Best Apps for Visiting South Korea: Navigation, Taxis, Trains, Halal Food + Prayer

For South Korea, most travelers do best with two taxi apps, one main map app, one subway app, one train booking app, and two translation apps. Muslim travelers should also add KoreHalal Trip to quickly find halal-friendly food and mosques/prayer rooms, plus get help with Muslim-friendly tours and transfers.

The must-download checklist (sorted by category)

Taxi / Ride-hailing (choose one)

• K.Ride (K.Ride) (foreigner-friendly Kakao Mobility option)

• Uber (simple English onboarding; strong backup)

Maps / Navigation (choose one between Naver or Kakao)

• Naver Map

• Kakao Map

• Subway Korea (subway-focused, optional)

Fast trains (choose one, KTX is recommended)

• KorailTalk (KTX)

• SRT (useful on certain routes; separate system)

Translation (choose one, Papago is recommended)

• Papago

• Google Translate

Restaurant reservations / waitlists (optional, recommended)

• CatchTable Global

Food delivery (choose one Map app + KoreHalal app)

• Baemin (Baedal Minjok)

• Coupang Eats

• Yogiyo

• KoreHalal Delivery (inside KoreHalal Trip)

Muslim-friendly all-in-one (optional, recommended)

• KoreHalal Trip (halal map + prayer spots + travel support)

Taxis in Korea: K.Ride vs Uber (detailed comparison)

Korea’s taxi scene is “app-first,” and the best strategy is installing two apps so you’re not stuck during rain, rush hour, or late-night surges.

K.Ride (Kakao T for foreigners)

Best for: tourists who want a foreigner-friendly version of Kakao Mobility’s taxi network.

Why you should use it

• It’s positioned as an “essential taxi app for global travelers” and connects to Kakao Mobility’s platform.

• Visit Korea notes it was launched as a foreigner-exclusive taxi app and highlights easier access without the same Kakao Talk sign-up flow.

• Some coverage mentions features aimed at travelers, including translation support.

Practical tips

• Use k.ride when you want an easier English-first experience while still tapping into Kakao Mobility’s network.

• If you’re traveling with family or luggage, look for larger vehicle options when available (availability differs by area).

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Uber in Korea

Best for: travelers who want simple onboarding, English UI, and international card convenience.

How Uber works in Korea (what travelers should expect)

• Uber’s own Seoul city page presents it as a way to request local taxis and pay in-app.

• Many traveler guides describe Uber in Korea as closely tied to local taxi supply and compare it directly to Kakao’s coverage (often recommending Uber as the easy backup).

Strengths

• Familiar UX for many international travelers

• Usually straightforward cashless payment if your Uber account is already set up

Potential drawbacks

• In some areas or peak demand moments, vehicle availability may be thinner than K.Ride (Kakao’s ecosystem).

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Taxi category “pick this if…”

• You want Kakao network + tourist-friendly UX: k.ride

• You want easiest English onboarding and a reliable backup: Uber

Quick comparison table: taxis

Navigation in Korea: Naver Map vs Kakao Map vs Subway apps (what to use when)

Many visitors learn quickly: for Korea, local map apps usually feel more complete for day-to-day travel, and Korea’s mapping data policies help explain why.

Naver Map

Best for: detailed place info + reliable day-to-day routing (walking, bus, subway).

Why travelers love it

• Naver has promoted features specifically for foreign-language users, including a “BE LOCAL” style experience aimed at visitors using a foreign language setting.

• Strong place listings (cafes, restaurants, tourist spots), and practical routing is often highlighted in traveler guides.

What it’s great at

• Finding entrances, exits, and the “right side” of big stations

• Real-time-ish transit decision making (bus + subway routes and alternatives)

Pro setup (30 seconds)

• Switch language to English

• Save favorites: your hotel, nearest station exit, and a few must-visit places

• Use the “share location” option when meeting guides or drivers

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Kakao Map

Best for: transit routing and simple searches (especially if you’re also using Kakao Mobility services).

Strengths

• Works well as a backup when one map app fails to find a place in English.

Search trick that saves time

• If English search doesn’t work, paste:

  • the Korean name from a website, or

  • the phone number (if available in the listing)
    This often returns the correct pin faster than guessing spellings.

