivers and English-speaking support are both more reliable through it than flagging a cab on the street.
- Switching the app to English: Both apps have an English display option in their settings menu — worth turning on before you land so you’re not fumbling with Korean menus on your first day.
Quick Tips
- Download both apps and set up English mode before your trip, not after you land — Wi-Fi/data access right off the plane can be spotty.
- Save your accommodation’s address in Korean (ask your hotel/guesthouse for this) — it makes searching and showing a taxi driver much faster than typing an English address.
- Both apps work offline for basic map viewing, but you’ll need data for real-time transit routing and search.