When you first arrive in Korea, your phone becomes your best friend. I have compiled a list of apps that make daily life way easier.
KakaoTalk (카카오톡) 📱
KakaoTalk is non-negotiable. People use it for messaging, deliveries, reservations, customer service, and taxis. In Korea, a lot of phone calls and text messages are usually spam, so most people and businesses used kakaotalk instead.
If you haven’t already, your intake year and city probably have a group chat. It’s good to check in for helpful advice and your predecessor might be able to reach out to you early.
Naver Maps and Kakao Maps 🗺️
Each of these maps are nice to have, and both have their own advantages. I personally use both.
Naver Maps
In my opinion:
More accurate store info
Usually more reviews/photos
Easier English support
Good for making reservations
Kakao Maps
In my opinion:
Has simpler direction instructions
Works well with Kakao ecosystem
Has real time bus tracking
How I use both:
Looking for a business: Use Naver. Look for easy directions: Use Kakao.
Coupang (쿠팡) — Korea’s Amazon 📦
This is the app I use constantly. When you first arrive you will need to get your FRC/ARC to be able to get a personal postal code (PPC). Once you obtain your PPC you can get deliveries to your house. Just make sure when you are adding your address you put your building name and room number in the in detailed address section.
Coupang has been a huge lifesaver here. There is an option for Coupang Wow membership. I recommend purchasing it for all the perks:
Free Rocket delivery
Free returns
Free Coupang Eats delivery
Coupang Play streaming account
Coupang Eats (쿠팡이츠) 🍔
Coupang Eats is one of the easiest food delivery apps to use, especially when you first arrive. The interface is simple, delivery is fast, and there are usually lots of options nearby. Once you have you PPC you can start ordering.
If you already have Coupang WOW membership, you also get free delivery, which makes this one of the cheapest delivery options.
Kakao T (카카오 T) 🚕
This one is very important. Kakao T makes getting taxis much easier and helps avoid language confusion. Similar to uber or lyft, you enter your destination and the driver sees it directly. This prevents misunderstandings and accidental long detours.
I once took a taxi without using Kakao T and almost ended up an hour away because of a misunderstanding. Ever since then, I always use the app.
It will also keep a history of your trips. If any driver gives you a hard time, it’s easier to make a complaint and give them a rating.
Papago (파파고) 🌏
Papago is the best translation app for Korean. It’s especially helpful when you first arrive and are still getting used to reading things.
You can use it to translate menus, signs, messages, and your washing machine using your camera.
Korail (코레일톡) 🚆
If you plan to travel around Korea, download the Korail app. This is what you use to book KTX and other intercity trains. It’s helpful for trips between cities like Busan, Seoul, Daegu, and Daejeon.
It’s much easier than buying tickets at the station, especially during busy weekends or holidays. There is also an app called bustago, which offers intercity buses for an alternative, though I personally prefer taking the train for faster and easier travel.
Catch Table (캐치테이블) 🍽️
Catch Table is great for booking popular restaurants. Some places in Korea don’t take phone reservations, and walk ins often comes with a long line, especially in bigger cities. This app lets you reserve ahead of time and avoid waiting. I usually check here if a place looks busy or hard to get into.
Did I miss any apps that made your life easier in Korea? Drop them in the comments. I’m always looking to add more~