Korea is one of the most digitally connected countries in the world. From ordering food at midnight to booking a same-day hospital visit, nearly everything is done through apps.
Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or staying long-term as an expat, having the right apps on your phone will make your life in Korea 10x easier.
Here’s a complete list of the must-have apps in Korea for 2025—with download links, use cases, and tips for each.
Essential Apps for Daily Life in Korea
| App Name | Android (Google Play) | iOS (App Store) | Web / Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| KakaoTalk | Download | Download | KakaoTalk Web |
| Naver Map | Download | Download | — |
| KakaoMap | Download | Download | — |
| Subway Korea (지하철) | Download | Download | — |
| Baemin (배달의민족) | Download | Download | Web Order |
| Yogiyo (요기요) | Download | Download | — |
| Coupang | Download | Download | Coupang Web |
| Coupang Eats | Download | Download | — |
| Papago | Download | Download | Papago Web |
| Kakao T (Taxi) | Download | Download | — |
| Toss | Download | Download | — |
| Korail / KTX | Download | Download | Korail Web |
1. Naver Map & Kakao Map
- Why you need it: Google Maps doesn’t work well in Korea.
- Best features: Bus arrival times, real-time traffic, subway exits, walking shortcuts.
- Pro Tip: Kakao Map has slightly better English support; Naver Map is more detailed in Korean.
2. KakaoTalk
- Why you need it: Korea’s #1 messaging app—used by everyone.
- From chatting with friends to receiving messages from banks, schools, and even the government.
- Extra: Many services (like KakaoPay, KakaoTaxi, KakaoBank) are integrated into it.
3. Papago
- Why you need it: The most accurate translator for Korean ↔ English.
- Better than Google Translate for menus, signs, and casual chat.
4. Coupang
- Why you need it: Korea’s Amazon, with next-day (sometimes same-day) delivery.
- What you can buy: Electronics, groceries, furniture, and cosmetics.
- Tip: Look for “Rocket Delivery” items for the fastest shipping.
5. Food Delivery Apps (Baemin, Yogiyo, Coupang Eats)
- Baemin (배달의민족): The most popular app has an English mode.
- Yogiyo: Wide restaurant coverage, sometimes better deals.
- Coupang Eats: One-order-per-driver model = faster service.
6. Kakao T (Taxi App)
- Why you need it: Safer and easier than hailing a cab on the street.
- Features: Taxi, Black (premium), Bike, Driver service.
- Tip: You can link KakaoPay for cashless rides.
7. Naver Pay & Kakao Pay
- Why you need it: Contactless payments everywhere (convenience stores, taxis, cafés).
- Works even if you don’t have a local bank account (you can use prepaid cards).
8. Toss
- Why you need it: Simple money transfers—even without a traditional bank account.
- Popular with young Koreans for splitting bills and online purchases.
9. Korail / KTX
- Why you need it: For train travel across Korea.
- Tip: Book early during holidays (Chuseok, Seollal).
✅ Bonus Apps for Visitors
- Subway Korea: Easy offline subway map.
- Duolingo / Memrise: Great for daily Korean practice.
- Mangoplate: Like Yelp, but for Korean restaurants.
📝 Final Tips
- App Language Settings: Most apps default to Korean, but Baemin and Naver Map have English versions.
- Payment: Many apps require a Korean phone number & bank account. If you’re a short-term visitor, stick with Papago, KakaoMap, Baemin (English mode), and Coupang (credit card accepted).
- Safety: Always download from official app stores—there are fake copies of KakaoTalk and Coupang targeting foreigners.
Conclusion
With these apps, you can navigate, communicate, shop, and eat like a local in Korea.
From KakaoTalk for messaging to Coupang for shopping and Baemin for late-night cravings, these tools will make your Korean experience seamless.