How To Navigate Yourself In Korea
Living in South Korea as a foreigner? Whether you're a student, a digital nomad, or an expat on a work assignment, getting around the country may feel overwhelming at first—especially if you don’t speak Korean. But don’t worry: Korea has some of the world’s most efficient transportation systems, and there are plenty of English-friendly navigation apps that can help you settle in with ease.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best apps to navigate Korea, how to read Korean addresses, and even help you understand essential travel vocabulary. This is your go-to resource for mastering public transport in Seoul and beyond—perfect if you're staying in one of our short to mid-term rental apartments for foreigners.
Getting Around in Korea: What You Need to Know
Before diving into the apps, here are some key basics:
- Google Maps is limited in Korea—especially for walking and driving directions.
- Public transportation (especially subways) is the easiest and cheapest way to get around.
- You’ll need a T-money card (transport card), which must be tapped when entering and exiting stations or buses.
- From 28th June 2025, Subway fares start at ₩1,550 KRW (~$1.14) with additional fees depending on distance (+100 KRW every 5 km)
ℹ️ For fare details and schedules, visit the official Seoul Metro website : here
🗺️ 1. Kakao Map: The Best Navigation App in Korea
Kakao Map is the top-rated map app in Korea. It offers subway, bus, driving, and walking directions. You can even browse restaurants, cafes, shops, and ATMs nearby—all sorted by reviews and categories.
How to Set the App to English
- Tap the Settings (top-left icon)
- Go to 설정 (Settings) > 앱 설정 (App Settings) > 언어 (Language)
- Select English
Example: Getting from Hongik University to Yonsei University
- Enter your start and end point.
- Choose between bus, subway, car, bike, or walk.
- Customize your route preferences: fewer transfers, less walking, fastest time, etc.
- View detailed trip steps using icons and maps—even without knowing Korean.
📝 Tip: Save offline screenshots before heading out, or keep your data active with a local SIM
🚇 2. Kakao Metro: Master the Subway System
Kakao Metro is a subway-only app, perfect for beginners. It features:
- Real-time schedules
- Offline access to subway maps
- Easy transfer and travel time estimation
How to Use Kakao Metro
- Select your current station (e.g., Hongik Univ.)
- Browse:
- Next train times
- Transfer stations
- Real-time updates
💡 Example: From Hongik University Station to Sangsu Station
- Choose departure/arrival
- App shows travel time, transfer stations, and cost
🚕 3. Kakao Taxi: Safe and Convenient Taxi Rides
Taxis in Korea are affordable and easy to book, especially with Kakao Taxi.
How to Book a Taxi > Get our full tutorial below :
🚄 4. Korail: For Intercity Train Travel
Traveling outside of Seoul? Use Korail to book tickets for regular and high-speed trains (KTX).
Booking a Ticket on Korail
- Choose departure/arrival stations, number of passengers
- Select a train based on time and price
- Fill in your personal info (valid email required)
- Pay online—tickets include a QR code for check-in
- Language support: ✅ Fully in English
📬 5. How to Read Korean Addresses
Let’s break down this Korean address:
서울 마포구 서교동 404-9
- 서울 : Seoul (City)
- 마포구 : Mapo-gu (District)
- 서교동 : Seogyo-dong (Neighborhood)
- 404-9 : Street and building number
Other useful terms:
- 대로 > 로 > 길: Large → medium → small roads
- 호 (ho): Apartment number, e.g., 216호 = Apt 16 on 2nd floor
🧠 6. Essential Korean Transit Vocabulary
- 역 (yeok) : Station
- 출구 (chulgu) : Exit
- 대학교 (daehakgyo) : University
- 곧 도착 : Arriving soon
- [역 이름] 어떻게 가요? : How do I get to [station]?
- 왼쪽 : Left
- 오른쪽 : Right
🎓 Example: 홍익대학교역 = Hongik University Station = “Hongdae”
📢 Bonus: Need a Place to Stay While Exploring Korea?
If you're looking for short to mid-term housing in Seoul, we offer fully furnished, foreigner-friendly apartments close to major universities and subway lines. Enjoy flexible leases, local support, and move-in-ready comfort.
