How to Use Naver Maps and Kakao Maps in English (2025 Guide)

Your Foreigner-Friendly Navigation Guide for Korea’s Best Map Apps


1. Why You Should Use Naver Map or Kakao Map in Korea

Google Maps doesn't work well in Korea due to government restrictions.
Instead, locals use Naver Map (네이버 지도) and Kakao Map (카카오맵) — both offer:

  • Accurate public transit routes

  • Real-time bus and subway tracking

  • Walking and driving directions

  • Restaurant and store reviews in Korean

💡 Both apps now include English interfaces, making them essential for foreigners.

2. How to Download and Switch to English

Naver Map

  1. Download from the App Store or Google Play: “Naver Map”

  2. Open the app and tap the profile icon (top right)

  3. Go to Settings → Language

  4. Select English

Kakao Map

  1. Download the app: “Kakao Map”

  2. Tap the menu (≡) → Settings (설정)

  3. Change language to English

📲 You may need to restart the app for the language setting to apply fully.

3. Searching for Places in English

  • Naver Map accepts English input for major locations (e.g., “Gyeongbokgung Palace”, “Hongdae Station”)

  • Kakao Map works better with Korean spelling or copy-pasted addresses

  • For Korean-only names, search on Google first, then copy/paste the Korean name (e.g., “이태원역” for Itaewon Station)

🧠 Tip: Use Papago to translate Korean addresses or names before searching.

4. How to Get Transit Directions

On Naver Map

  1. Tap “Directions”

  2. Enter starting and destination points

  3. Choose between subway, bus, walking, or driving

  4. View estimated time, transfers, and fare

  5. Tap “Start navigation” for real-time tracking

On Kakao Map

  1. Tap the search bar and enter destination

  2. Hit “길찾기 (Directions)”

  3. Select route type and start navigating

🚌 Both apps provide live bus arrival info and transfer alarms.

5. Favorite Features for Foreigners

Feature Naver Map Kakao Map
English interface ✅ ✅
Subway map ✅ ✅
Real-time buses ✅ ✅
Street View (360°) ✅ ❌
Book taxis (linked with Kakao T) ❌ ✅
Restaurant reviews & photos ✅ (mostly Korean) ✅ (Korean)

📍 Naver Map is slightly better for walking & place info. Kakao Map is stronger for public transport + taxi.

6. Tips for Using the Apps Smoothly

  • Turn on location services (GPS)

  • Save frequently visited places in “Favorites”

  • Switch between map and satellite views for clarity

  • Use bookmark icons to plan a trip day-by-day

  • When lost, show the app to locals — most are familiar with it!

📶 These apps work offline only in limited capacity — keep mobile data on for full access.

7. Helpful Korean Terms You’ll See in the App

  • 출발지 (Chulbalji) – Starting point

  • 도착지 (Dochakji) – Destination

  • 길찾기 (Gilchatgi) – Directions

  • 버스 (Beoseu) – Bus

  • 지하철 (Jihacheol) – Subway

  • 도보 (Dobo) – Walking

  • 즐겨찾기 (Jeulgyochatgi) – Favorites

Learning these helps you navigate even if the app isn’t fully translated.


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