KcationNaver Map Guide for Tourists — Why Google Maps Falls Short in Korea and How to Use Naver Map in English
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In Korea, use Naver Map (네이버 지도) for directions. Google Maps shows places but gives limited walking and transit routes here because of rules on exporting Korean map data, while Naver Map has walking routes, real-time bus and subway arrivals and even tells you which subway exit to use — and it works in English. Kakao Map is a good backup.
Google Maps vs Naver Map in Korea
| Google Maps | Naver Map | |
|---|---|---|
| Finding a place | OK — good for a quick overview | Best — the most up-to-date listings, hours and photos |
| Walking directions | Limited | Yes, turn by turn |
| Subway & bus | Basic | Real-time arrivals, transfer and exit numbers |
| Language | Your language | English, Japanese and Chinese settings |
| Reviews | Mostly foreigners | Korean locals (use the translate button) |
Set up Naver Map in 3 minutes
- Install "Naver Map" from the App Store or Google Play (no Korean phone number needed to search and navigate).
- Switch to English: open the menu → Settings → Language → English. Some reviews and small shops will still appear in Korean.
- Search with the Korean name. Copy the Korean name of a restaurant or café (we include them in all our guides) — it finds the place far more reliably than an English spelling.
- Tap "Directions" → public transport or walking. Check the exit number before you leave the subway.
- Save places with the star button so your list is ready offline-ish when you're out.
When to use Kakao Map or a taxi app
- Kakao Map is the other big Korean map app. If Naver can't find a place, try Kakao — and vice versa.
- Kakao T is the taxi app most Koreans use; see our travel tips for taxis and transport cards.
From Instagram to Naver Map
Most travelers find restaurants and cafés on Instagram or TikTok, then lose them in screenshots. Save each post with Snagly (iPhone): tap Share → Save to Snagly, sort it into folders like "Seoul food" or "Seongsu cafés", and when you're in the neighborhood, copy the Korean name into Naver Map.
Snagly is made by our partner team.
Ready to explore? Start with our guides to tteokbokki and bunsik, famous cafés and Korean BBQ by area — every place comes with Google Maps and Naver Map links.