If you've used Google Maps in Korea, you've probably noticed something frustrating — walking directions are often missing, and driving routes don't always work properly. That's because Korea restricts foreign mapping companies from accessing detailed map data.
The two apps Koreans actually use are Naver Map and Kakao Map. I live in Korea, and I switch between both depending on the situation — but for foreign visitors, Kakao Map is often the easier place to start. It has a clean English interface, accurate transit times, and useful features like indoor maps and live bus tracking.
This tutorial walks you through every step — downloading the app, switching to English, searching places, getting directions, and using its connected services like Kakao T for taxis.
⚠️ App interfaces and menu locations can change with updates. The screenshots and steps below reflect Kakao Map as of 2026 — if a button moved, look for a similarly-named option nearby.
Why Use Kakao Map in Korea?
Quick reasons it beats Google Maps inside Korea:
- Walking directions actually work — turn-by-turn for streets and alleyways
- Real-time public transit — bus arrivals, subway delays, transfer times
- Indoor maps for major stations, malls, and airports
- Accurate POI data — Korean restaurants, cafes, shops with photos and reviews
- Free and works without a Korean phone number
Compared to Naver Map, Kakao Map tends to be a bit cleaner visually and has stronger real-time transit features. Naver has a slightly more polished English translation. Honestly, having both installed is the smartest move.
Step 1: Download the App
Kakao Map is free on both iOS and Android. You don't need a Korean account or phone number to use the basic features.
iPhone
Search "KakaoMap" in the App Store. Look for the yellow icon with a pin. Publisher: Kakao Corp.
Android
Search "KakaoMap" in the Google Play Store. Same yellow pin icon, same publisher.
Tip: If you're already in Korea and the App Store / Play Store doesn't show the app, your account region might be the issue. Try searching from your home country's store before flying, or switch your store region temporarily.
Step 2: Switch the Language to English
By default, Kakao Map opens in Korean. Here's how to change it:
- Open Kakao Map
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines, usually top-left or bottom-right depending on version)
- Tap the gear icon for Settings
- Tap App Settings
- Tap Language
- Select English (you can also choose 中文 or 日本語)
- The app reloads in English immediately
What you'll notice
Most menus, buttons, and place categories switch to English. However, some details remain in Korean — particularly:
- Some subway station names still show in Korean characters
- Many user reviews and restaurant menus stay in Korean
- Some small business names aren't translated
This is a known limitation. For subway navigation specifically, some travelers also install the dedicated "Subway Korea" app, which has fully English station names.
Step 3: Search for a Place
You can search in English or Korean. English works for most major attractions, hotels, and chain stores.
Search tips that actually help
- Use the official English name when possible — "Gyeongbokgung Palace" works better than "the palace"
- Try the Korean name if English fails — copy-paste from your accommodation's website
- Search by category — tap the category icons (cafe, restaurant, ATM, convenience store) on the home screen for nearby options
- Use the address in Korean if your hotel sent one — paste it directly into the search bar
Reading the results
Each place card shows the name, category, distance, star rating, and a few photos. Tap any result to see:
- Address (English and Korean)
- Phone number
- Operating hours
- User photos and reviews
- "Directions" button to start navigation
Step 4: Get Directions
Once you've found a place, tap Directions. You'll see four route options across the top:
- Car — driving route with estimated time and tolls
- Public Transit — subway and bus combinations
- Walk — pedestrian route with turn-by-turn
- Bike — cycling-friendly paths
Public transit (the most useful for tourists)
Tap the bus/subway icon. Kakao Map shows multiple route options ranked by speed. Each option displays:
- Total travel time and number of transfers
- Walking distance to the first station/stop
- Real-time next arrival
- Estimated fare
Tap a route to see step-by-step instructions, including which exit to take at each station and which side of the platform to wait on.
Walking directions
Tap the walking icon. Korean cities have lots of small alleys and pedestrian paths that don't appear on Google Maps — Kakao Map shows them clearly. The blue arrow rotates with your phone, so you can always see which way you're facing.
Step 5: Use Real-Time Bus and Subway Info
This is where Kakao Map shines.
Bus arrivals
Tap any bus stop on the map to see which buses stop there and exactly how many minutes until the next one arrives. Live tracking shows bus icons moving in real time.
