KOREA 101
FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS · SEP 27, 2026Best all-round navigation choice for most international visitors.
- Supports Korean, English, Simplified Chinese and Japanese.
- Use Korean place names when a result is hard to find.
- Kakao Map is also useful for local place data.
- Google Maps can still help with discovery, reviews and saved lists, but local navigation is less complete than Korean map apps.
What apps should I download before Korea?
Start with NAVER Map for navigation and k.ride or Uber Taxi for taxis. A translation app such as Papago is also useful. Save offline copies of your hotel name and address in Korean.
Can I use a foreign credit card in Korea?
Major hotels, department stores and many general shops accept international cards, but acceptance can vary by terminal or business. Carry a backup card and some Korean won, especially for transport-card top-ups and small markets.
Should tourists use Google Maps in Korea?
Google Maps is useful for discovery, reviews and saved places, but NAVER Map or Kakao Map generally provides more complete local route and place information inside Korea.
How do tax refunds work in Korea?
At participating stores, eligible foreign visitors may receive an immediate refund at checkout or claim later through downtown, airport, mobile or other refund channels. Show your passport and ask before payment.