South Korea
λνλ―Όκ΅
Korea runs on Kakao. KakaoTalk, KakaoMap, KakaoT β they're a single ecosystem. Google Maps works but is worse than Naver and Kakao for transit and addresses.
πRideshare & Taxi
All apps β
South Korea's main taxi-hailing app with metered, transparent pricing.
The Uber of Korea. Metered fares, no surge, English UI available.
πΊοΈNavigation & Maps
All apps β
South Korea's primary maps app. Better than Google for transit and addresses in Korea.
Better than Google Maps for everything in Korea.
South Korea's alternative to Naver Map, with strong bus and subway integration.
Strong alternative to Naver, especially for bus arrivals.
π¬Translation
All apps β
Naver's translator. Better than Google for Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai.
Better than Google Translate for Korean.
π±Messaging
All apps β
South Korea's main messenger. You'll need this to coordinate with Koreans.
Everyone uses this. You'll need it for shops, salons, hosts.
βοΈTravel Planning
All apps β
Activities, attractions, and SIM cards across Asia. Better than GetYourGuide in Asia.
Best for K-pop concerts, theme parks, and intercity buses.
Is South Korea one stop of several?
Add your other destinations and get one combined app list, with the adapters and currencies for the whole trip.
The practical basics
Power & plugs
- Plug type
- C / F
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
- Type C: Two round pins. Used across most of Europe, South America, parts of Asia and Africa.
- Type F: Two round pins + grounding clips on top and bottom (Schuko). Standard across most of Europe.
EU-style plugs. Same as continental Europe.
Tipping
Not expected. Service is included; trying to tip is awkward.
CurrencyKRW
Korean you'll actually use
Etiquette and scams to know
β Do
- Two hands when pouring drinks or receiving gifts.
- Wait for the eldest to start eating first.
- Bow slightly when greeting.
βDon't
- Writing names in red ink (associated with death).
- Refusing soju or beer from an elder.
β οΈ Common scams to know
- Karaoke (noraebang) touts in Hongdae and Gangnam with hidden costs.
This page was last reviewed in September 2026. Apps launch, rebrand and pull out of countries all the time, so confirm anything your trip depends on. Spotted something out of date? Tell us β here's how we check.