Subway info
Tap any subway station to see:
- Next train arrival times in both directions
- First and last train of the day
- All exits with what's near each one
- Indoor maps for station layout
Tip: Subway exits in Seoul are numbered, and exit choice can save you a 10-minute walk. Always check the exit number before leaving the platform.
Step 6: Save Favorite Places
You don't need a Kakao account for basic searching, but creating one (free) lets you save places for later.
How to save a place
- Open the place card
- Tap the star icon (Favorites)
- Choose a folder or create a new one (e.g., "Restaurants," "Day 1")
This is incredibly useful when planning a multi-day Korea trip — you can build a folder per day or per neighborhood and pull it up offline-style as you travel.
Calling a Taxi: Kakao Map vs Kakao T
Kakao Map and Kakao T are different apps from the same company. Kakao Map is for navigation; Kakao T is for taxis, drivers, parking, and bike rentals.
What each does
| App |
Use it for |
| Kakao Map | Searching places, directions, transit, walking |
| Kakao T | Calling taxis, paying drivers, designated drivers |
Quick Kakao T setup
- Download Kakao T from the App Store or Play Store
- Sign up with your foreign phone number — SMS verification works internationally
- Set the language to English in Settings
- For payment, choose "Pay directly to driver" — you can pay in cash or by credit card in the taxi
- Enter your destination and tap Call
One useful detail: when your app is set to English, the driver receives the pickup location with English-friendly markers, so even Korean-only drivers know where to find you.
Common Issues and Fixes
Subway names still show in Korean
Known limitation. Romanized names appear for major stations, but smaller ones may not. Cross-reference with the "Subway Korea" app if needed.
Restaurant menus and reviews are in Korean
Use Google Translate's camera mode (or Papago) to scan menu pages. Most reviews are in Korean — you can use Papago to translate text by paste.
The app shows ads / pop-ups in Korean
Occasional banner ads stay in Korean even with English settings. They're usually for Korean services and can be safely ignored or closed.
Search doesn't find my hotel
Try searching by the hotel's Korean name (copy from your booking confirmation), or paste the full Korean address. English brand names like "Marriott Seoul" usually work; smaller guesthouses may not.
GPS shows wrong location
Korea's mapping data uses a slightly different coordinate system. Make sure your phone's location services are fully enabled and you're not in airplane mode. In dense areas like Gangnam, GPS can drift by a block — use visual landmarks to confirm.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Kakao Map
- Use it offline-ish — areas you've already loaded stay cached for short trips without data
- Star your hotel first — it's the most-used location of any trip
- Compare with Naver Map — sometimes one finds a place the other can't
- Screenshot key directions before leaving Wi-Fi — addresses in Korean are useful to show taxi drivers
- Check operating hours carefully — many Korean restaurants close on Mondays or take 3–6 PM breaks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kakao Map completely free?
Yes. All navigation, transit, and search features are free. There's no premium tier.
Do I need a Korean phone number?
No. You can use Kakao Map without an account at all. To save favorites, create a free Kakao account using any email and a foreign phone number for SMS.
Kakao Map or Naver Map — which is better?
For most foreign tourists, Naver Map's English is a touch more complete, but Kakao Map's transit data and interface are cleaner. Install both and use whichever finds your destination faster.
Does Kakao Map work outside Seoul?
Yes. It covers all of South Korea — Busan, Jeju, Gangwon, everywhere. Coverage is just as detailed as in Seoul.
Can I use Kakao Map in CarPlay or Android Auto?
Limited support. Kakao's official navigation app for cars is KakaoNavi, which has better integration with CarPlay/Android Auto in Korea.
Why does Google Maps not give walking directions in Korea?
Korean law restricts foreign companies from receiving detailed map data for security reasons. Google Maps therefore lacks turn-by-turn walking and full driving navigation in Korea — Kakao Map and Naver Map have full access.
Final Thoughts
Kakao Map is one of those tools that completely changes how you experience Korea. Once you've set it to English and used it for a day or two, finding your way around Seoul (or anywhere in Korea) becomes as easy as it would be at home — sometimes easier, because the transit data is so accurate.
Install it before you fly, switch the language to English on the plane, and star your hotel as soon as you land. From there, you'll be navigating like a local within hours.
Have a great trip to Korea, and I'll keep sharing more practical guides for foreign visitors. Thanks for reading.
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