In today’s tech-savvy era, we have numerous options to make our travels safer and more convenient. As a traveler, you probably rely on certain smartphone applications that are invaluable for any trip, such as Klook, Airbnb, Google Maps, and more.
However, when traveling to countries like Korea, Japan, Vietnam, or China, communication can become a challenge. The local people in these countries often have limited English proficiency, and likewise, we may struggle to understand their language.
It’s important to prepare for such language barriers by using translation apps or learning some basic phrases in the local language. This can greatly enhance your travel experience and help you navigate effectively in these countries.
In such cases, smartphone applications are the most helpful companion.
Now, if you’re planning a trip to Korea, the situation is the same and you would find communication problems. So, take your phone and download these 16 essential Apps for Korea travel 2024. And all these apps are totally free to download.
Essential Apps for Korea Travel, Apps to enter Korea.
For the recent pandemic, like any other country in the world, the Korean government has
also imposed some requirements and restrictions on travelers. So, from now, if you want
to enter Korea, you will have to follow those rules. And to follow the rules you have to have the
following apps.
1. Self-Check
Korea has been utilizing self-check apps, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, for health check-ins, contact tracing, and monitoring potential exposure to the virus. These apps are crucial components of the government’s strategy to effectively manage and contain the spread of the virus. However, it’s important to note that the specific apps and their functionalities may evolve over time in response to changing situations and policies implemented by health authorities.
For travelers planning to visit Korea or those currently in Korea, it’s highly recommended to stay updated with the latest information on self-check apps by referring to official sources or local authorities. This ensures that you have the most accurate and relevant guidance regarding the use of these apps for your health and safety while in Korea.
This app is available in five different languages, including Korean, English, French, Chinese,
and Japanese.
Download: iOS｜Android
2. K-ETA
K-ETA is the abbreviation of Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. Not all travelers
need this app. It is mandatory only for visitors who have come from countries that
concluded a visa waiver agreement with Korea and designated visa-free entry to Korea.
By using the K-ETA app, you can apply for K-ETA easily and conveniently. You just have to
submit relevant information in the K-ETA application form. And the application must be
filled out at least 24 hours before boarding your flight or ship.
Travel Guide
When you’re visiting a new destination, particularly a new country, a travel guide may be the first thing that you would look for.
Unlike the past days, now we really do not depend on a person who can guide us in a new place. Rather we prefer technology or apps to guide us.
Here are some travel guide apps that will serve you on your trip to Korea.
3. T-Money
T-money is a contactless smart card used for transportation, making payments at convenience stores, and other purposes in South Korea. To make it easier to manage your T-money balance on the go, there is an Android app available which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
This T-money Android app allows users to check their balance, view transaction history and recharge their card on their devices. Furthermore, users can also find information about transportation routes and schedules as well as discounts and promotions. To access all features of the app, users need to set up an account with their T-money card number and personal information upon logging in.
4. Visit Korea
Visit Korea is a well-known Korean app that is specially made for travelers by the Korea Tourist Organization. This app will give you multiple services like tourist attractions, tour courses, information about Korean, Korean festivals, finding restaurants and shopping centers, exchange rates, weather updates, and many more.
So this one app can make your Korea trip so much better. Furthermore, the Visit Korea app is managed by the South Korean Government, which makes this app much more reliable than any other app.
And if you can’t manage an internet connection, you can always save information for the offline visit.
5. Trazy
Trazy is the short form of travel+crazy. This app is very helpful and essential when you’re finding a travel guide app. Trazy not only shows you unique attractions and trendy things to do but by using this app, you will get discounts on tickets and tours as well.
Who doesn’t love discounts, especially when you’re on travel and the budget is tight? You can have the best deals on most Korean attractions and activities with only a few clicks.
6. Klook
There is barely any traveler in Asia who doesn’t know about the Klook app. This app is useful for any destination or country, including Korea. If you’re a regular traveler, I am pretty sure you already have this app on your mobile phone. Klook is a great travel guide that also offers numerous alluring deals on tours and tickets. Moreover, if you’re a regular user of Klook, you can have a special loyalty discount the more you book tickets and tours through it.
Translation & Communication
In a country like Korea which doesn’t use English as their first language, travelers face communication problems a lot. Because we hardly understand a single word of the Korean language.
On the contrary, Korean people are not very used to of English language. In such a case, translation apps are lifesavers.
Here are the two transaction and communication apps that would help you to understand and translate the Korean language into English.
7. Papago
My personal favorite translation app is Papago which I have been using for years. It not only helped me on my Korea trip but also on trips to Japan, China, and Vietnam.
Papago is an app from Naver Corporation that supports nearly 13 languages, which is pretty awesome for travelers like us. Furthermore, it can translate images, voice, and handwriting as well.