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Subway Korea

Best for: subway-only days when you want a clean, focused interface.

Why it’s worth having

• It’s designed around timetables and station-to-station subway planning, and its store listing emphasizes accurate timetable-style information.

Perfect for

• Seoul “neighborhood hopping” days (Hongdae → Myeongdong → Dongdaemun)

• Busan beach + market days (Haeundae → Jagalchi → Seomyeon)

Important notice

• Subway Korea is a convenience utility app made by an individual or small business, not a centralized platform created by a single company.

• On both Google Play and the App Store, the app developers are different, and although they are different apps, they provide the same functionality.

• Naver Map and Kakao Map also supports Subway route including estimated time, transfer, best exit number, etc.

• If you are satisfied with Naver / Kakao Map, Subway only app is optional choice

Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Navigation category “pick this if…”

• One main map app: start with Naver Map

• Backup map app: keep Kakao Map

• Subway-only app: add Subway Korea

Fast trains: KorailTalk (KTX) vs SRT (how they differ and when to use each)

If you’re doing multi-city Korea—Seoul + Busan, Seoul + Gyeongju, Seoul + Jeonju—high-speed rail is the easiest upgrade you can make.

KorailTalk (KTX + nationwide Korail network)

Best for: most travelers, especially multi-city itineraries.

What it does

• Korail’s official channels note ticket purchase windows (often up to one month before departure timeframes) and KorailTalk’s store listing highlights English/Chinese/Japanese support.

Why it’s the default pick

• Nationwide network coverage (not just one corridor)

• Best first download for travelers who want flexibility

Practical tips

• Book popular routes early for weekends and peak seasons.

• Screenshot your ticket QR/confirmation so you can open it quickly.

• Use Naver/Kakao Map to route to the correct station entrance.

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

SRT

Best for: travelers whose itinerary matches SRT stations/routes (often convenient depending on where you’re staying).

What it does

• SRT offers English web booking (and has an English-language site flow), but in-app language experience may vary—some travelers use kiosks at stations when needed.

Why it can be useful

• It’s a separate high-speed system that can be a smart option for certain schedules and station preferences.

Practical tips

• If English in-app feels limited, use the English booking site or station kiosks.

• Confirm your departure station (SRT’s Seoul-side hub differs from Seoul Station).

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Train category “pick this if…”

• You want one train app that covers most trips: KorailTalk

• Your route fits SRT stations and you want another option: SRT

Translation: Papago vs Google Translate (which one is better in Korea?)

The best move is installing both—and using them differently.

Papago

Best for: Korean-first translation that feels more natural for menus, signs, and everyday conversations.

Why it’s popular for Korea

• Multiple comparisons note Papago’s strength for Korean and other Asian languages, often describing it as more nuanced in phrasing than general-purpose translators.

Best features in real travel

• Camera/menu translation (great for ingredient checking)

• Voice translation for quick “Can you help me?” moments

• More natural phrasing when you paste full sentences

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Google Translate

Best for: global coverage, fast scanning, and a reliable backup if you’re switching between languages.

Where it shines

• Multi-language travel (if you’re also transiting elsewhere)

• Quick camera translation and conversation mode across many languages

Where it can struggle

• Some Korean phrasing can come out literal, especially with idioms or culturally specific food terms (one reason travelers keep Papago installed).

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Translation category “pick this if…”

• Korea-only translation: rely on Papago first

• Multiple countries/languages: keep Google Translate as your global fallback

• Best setup: install both and use Papago for Korean nuance

Restaurant booking & remote waiting: CatchTable Global (why it matters in Korea)

If you plan to try popular restaurants in Seoul or Busan, this app can save you hours.

CatchTable Global

Best for: foreign travelers who want restaurant bookings and waitlist tools without calling.

Why it’s useful

• Both the App Store and Google Play descriptions emphasize 2,000+ restaurants, real-time booking, and a foreigner-targeted experience.

• Visit Korea highlights it as a Global version for foreign users that helps manage reservations and waiting.

How to use it well

• Turn on notifications for waitlist updates

• Use filters by neighborhood (Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, etc.)

