Maps & Translation
5 apps
| App | Status | English | Foreign Card | Auth Needed | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Works | ✅ | — | None | Korea's #1 map. Best transit routing & walking directions. | ||
| ✅ Works | ✅ | — | None | Good alternative. Slightly less English coverage than Naver. | ||
| ❌ Broken | ✅ | — | None | Transit routing fails in Korea due to military map data laws. | ||
| ✅ Works | ✅ | — | None | Best for Korean menus & signs. Camera translate is excellent. | ||
| ✅ Works | ✅ | — | None | Best for offline use. Download Korean language pack before arrival. |
Taxis & Rideshare
3 apps
| App | Status | English | Foreign Card | Auth Needed | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⚠️ Partial | ✅ | ⚠️ | Phone # | Officially accepts foreign Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX for taxis, but failures are often reported; if it fails, pay the driver directly (regular call). | ||
| ✅ Works | ✅ | ✅ | Existing account | Works end-to-end. Fewer cars than Kakao T — book in advance at peak hours. | ||
| ⚠️ Partial | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | Phone # | Kakao Mobility's app for visitors: no Korean number needed, foreign cards, auto-translated chat. Franchise and premium taxis only (no regular tier). |
Trains (KTX & SRT)
3 options
| App | Status | English | Foreign Card | Auth Needed | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Let's Korail |
✅ Works | ✅ | ✅ | None | The official foreigner-friendly booking site. Use this — not the app. | |
| ❌ Blocked | ❌ | ❌ | 본인인증 | 1.9 stars. Foreign card entry crashes the app. Korean residents only. | ||
| ✅ Works | ✅ | ✅ | None | Easiest for foreigners. Note: ticket may have no QR barcode — use the manned gate. |
Subway
2 apps
| App | Status | English | Foreign Card | Auth Needed | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Works | ✅ | — | None | 4.1/5. Full English support. Route search, line maps, real-time arrivals. | ||
| ❌ No English | ❌ | — | None | 2.5/5. Dropped English support in 2023. Korean-only interface now. |
Food Delivery
3 apps
| App | Status | English | Foreign Card | Auth Needed | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Works | ✅ | ⚠️ | Phone # | Korea's #1 food app. Guest order + foreign card works since May 2024. | ||
| ❌ Blocked | ❌ | ❌ | ARC required | Requires Korean number + ARC. Not an iOS/Android difference — fully blocked for tourists. | ||
| ⚠️ OK but pricier | ✅ | ✅ | None | Foreigner-friendly KTO partner. ~10% more expensive than Baemin now. |
Payment & Transport Cards
4 apps / cards
| App / Card | Status | English | Foreign Card | Auth Needed | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Money Physical card |
✅ Works | — | — | None | Load with cash at any convenience store. Most reliable transit payment option. | |
| ⚠️ Partial | ✅ | — | Passport | Exchange + prepaid + transit in one card. No NFC. App crashes frequently. | ||
| ❌ Blocked | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | 본인인증 | No official foreigner route. Needs Korean mobile identity verification, which tourist SIMs generally do not pass. | ||
| ❌ Blocked | ❌ | — | 본인인증 + ARC | Korean ID verification only. No English UI. 2.3 stars. Skip entirely. |
Booking & Reservations
6 apps
| App | Status | English | Foreign Card | Auth Needed | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Works | ✅ | ✅ | None | Attractions, tours, KTX tickets. Best all-round booking app for tourists. | ||
| ✅ Works | ✅ | ✅ | Email signup | K-pop concerts, musicals, KTX — all without 본인인증. Separate from Korean Interpark. | ||
| ✅ Works | ✅ | — | Email signup | Best English-friendly restaurant reservation for Korea. Separate from domestic app. | ||
| ⚠️ Use physical | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | None | 2.0/5. App crashes & black screens. Get physical card at Incheon Airport instead. | ||
| ⚠️ Refund issues | ✅ | ✅ | None | 1.9/5 (41 foreign reviews). Lower prices but full refund disputes common. | ||
| ✅ Works | ✅ | ✅ | None | 2.9/5 (49 foreign reviews). Better cancellation flexibility than Agoda. |
Communication
1 app
| App | Status | English | Foreign Card | Auth Needed | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⚠️ Partial | ✅ | — | Phone # (some fail) | Korea's essential messaging app. UK and many EU numbers fail SMS verification. |
🔴 Need More Detail?
Each app above links to a full troubleshooting guide in Must-Know Tips