Guide · MOV · 101
Navigation apps
Google Maps doesn't do directions well here. Setting up Naver and Kakao Map, and searching in Korean.
In short
- Google Maps can't give walking or driving directions in Korea because of a national-security rule on exporting map data. It shows the map but the "Directions" button fails.
- Use Naver Map (best all-round, most foreigner-friendly English) as your primary, and Kakao Map as backup (better real-time bus tracking, taxi integration).
- Both are free, work in English, and need no Korean phone number or account for search/directions.
- For small places, paste the Korean name (or phone number) instead of typing English. You'll find the right place almost every time.
Most people are surprised to find that Google Maps doesn't work for navigation in Korea. Here's why, and the two apps people use instead. Pair with your SIM/data and, for taxis, Kakao T.
Why Google Maps doesn't work here
Korea restricts exporting high-precision map data to foreign servers (a national-security rule tied to the peninsula's status). Google processes maps on overseas servers, so it can't do turn-by-turn walking or driving directions. The map loads and your dot moves, but routing is unreliable or missing. (Korea conditionally approved Google's data-export request in early 2026, so this may improve, but for now the local apps are better.) Apple Maps has the same limitation.
Naver Map (main app)
- Covers what you'd use Google Maps for: accurate walking/driving/transit routing, real-time subway and bus, business listings with photos, menus, hours, and reviews.
- Better English support of the two. Station names, transfers, and exit numbers display in English. Voice guidance works in English; supports CarPlay.
- Set to English: Menu → Settings → Language → English (the app restarts).
- No account or Korean number needed for search/directions; a free account only adds saved places.
Kakao Map (backup)
- Better real-time bus tracking (shows exactly where your bus is), and some find its transit layout and 3D/roadview clearer.
- Taxi integration: hail a Kakao T taxi straight from directions. Kakao T is the main ride-hailing app in Korea (global apps like Uber are limited here).
- Shows which floor a shop is on, which helps in Korea's multi-storey buildings.
- English support is improving but a bit behind Naver (some bus info stays in Korean). For in-car driving, Kakao Map doesn't do CarPlay, so use the separate Kakao Navi app.
Which to use when
| Task | Best app |
|---|---|
| Walking & subway directions (English) | Naver Map |
| Finding/evaluating restaurants | Naver Map (listings) / Kakao Map (reviews) |
| Real-time bus tracking | Kakao Map |
| Hailing a taxi | Kakao T (via Kakao Map) |
| In-car driving nav | Naver Map (CarPlay) or Kakao Navi |
Tips
- Download both before you need them (ideally on Wi-Fi) and save key places. Setting them up in a crowded station is no fun.
- Not truly offline: live search and directions need data, so you'll need a SIM/eSIM.
- Subway exit numbers are very useful. Naver tells you the exact exit and which direction your train should head.
- Two address systems: Korea switched from lot-based to road-name addresses; old sites may list the old one. If a search fails, try the other format or the phone number.
- Live nav drains your battery, so carry a power bank.
- Keep Google Maps for saving/sharing locations with people abroad and street-view orientation.
Common questions
Why doesn't Google Maps navigate in Korea?
Korea restricts exporting detailed map data abroad, so Google can't provide turn-by-turn walking/driving directions. Use Naver or Kakao Map.
Can I use these apps in English without Korean?
Yes. Set English in settings. For small places, paste the Korean name or phone number to search.
Do I need an account or Korean number?
No. Search and directions work without either. An account only syncs saved places.
Naver or Kakao?
Naver as primary (best English); add Kakao for bus tracking and Kakao T taxis. Most residents keep both.
Sources: VisitSeoul, Naver/Kakao guides, and 2026 navigation comparisons (Korea Insider, Korea by Car). Google map-data export conditionally approved Feb 2026; status still changing.
Last verified: July 2026. App features and the Google-data situation change, so check current app settings. General information.
Stuck finding a place?
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