Essential Apps for Foreigners Living in South Korea
Living in South Korea as a foreigner can be exciting, but daily life can feel challenging at first—especially when language and local systems are unfamiliar. Fortunately, there are several essential apps that make life in Korea much easier, from transportation and communication to food delivery and visa management.
Below is a practical list of must-have apps for foreigners living in South Korea, whether you are here for work, relocation, or a long-term stay.
KakaoTalk – The Most Important Messaging App in Korea
KakaoTalk is the most widely used messaging app in South Korea and is essential for both personal and professional communication. Most Koreans prefer KakaoTalk over SMS, and many businesses—including real estate agents, delivery services, and building management offices—use it for daily communication.
Foreigners can use KakaoTalk for text messages, voice and video calls, group chats, and even payments through KakaoPay.
Naver Map & KakaoMap – Best Navigation Apps in Korea
Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea, making Naver Map and KakaoMap essential apps for expats. These apps provide accurate public transportation routes, walking directions, and real-time traffic updates.
Naver Map generally offers better English support, while KakaoMap is popular for restaurant searches and local navigation.
Papago – The Most Accurate Korean Translation App
Papago is one of the most reliable translation apps for Korean–English communication. It supports text, voice, and image translation, which is extremely helpful for reading menus, signs, contracts, and delivery instructions.
For foreigners living in Korea, Papago is especially useful for handling everyday situations that require basic Korean understanding.
Korail & KTX – Booking Train Tickets in Korea
For intercity travel, the Korail and KTX apps allow foreigners to check train schedules, reserve seats, and receive real-time updates. Trains in Korea often sell out during holidays, so having these apps is essential for advance planning.
Kakao T – Taxi & Transportation Made Easy
Kakao T is the most popular taxi app in Korea. Foreigners can book taxis, view estimated fares, and choose options such as international taxis driven by English-speaking drivers.
The app also offers bike rentals and other mobility services, making it a convenient all-in-one transportation app.
Baemin & Yogiyo – Korea’s Food Delivery Culture
Food delivery is a major part of daily life in Korea. Baemin (Baedal Minjok) and Yogiyo allow users to order food from a wide range of restaurants, from Korean cuisine to international options.
Although most menus are in Korean, using Papago’s image translation feature makes ordering food much easier for foreigners.
Coupang & Gmarket – Online Shopping for Foreigners in Korea
Coupang and Gmarket are two of the most useful online shopping apps for expats. Coupang is well known for its fast “Rocket Delivery,” while Gmarket offers a wide selection of international brands.
Both platforms support English and accept foreign credit cards, making online shopping in Korea convenient and accessible.
Hi Korea & Korea Immigration App – Visa & Immigration Services
Foreigners staying in Korea often need to manage visa-related matters. The Hi Korea website and the Korea Immigration App allow users to check visa requirements, book immigration appointments, and track application statuses.
These tools are essential for anyone planning a long-term stay in South Korea.
Naver Pay & KakaoPay – Cashless Payments in Korea
Mobile payments are widely accepted in Korea. Naver Pay and KakaoPay allow users to make quick payments at cafes, convenience stores, and online shops once their accounts are set up.
Expat Communities & Social Apps
Apps and platforms such as Meetup, InterNations, and expat community groups help foreigners connect with others living in Korea. These communities are useful for social events, housing advice, and relocation tips.
Conclusion
Living in South Korea as a foreigner becomes much easier with the right apps. From navigation and transportation to food delivery, shopping, and visa management, these essential apps help expats adapt quickly and live comfortably in Korea.
Whether you are relocating for work, studying, or planning a long-term stay, downloading these apps will significantly improve your experience in South Korea.
