Traveling Solo in South Korea: 10 Essential Apps
Traveling alone can be daunting. Thankfully most of our basic travelling needs can now be accessed via our mobile phones. The list below are the apps that I have used during my solo travel to South Korea and found very useful. These are not apps for planning the trips, I will have that in a separate post.
1. Naver Map and Kakao Map
Why you should give these apps a try: I tried using Google Maps during my early travels to Seoul because I was too lazy to download a new app. It worked pretty well in terms of showing me where things were. However, it was not ideal when it comes to directions, especially walking directions. I walked a lot during my travels because that’s the best way to explore the different neighborhoods, so having a map that is easy to use and accurate for walking is important.
Naver Map and Kakao Map are also more efficient for finding more local or hidden destinations when compared to
Tip: Look up your trip’s destinations and download the maps around them before your trip, or use your hotel's Wi-Fi before heading out. This will reduce your data roaming usage.
Naver Map and Kakao Map
I used Naver Map more than Kakao Map. I tried both and personally prefer the user interface of Naver Map. Both apps are available in English, with some inaccuracies or missing translations, so it depends on your preference. However, if you are already using KakaoTalk App, it is more convenient to use the Kakao Map.
2. Subway Korea
Why do you need this app? Road traffic in Seoul can get pretty bad, so if you are traveling in Seoul, taking the subway is probably the quickest way to get around.
What is this? The Subway Korea App helps you check out the different subway routes and schedules. Additional information, such as the departure and arrival timings of different subway trains, connecting lines, times, and distances of walking required, is useful information when deciding the best routes for your trips.
I usually plan my train routes the night before, then save these routes on the app for quicker access when on the road. This is because it takes time to know and get used to the train station names, even though the app is in English.
Download Subway Korea for iOS | Download Subway Korea for Android
Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
3. Papago Ai Translator by Naver
Why you should give this app a try: As a solo traveler, having an app that can translate accurately is essential. While Google Translate works for most basic phrases, Papago is more accurate and offers the same functions as Google Translate. Some notable features:
The app supports 14 languages, including Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Spanish, French, Italian, Thai, Indonesian, and Arabic.
Text translation: I usually use this to translate specific words or phrases, very useful when planning trips.
image translations. I use this to translate menus in restaurants, product descriptions when shopping, and artwork labels in museums.
Voice and conversation translation to quickly translate one-on-one conversations.
Offline translation. I would download the library that I need, e.g. Eng–Korean before my trip, so that I can use the app during my trip without using up too much of my roaming data.
Photo by Jakub Kapusnak on Unsplash
4. eSIM App (Nomad eSim)
Speaking of data roaming, using eSIM is a more convenient alternative to buying a physical SIM card upon arrival.
What is eSIM? Embedded SIM, or eSIM, is a digital SIM card that allows you to use a cellular plan without the need for a physical SIM card. These days, eSIMs are built into newer smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even drones.
Why you should use eSIM: Convenience! Access your data roaming package without changing out your home SIM card. No need to risk losing your SIM card.
There are a lot of eSIM options out there. Each has its pros and cons. More about choosing eSIM for traveling in future post.
I started using Nomad for my trip to China, where data roaming can be a bit more tricky, and it works well throughout my trip. Also, I use Whatsapp for most of my text and calls, so I do not need a local number service.
How Nomad eSims work:
Make sure your mobile device is eSim enabled and unlocked. Read more about this here.
Purchase an eSim plan from the Nomad website. Alternatively, download the app and purchase via the app.
After purchase, go to your phone settings’ mobile service page. On this page, there should be a section for eSims. Look for the Nomad eSim and turn it on.
Once activated, the eSim will detect your location. Your eSim plan will only begin when you are in the destination/s covered in your plan.
Source: Visit Korea
5. Korea Tour TMoney Card/App
What is this? This is a transportation card for tourists. The app version is only available for Android users.
Why you should get this card: It is necessary if you are planning to take any public transport. Also, this Tmoney card works like a debit card, which users can use to make purchases, similar to the Octopus card in Hong Kong and the Suica Card in Japan.
