Top 10 Mobile Apps You Need in Korea

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Top 10 Mobile Apps You Need in Korea (2025 Edition) | Korea Unpacked

Top 10 Mobile Apps You Need in Korea (2025 Edition)

Whether you're visiting South Korea for a week or planning to stay for several months, having the right apps on your phone can make a big difference. From navigation to food delivery and communication, here are the top 10 mobile apps you should download before arriving in Korea in 2025.

1. 🗺️ KakaoMap

The most accurate and foreigner-friendly map app for Korea. It includes real-time subway, bus, and walking directions with English support.

  • Better than Google Maps for Korea
  • Detailed building info & bus stops

2. 🚇 Subway Korea (지하철)

This app gives you a clear, up-to-date subway map with route suggestions and train arrival times. Works great for Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and more.

3. 🛵 Baemin (배달의민족)

Korea's top food delivery app. Even if you don't speak Korean, you can browse pictures and order from convenience stores, restaurants, and cafés.

  • Tip: Use with Papago to translate menus
  • Requires local phone number & payment method

4. 🌐 Papago

Developed by Naver, Papago is Korea’s most accurate translation app—especially for Korean↔English. It supports voice, image, and handwriting input.

  • Perfect for signs, menus, and real-time conversation
  • Works offline with downloaded languages

5. 🛒 Coupang

The Amazon of Korea. If you're staying long-term, use Coupang to order anything from groceries to electronics with next-day delivery.

6. 🚖 Kakao T

The go-to app for calling taxis in Korea. Offers ride options, fare estimates, and even intercity taxis.

  • English UI available
  • Safer and more reliable than hailing on the street

7. 💬 KakaoTalk

Korea's #1 messaging app. Everyone uses it—for chats, calls, payments, and even business communication.

  • Set up before arriving with your phone number
  • You'll need it to connect with locals

8. 📱 Naver (Search & QR)

Google is not widely used in Korea. Naver is the country's top search engine, news provider, and QR scanner.

  • Useful for finding local blogs, cafés, and directions
  • Also integrates with Korean navigation and reviews

9. 🎟️ Korail Talk / KTX App

If you're planning to ride the high-speed KTX trains, this app lets you check routes, book tickets, and manage seat info.

10. 🏨 Yanolja / Agoda Korea

These apps are great for booking hotels, motels, and guesthouses—especially last-minute deals. Many listings have English support and photos.

📌 Bonus Tip

Many Korean apps require a local phone number or resident registration number (for expats). If you're a short-term visitor, look for “guest login” options or use international app versions.

📲 Quick Download Checklist

  • KakaoMap ✅
  • Subway Korea ✅
  • Papago ✅
  • Kakao T ✅
  • KakaoTalk ✅
  • Baemin (or Yogiyo) ✅
  • Naver ✅
  • Coupang (if long stay) ✅
  • KTX or Korail Talk ✅
  • Yanolja or Agoda ✅

With these apps, you’re ready to travel Korea li

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