• For halal-friendly needs: use it for popular venues, then pair with KoreHalal Trip app which offers halal restaurants map.

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Food delivery in Korea: Baemin vs Coupang Eats vs Yogiyo vs KoreHalal Delivery

Delivery apps are extremely popular in Korea, but tourist-friendliness can vary, especially around phone verification and payment systems.

Baemin (Baedal Minjok)

Best for: huge selection and fast delivery—if you’re comfortable using a Korean UI with translation help.

Strengths

• Massive coverage and popularity; widely referenced as a top delivery option in Korea.

• Works well when paired with camera translation (Papago/Google).

Common hurdles

• Interface is often Korean-first.

• Address input can be tricky; pin drop and hotel address in Korean helps.

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Coupang Eats

Best for: travelers who want a modern UI and strong logistics—but account setup requirements can be a barrier.

Strengths

• Popular and fast in many areas, and frequently discussed as a leading delivery option.

Possible barrier

• Some guides note you may need a Coupang account and sometimes a Korean phone/verification depending on circumstances.

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Yogiyo

Best for: another major marketplace option—sometimes easier via web translation than app navigation.

Strengths

• Large selection similar to other major platforms (varies by neighborhood).

Possible barrier

• Like other local services, verification and payment acceptance can vary; some users prefer web-based browsing with translation tools.

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

KoreHalal Delivery (inside KoreHalal Trip)

Best for: Muslim travelers who want less guessing about halal-friendly options—especially after a late arrival or on busy days.

Why it’s different

• KoreHalal Trip’s official descriptions emphasize Muslim traveler needs, including halal map discovery and prayer room information, and the platform positions itself as a Muslim-friendly travel companion.

Important trust note

• Always treat listings carefully: some places may be described as halal-certified, halal, or halal-friendly depending on the source and venue. When in doubt, verify details (and use translation tools for ingredients).

Official Website | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Delivery category quick comparison

The Muslim traveler “hub” app: KoreHalal Trip

If you’re a Muslim traveler visiting Korea, you’re not only navigating neighborhoods—you’re also planning:

• where you can eat confidently

• where you can pray comfortably

• how to structure your day so you’re not rushing or guessing

KoreHalal Trip

Best for: halal-friendly discovery + prayer spot planning + getting real help when you want tours/transfers.

What it includes (high value features)

• Halal map discovery (restaurants/markets and useful details)

• Prayer room discovery and location-based planning support

• Guided tours and itinerary support positioned for Muslim travelers

• Transportation / service support through the platform’s travel agency offering

When it makes the biggest difference

• Day 1 landing: “What’s halal-friendly near my hotel?” + “Where can I pray nearby?”

• Family trips: fewer last-minute decisions, more calm movement

• Busy itineraries: build routes that naturally include prayer stops

• Private travel style: if you want airport transfers, dedicated vehicles, or custom tours

Official links

Korehalal Trip | Google Play (Android) | App Store (iPhone)

Recommended “app stacks” (simple bundles that work)

• Naver Map for Maps

• k.ride for Taxi

• Papago for Translator

• KoreHalal Trip for Muslim-friendly tour
  (halal-friendly + prayer hub) korehalal.com

FAQs

Q: What are the best apps for visiting South Korea?

A: Most travelers should download k.ride or Kakao T + Uber, Naver Map + Kakao Map, Subway Korea, KorailTalk, Papago + Google Translate, and CatchTable Global. Muslim travelers should also download KoreHalal Trip for halal-friendly food and prayer planning.

Q: Which map app works best in Korea?

A: For most tourists, Naver Map or Kakao Map is the practical choice for local routing and place info, and many travelers use both (one as backup).

Q: Is KorailTalk available in English?

A: Yes—KorailTalk’s listing states it supports English, Chinese, and Japanese.

Q: What’s the best translator for Korean travel?

A: Many travelers use Papago as the Korean-first translator and keep Google Translate as a backup for broader language needs.

make your Korea trip smoother (and Muslim-friendly)

If you want a trip planned with halal-friendly options and prayer considerations, contact KoreHalal Trip for custom travel support, tours, and transfers:

• Korehalal Trip

And before you go, download the app so you can plan confidently on the move:

• Google Play (Android)

• App Store (iPhone)