Explore Korea Now

  Essential Apps to Download Before Traveling to South Korea (2025 Guide) Table of contents Why apps Matter When Traveling to South Korea Top Apps You Should Download Papago Kakao T Naveer Map Korail (KTX) Currency Exchange Apps Banking Apps : WISE and Revolut Frenquently FAQ Final Thoughts Why Apps Matter When Traveling to South Korea Traveling to South Korea is an exciting adventure filled with vibrant cities, delicious food, and stunning cultural sites. But without the right essential apps for traveling to South Korea, navigating language barriers, transportation systems, and money matters can be challenging. This guide ensures you’re well-prepared by introducing you to must-have Korea travel apps before you even land! Top Apps You Should Download Papago Papago is your ultimate translation buddy, developed by Naver. Unlike other translation apps, Papago specializes in Asian languages and offers precise Korean-English translations. Features: Real-time text, voice...

 If you’re planning your first trip to South Korea—especially in the early autumn months—you’ve likely already stumbled upon a confusing little detail in your travel checklist: the e-Arrival Card. “What is it? Do I have to fill it out? And when exactly?” These were my questions too. I was traveling with my family in early September, and we had an itinerary that took us across half the country—from Seoul to Gimpo, to Jeju Island, then up through Busan. We weren’t sure which hotel to list, or whether it was too early to submit the form. Here's what I found out—and what will hopefully save you time and stress. 📋 What Exactly Is the E-Arrival Card for Korea? The Korea Electronic Arrival Card is a short digital form that replaces the traditional immigration slip you used to fill out on the plane. You provide basic information: passport details, travel dates, your accommodation address in Korea, and a contact number. It’s not the same as the K-ETA visa waiver (which many travelers also...

 When I first started planning my trip to South Korea, one question kept nagging at me: How would I survive without speaking Korean—or even English fluently? I was planning this adventure with my family, none of us bilingual, and I couldn’t help but worry. Would we be able to ask for directions? Order food? Check into a hotel without awkward stares or misunderstandings? Turns out, we weren’t alone in wondering this. Many travelers—especially from French-speaking countries like mine—face the same fear: “Can I travel in Korea without speaking Korean or English?” So let me reassure you right away: yes, you can. And you might be surprised at how much fun you’ll have doing it. 📱 Your Best Friend: Papago, Not Google Translate Before the trip, someone recommended I download Papago , a Korean-made translation app. I didn’t expect much—but wow. It’s built specifically for Korean, and honestly, it outperforms Google Translate, especially when it comes to casual phrases and signs. We used...

 If you're planning a trip to Seoul in 2025 , you may have heard about a new public transportation update called ‘GO SEOUL.’ This rebranding of buses, subways, and bike-sharing services is designed to make transit more seamless—but does it change how tourists get around? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Seoul’s transport system , including subway tips, bus routes, and money-saving hacks to help you travel efficiently. What’s Inside This Guide? 🚇 How Seoul’s public transportation works in 2025 🚍 Do you need a special pass for ‘GO SEOUL’? 💳 Best ways to pay for transit (T-Money & alternatives) 💡 Money-saving tips for tourists using public transportation 🚇 How Public Transport in Seoul Works (2025 Update) Seoul’s transportation system is one of the best in the world , offering a network of subways, buses, and public bikes that make getting around effortless. What is ‘GO SEOUL’? ‘GO SEOUL’ is not a new service but rather a rebranding of the existin...

If you're planning a trip to South Korea and considering renting a car to explore the country more freely, you're not alone. While Korea has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world, driving can offer the flexibility to go off the beaten path—think remote mountain temples, coastal villages, and scenic countryside roads that buses rarely reach. But before you jump into the driver’s seat, there are a few things every international tourist should know to drive safely and confidently in Korea. From essential documents to road rules and unspoken etiquette, here’s a no-fluff guide based on real traveler experiences. 1. Do You Need an International Driving Permit? Yes. Most foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention (not the 1968 Vienna one—important!). You must also carry your home country driver’s license. Both documents are required when renting a car and during police checks. 🚫 Tip : U.S., Canada, Au...

Many first-time visitors to South Korea are surprised to find that Google Maps does not function as accurately as in other countries. Due to local security regulations , Google Maps cannot provide real-time navigation within South Korea. Instead, locals rely on Kakao Map and Naver Map , which offer more accurate and detailed information . If you’re planning a trip to Korea, here are the essential apps you should download before you arrive. 🚖 1. Kakao T (Kakao Taxi): The Best Alternative to Uber in Korea If you’re familiar with Uber or Lyft , you’ll find Kakao T (Kakao Taxi) a convenient way to get around Korea. Why Choose Kakao T? ✔ Reliable and Affordable – Taxi fares in Korea are relatively cheap compared to major cities like New York or London. ✔ Easy to Use – The app is available in English , and you can set your system language accordingly. ✔ Multiple Payment Methods – Pay via credit card, mobile payment, or cash directly to the driver. ✔ Safe & Regulated – Licens...