Got Apps?
Preparing to come to Seoul or already in Seoul there a few apps that we recommend for you to download as soon as you can since they will be vital during your stay :)
Kakao Talk (카카오 톡)
You may or may not know this but Kakao Talk is a MUST in South Korea, is the main communication app and it's free to download!! Also the emoticons are adorable and have their own store and merchandise. Besides of being the top messaging app in South Korea, the brand has other apps that will help you around the country and you can even shop, receive and send money!!
Navigation:
There are a couple of different apps to help you around as you explore the city, but according to your preference and style of liking one might seem better than the other.
Kakao Map vs Naver Map
Both of these apps are great for navigation however we found that Kakao Map is preferred by users, even Koreans, because of the additional features it has. In Kakao Map you can see the streets in 3D to give you a better sense of where you are and where to go! Excellent when you are lost :)
Also both apps can be changed to English and most likely than not if your kakao is already set in English then when downloading other related apps, should be in English as well~
Both apps have subway maps that you can easily calculate how long would it take you to get to your destination, price, timetable and adjustable as well if you are planning to go later. Both of these apps are great for navigation so it really comes up to you on which style you like best, download both and see :)
Subway Korea (Subway Route Navigation):
If you still want an individual app to look for subway routes and timetables, we recommend this one right here! Because it let's you know when a new update is needed maybe due to a subway line change and works great if you go to other major cities such as Busan or Daegu. Of course, this app also allows you to tell it point A to B and will give you information about your route.
Kakao Taxi
This app is a MUST!! even though you may feel like you will never use a Taxi, trust me you will want to have this app in your phone because you never know!! If you are familiar with Uber or Lyft, then Kakao Taxi will be easy to use as well. As mentioned before if your Kakao Talk is in English already then this app should as well, or you can change it under settings.
However you do need a Korean phone number or a phone number where you can still receive calls. Because if the driver can't see you they will most likely call!! but in order to avoid calling you make sure you are in a visible accessible place and/or write it down in the special request section.
For payment, there is an option for you to put your card information and instantly pay the driver or you can also pay in person just click "pay to driver". The app also saves your "use locations" if you want to go back sometime in the future.
This app is great if you are trying to use the Bus instead of the Subway, which it is a cheaper option!! However either in Naver or Kakao maps you will be able to see bus routes as well to get to your destination, but may or not have enough information about timetables as this app does. Translator Apps: Papago and WayGo
If you do not know Korean or not enough to understand everything around you, you may want to download these apps since they can translate anything around you either if you type it, speak it or scan it. Also keep in mind that you will need Wifi for these to work!!
To Stay Safe Apps:
One of the things you are going to notice is that if there is a massive natural event occurring people's phone will go off except yours!? well unless you have a phone bought in South Korea. Because of this there are apps that will alert foreign phones about major natural alerts, such as air pollution, heat waves and typhoons.
Emergency Ready App
This app is in English and provides useful information in urgent situations, it also includes emergency contact numbers and teaches users how to do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). In the app they also have videos about how to use a fire extinguisher, a fire hydrant and shows the location of a nearest shelter.
Please download this app if you did not bought a phone in Korea or speak Korean!!!
As you may know, there is a lot of air pollution in South Korea due to various reasons but sometimes it's OK and sometimes it is not so in order to stay healthy is great to have this app on your phone!! Also you can find a face mask in any convenient store such as GS25 or CU!! AccuWeather App
This app is great to know the weather forecast throughout the day and future days, a great thing about this one is that it shows by hour!! Also sends you alerts if heavy or dangerous weather conditions are expected!!
We hope that these apps are really useful for you and that you download the ones that you feel more comfortable with! Also please please stay safe and follow the alerts weather conditions are not a joke!! Remember to check out our other blog post about living in Seoul~ :)