This one is a tricky one because this is actually a physical card. The app version is only available on Android. Anyway, the Korea Tour Tmoney card/app is only available for foreigners. Besides convenience, this card also allows users discounts at select tourist attractions. See the list here.
Visitors can purchase the physical card at the airport arrival areas for 4000KRW and then top up the amount that they need. You can use this card for most of the public transportation in S. Korea, except for high-speed trains such as KTX.
Top-up of the card can be done either via the app or the ticketing machines at any subway station and convenience store like 7-Eleven by cash or credit cards.
Tip: You can go to the subway station to get a refund of your remaining balance if the balance is no more than 20,000KRW. You can do this at any top-up location.
6. Korailtalk App
What is this? Use the Korailtalk App to check train schedules, plan your routes, and purchase tickets for all trains operating in Korea on the Korail website. You can book tickets in advance and reserve seats on the app as well
Why you should give this app a try: If you are planning to explore South Korea, beyond Seoul and Jeju, traveling by train is a must
Do note that the language support of the app is quite minimal. It only supports Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Tip: if you know that you will be taking multiple train rides during your trip, get the Korail Pass for more savings. There are multiple options to choose from. Learn more about the Korail Pass here.
Download Korailtalk App for iOS | Download Korailtalk App for Android
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
7. Digital Wallets or E-Wallets
What is this? It is an app that can store your credit and debit card information and allow you to make online and offline purchases using these cards via your smartphone.
Why you should give this app a try: Carrying too much cash and too many credit cards may not be the safest option, even if your accommodation provides a safe box. Also, South Korea has a very high digital payment adoption, meaning, most stores will accept payment via digital wallets. these digital wallets can also be used to keep your tickets, such as show tickets, train tickets and airline boarding passes.
I used Apple Wallet during my trips to S. Korea with no problem. Google Wallet is another good option. However it is only available for Android.
8. A Prepaid Debit Card Service with an App.
Why you should consider this: Having a prepaid debit card is convenient because it helps reduce overseas fees that are typically incurred with your local banks’ debit and credit cards. Having an app to manage your balance provides added convenience. Also, in case of fraud, then your personal banking account, credit and debit cards, will not be affected.
Namane Card and App: The prepaid debit card specific to South Korea is Namane. it is also meant for foreigners. You can purchase the card at any Namane kiosks around the country. The service also has an app that you can download to easily top up your card by using your credit card or cash at the kiosks.
There are quite a few other options available. However, in most cases, a local address is required for verification purposes, so their availabilities depend on the country you are based in.
Wise International debit card and app: I used this per a friend’s recommendation and have continued to use this for the reasons below:
It comes with an international debit card that you can use to withdraw cash from overseas ATMs without any overseas fees.
It allows you to transfer money from your personal bank account to this online account and exchange it for the local currency of your destination, at a competitive exchange rate and no additional fees.
It allows you to manage all your expenses via the app. This includes transferring your balance back into your bank account after your trip is over.
Check out Wise debit card here.
Another popular option among my friends is Revolut. Check out Revolut here.
Make sure the country on the website is set to your residential country for the most accurate information.
9. Creatrip
What is this? This app helps you search and book activities while in South Korea. The app is available in English and is designed for tourists.
Why give this app a try? Save the effort in making reservation the old school way: phone calls. And if you do not plan on using KakaoTalk, making reservations at more local activities can be challenging. There are also promotions specific to the app users.
Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash
10. K-Ride App
What is this? This is the foreigner-exclusive app for hailing taxis in South Korea. It is operated by Kakao Mobility, which also operates Kakao T, the top taxi-hailing app in the country (based on most of my googling).
Why you should consider the K-Ride app: Being foreigner-exclusive means that you can log in to the app using your social account. (Kakao apps require local phone numbers for verification which can be a challenge for foreigners unless you purchase a local SIM)
I had this under good to have because for me this was not essential during my travels so far. I try to use public transport as much as possible, including my journey to and from the airport. I usually use it during day trip or weekend trips to areas outside of Seoul where I am not familiar with the local buses and subways are not available.