And from my personal experience, I can tell you this app will give you more accurate translation than any other app.
8. Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate
If you’re willing to do some chitchat with locals in the Korean language, you can use Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate, which is specially made to translate the Korean language. But don’t think that it only serves you in Korea. This appointment can also translate languages like French, Thai, Vietnamese, Hindi, and more.
Yeah, you can say, ” I have Google translation, which is the number one translation app in the world”. I admit it. But do you admit that often Google translates stupidly, which has no meaning?
I bet you do notice that. Well, with the Naver Korean Dictionary & Translate app, you would not face such awkward translations. This application will give an accurate translation of the Korean language.
Social Network
Social network is undoubtedly a significant benefit of having a smartphone. If you’re coming to Korea to meet a local friend, you certainly have to have a social network app to stay connected.
9. Kakao Talk Messenger
Kakao Talk Messenger is a number one social network app in Korea that is used by nearly every Korean person. This app has so many features. Apart from texting and calling, you can share photos and videos, transfer money, and share your current location.
All you need is to have an internet connection to use this app. This app helped me a lot to stay connected with the host of Airbnb. So if you don’t use the Kakao Talk app, it could be a bit difficult to stay in touch in Korea.
Map
When you’re in a new place, it is no need to say that you need to have a Map that will direct you through the town or country. In the past days, travelers carried a printed map and a compass to direct themselves.
But in the days of technology, who carries such things as printed maps or compass, right? So here, you need a digital map on your phone to direct you through Korea.
10. Naver Map
In Korea, you will not get much benefit from Google Maps as it doesn’t work well there. For security purposes, the Korean Government declares to store the map data on the local server.
So, it would be more handy and helpful if you use the Korean local map application, the Naver Map. Besides showing the exact location, this app gives you more facilities to make your trip easier.
When you’re in a foreign country, it is hard to have an internet connection all the time, particularly on the road where you’re finding some address. Isn’t it a familiar problem to you?
Naver Map can be the solution to this problem. You can download any location or address and then you can track that location offline, without data. Furthermore, this app supports languages like English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.
Transportation
Transportation apps are unavoidable at any destination. So, you have to have these apps to travel here and there in Korea. And some of these apps will also give discounts on ticket prices.
11. Subway Korea
Subway Korea is another local map app that shows the subway routes of some major cities and areas of Korea. With this app, your Korea trip would be more convenient.
The Subway Korea app tells you which route would be the fastest and easiest to get to your destination and also shows the to-the-minute train schedule. The best part is that you can also use this app offline.
12. Kakao Metro
Kakao Metro is locals’ favorite app that shows the most convenient and fastest routes and public transportations. By using this app, you can find stations, the best transport, transport schedule, and how fast the transport is. So, this one app can give you multiple services.
13. Kakao Taxi
Not every time we manage to take public transport, especially when you are loaded with luggage. In such a case, you certainly need to grab a taxi and the Kakao Taxi app is the most trustable for this purpose.
This app works like Uber. You just have to give your current location and your targeted destination. Then you’ll have the “Request Taxi” button, click on it. That’s all! Within a few minutes, your taxi will come to pick you up.
Taking a taxi from this app is the safest and most convenient way, where you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off.
Exchanging Currency
The name of the Korean currency is Korean Won which you need to exchange with your home currency. Here is the app that will help you out.
14. XE Currency
XE Current is a very useful app when it comes to exchanging your home currency for Korean Won. This app helps you to understand the currency rate and change it according to that rate.
Find Food & Restaurants
Many travelers’ travels purpose is to taste the local cuisine. But at a new destination how would you know which food or restaurant is the best and local favorite?
Here are the apps that will help you find out the best food and restaurants in Korea.
15. MangoPlate
MangoPlate is one of the most popular apps to find the best restaurants in Korea. It shows you more than 200,000 restaurants with their rating and review. So you can have multiple options to choose a fine restaurant to dine at. Furthermore, this app is available in the English language which makes it more convenient for travelers.
16. Yogiyo
If you’re not willing to go to a restaurant, you can always order food online through the Yogiyo app. This app will give you delivery anywhere. Yes, I mean it ANYWHERE, whether you’re in your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or outside.
For example, you’re chilling at some famous attraction in Korea, and you feel hungry. Immediately you can order food via Yogiyo which delivers food within only 30 minutes. Sounds good?
To make your Korean trip hassle-free and enjoyable, you surely should use these applications. Because these apps will help you at every step. And if you have been to Korea and used any of these apps, let us know how your experience has been. We are eager to know your travel stories!
1 Comment
Hi, thx for the list just went to South Korea. Such a beautiful country. And used almost all of those apps.
Esspeicialy the Kakao Taxi app help me a lot, so easy to order a taxi with it.