Papago

파파고 · papago
Short answer

Papago is widely considered the most accurate translator for Korean, outperforming Google Translate on natural spoken Korean, menus and signs. Its camera translate and conversation modes are both fast and practical.

English support
Full
Korean phone number
Not required
Korean card / bank
Not required
Price
Free
App StoreGoogle Play

Pros

  • More natural Korean translations than Google Translate
  • Camera mode reads menus and signs instantly
  • Conversation mode for back-and-forth exchanges

Cons

  • Less useful for non-Korean language pairs
  • Requires an internet connection for most features

Best for: Any traveler in Korea who needs to translate signs, menus or conversation

FAQ

Is Papago available in English?
Yes. Papago has a full English interface, so you can use it without reading Korean.
Can tourists use Papago?
Yes. Papago works without a Korean phone number or card, so visitors can use it right away.
How much does Papago cost?
Papago is free to download and use (Free).

Alternatives

Google Translate
Translation
Familiar translation you already know — decent for Korean in a pinch
English OKFree