Essential Apps for Busan: Naver Map, Papago & Kakao T
Google Maps doesn't work well in Korea — here's the app lineup that does: Naver Map or KakaoMap for directions, Papago for translation, Kakao T for taxis.
Korea has some of the best internet and public transit infrastructure in the world, but travelers are often caught off guard when the Google services they’re used to don’t work well here. Install these four apps ahead of time and your Busan trip gets a lot smoother.
Naver Map / KakaoMap — for directions
Because of restrictions on exporting map data from Korea, Google Maps’ walking and transit directions are less accurate here. Naver Map or KakaoMap, by contrast, give you precise bus/subway transfer info and real-time arrival times. Both apps support an English interface, so switching your phone’s language to English makes them easier to use.
Papago — real-time translation
A translation app made by Naver that’s generally considered more natural than Google Translate for Korean. Its camera feature — point it at a menu or sign for an instant translation — is especially handy, and its conversation mode also works as a real-time interpreter.
Kakao T — calling a taxi
Korea’s leading taxi-hailing app, which supports registering an overseas credit card and has an English interface. Look up your destination on Naver Map or KakaoMap first and pass it straight into Kakao T, and you can call a taxi to the exact right spot without speaking any Korean.
Setup Tips
Install all four apps and finish signing up for each while you still have wifi, before you land. Registering a card on Kakao T in particular can take a little time, so getting it done in advance means you can use it right away after you arrive.
Related Guides
If you need a data connection first, see our Korea eSIM guide or our eSIM/Wi-Fi router comparison. Curious about the actual subway and bus routes? Check our Busan Subway & Bus Complete Guide too.
📌 One last thing before you book: before booking flights, hotels, or tour tickets, check our latest discount codes for anything you can use.
Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you complete a booking through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't I just use Google Maps?
Korea restricts map data from being taken out of the country for national security reasons, so Google Maps' walking/transit directions and detailed business listings are much weaker here than elsewhere. It's fine for looking up a place, but for actual directions, Naver Map or KakaoMap are far more accurate.
Can foreigners use Kakao T?
Yes, the Kakao T app supports registering an overseas-issued card and has an English interface, so foreign visitors can call a taxi without any issues. If you look up your destination on a map app first and pass it straight into Kakao T, you won't need to explain anything to the driver.
Is Papago more accurate than Google Translate?
Papago is generally considered to produce more natural Korean translations than Google Translate. Its camera feature, which translates a menu or sign instantly when you point your phone at it, is especially useful while traveling.
💰 Check before you book
Before you go, check the latest KKday discount codes — one code can shave a meaningful amount off your booking.
See the latest discount codes →💡 Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you complete a booking through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate Disclosure