How to Use Naver Map in Korea (2026): A Simple Guide for Foreign Travelers

If you usually use Google Maps when traveling, Korea can feel a little different.

Google Maps is still useful for checking places and general locations, but route guidance in Korea can be limited. Google itself notes that full directions functionality has not historically been available in Korea, while the Korea Tourism Organization recommends Naver Map as one of the main navigation apps for international visitors. 

That’s why I recommend downloading Naver Map before your trip.

It may look unfamiliar at first, but once you know a few basic functions, it becomes very easy to use.

Why Use Naver Map in Korea?

Naver Map is one of the most widely used map services in Korea.

You can use it for:

• Walking directions
• Subway routes
• Bus routes and arrival information
• Driving directions
• Restaurant and café searches
• Business hours
• Reviews and photos
• Saving places for later

For travelers, the biggest advantage is that it is designed around local Korean transportation and place information.

The Korea Tourism Organization specifically highlights Naver Map for route search, estimated travel times, local place information, reviews, and bookmarks.

1. Change Naver Map to English

You do not need to use the app in Korean.

Naver Map currently supports Korean, English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.

Android

Open Naver Map → tap MY → Settings → Language → select English.

iPhone

Open Naver Map → MY → Settings → Language.

Depending on your iPhone settings, you may be redirected to:

Settings → NAVER Map → Preferred Language

Then choose English.

This is the first thing I recommend doing after installing the app.

2. Search for Places

NAVER Map in English showing
central Seoul and major tourist areas

You can search for major attractions, subway stations, restaurants, cafés, hotels, and shops directly in English.

For example:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Seoul Station
• Myeongdong
• N Seoul Tower
• Busan Station

For popular tourist places, English search usually works well.

However, smaller restaurants or local businesses may sometimes be easier to find using their Korean name.

A useful trick

If you find a restaurant on Instagram, Google, or a Korean blog, copy its Korean name and paste it directly into Naver Map.

This often works better than trying several English spellings.

3. Use Route Search for Subway, Bus, and Walking

Once you select a place, tap the directions button and enter your starting point.

Naver Map can compare different transportation options, including public transportation and walking routes.

For subway trips, pay attention to:

• Subway line number
• Transfer station
• Direction of travel
• Exit number
• Estimated travel time

Exit numbers are especially useful in Seoul.

At some stations, choosing the wrong exit can mean a surprisingly long walk.

4. Check Bus Arrival Information

Buses can be intimidating for first-time visitors, but Naver Map makes them much easier.

The app provides bus stop information, routes, and estimated arrival times.

If the subway does not go close to your destination, try comparing the bus route before automatically taking a taxi.

In many parts of Seoul, a bus can actually be the simplest option.

Need a Transportation Card Too?

If you're planning to use buses and subways in Korea, you'll also need a transportation card such as T-money.

You can buy one after arriving in Korea, or reserve one in advance and pick it up at Incheon Airport.

Check T-money Card Options on Klook

5. Use Naver Map for Restaurants and Cafés

This is another reason I use Naver Map.

When you search for a restaurant or café, you can often see:

• Opening hours
• Photos
• Customer reviews
• Menus
• Nearby branches
• Related links

Naver is deeply connected to Korean local search, so it can be particularly useful when looking for places that local people actually visit.

If you are deciding between two restaurants, checking recent photos and business hours can save you an unnecessary trip.

6. Save Places Before Your Trip

If you already know the cafés, attractions, restaurants, or shops you want to visit, save them before arriving in Korea.

This is especially useful if your itinerary includes several neighborhoods.

Instead of searching for every place again, you can simply open your saved list.

Personally, I think this is one of the easiest ways to make a Seoul itinerary less stressful.

Google Maps or Naver Map?

You don't necessarily need to delete Google Maps.

I would use them differently.

Google Maps: Useful for general location checking and familiar global map features.

Naver Map: Better suited to detailed local navigation, Korean public transportation, local businesses, and route planning inside Korea.

For a first trip to Korea, I would definitely have Naver Map installed before arrival.

One Small Tip Before You Go

Don't wait until you're standing outside a subway station with your suitcase to learn how Naver Map works.

Download it before your trip, switch it to English, and try searching a few places you already plan to visit.

Five minutes of practice before arriving can make getting around Korea much easier.

More Useful Apps for Your Korea Trip

Naver Map is only one of the apps worth installing before coming to Korea.

If you want to know which other apps are useful for transportation, translation, taxis, and everyday travel, check my full guide:

Essential Apps for Traveling in Korea in 2026

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying bookings.