Essential Apps for Tourist Essentials in Korea

Short answer

The handful of apps to install before you land in Korea.

Before you land in Korea, install a small core set: a map that actually routes (Naver Map), a taxi app (Kakao T), a translator (Papago) and KakaoTalk for messaging. These four cover most day-one needs.

Crucially, all four work on a foreign phone number — you just need an internet connection from a tourist eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi.

Maps & Navigation

Naver Map
네이버 지도
Maps & Navigation
Korea's most accurate maps — where Google Maps falls short
English OKFree

Taxi & Ride-hailing

Kakao T
카카오 T
Taxi & Ride-hailing
Korea's default taxi app — hail a cab without speaking Korean
Some EnglishFree + metered fare

Translation

Papago
파파고
Translation
Naver's Korean-optimized translator — better than Google for Korean
English OKFree

Messaging & Social

KakaoTalk
카카오톡
Messaging & Social
Korea's national messaging app — everyone here uses it
English OKFree

Frequently asked

What apps should I download before visiting Korea?
Naver Map (directions), Kakao T (taxis), Papago (translation) and KakaoTalk (messaging). All are free and work without a Korean phone number or card.
Do I need a Korean SIM to use these apps?
No, but you need internet. A tourist eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi is enough — these apps need a data connection, not a Korean phone number.