Internet & Apps
South Korea has some of the fastest internet in the world and nothing is blocked. Get a data plan sorted before arrival, and download a couple of Korea-specific map apps that work better than Google here.
Best option
Travel eSIM
Speeds
Blazing 5G everywhere
Maps
Naver Map · KakaoMap
Messaging
KakaoTalk
Get a travel eSIM
Install a Korea eSIM before you fly and activate on landing. Coverage and speeds are excellent nationwide, even on remote islands and mountains.
Use Korean map apps
Google Maps is limited in Korea for legal reasons — walking and driving directions are patchy. Naver Map or KakaoMap (both with English) are far more accurate for transit and navigation.
- Naver Map or KakaoMap — the reliable local navigation apps
- KakaoTalk — the messaging app everyone uses
- Papago — the best Korean translation app
Free Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi is common in cafes, stations and shops, but a data plan is still worth it for maps on the move.
Useful phrases Phrases
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Getting Around