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K-Culture Decoded

How to Use Naver Map in English: A Practical Guide for Korea

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The 30-second answer

Install Naver Map, open the menu, go to Settings, then Language, and choose English; menus and directions switch to English after the app restarts. For small shops and restaurants, search by the Korean name or address, because many places are listed only in Korean.

Key takeaway
As of late September 2026, Google Maps in Korea still can't give walking or turn-by-turn driving directions, so install Naver Map or KakaoMap before you arrive.
Pro tip
When a friend, blog, or Instagram post recommends a place, copy its Korean name (or address) and paste it into Naver Map. That finds the right spot far more reliably than typing an English spelling.

Why Google Maps is limited in Korea

South Korea has long restricted exporting detailed map data to servers outside the country for security reasons. As a result, Google Maps in Korea works mostly as a place directory with reviews and public transit directions, but without walking or turn-by-turn driving navigation.

That is starting to change. In February 2026 the Korean government gave Google conditional approval to export 1:5,000-scale map data, and in August 2026 Google said it plans to bring full Google Maps features, including turn-by-turn directions, to Korea. Google has not given a launch date, so don't plan your trip around it.

Most people in Korea use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead. Naver Map's App Store listing supports English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese, and Naver has published an English guide for foreign visitors.

Naver Map vs. KakaoMap vs. Google Maps in Korea

App Languages (App Store) Walking directions Public transit Best for
Naver Map English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese Yes Yes, with real-time departure and arrival times Most visitors; restaurant search and subway trips
KakaoMap English, Korean Yes, plus car and cycling Yes, with real-time bus info A second opinion on routes; pairs with the Kakao T taxi app
Google Maps Many languages Not in Korea yet Yes Saving places from home and reading English reviews

How to set up and use Naver Map in English

  1. Step 1: Install it before you fly and switch to English

    Download NAVER Map, Navigation (seller: NAVER Corp.) from the App Store or Google Play. Open the menu, tap Settings, then Language, and pick English. The app restarts in English. If you can't find the option, look for a gear icon in the menu panel.

  2. Step 2: Search in English for landmarks, in Korean for everything else

    English searches work well for major sights, stations, and hotels. Small cafes, restaurants, and shops are often registered only under Korean names, so paste the Korean name or the address instead. Street signs and menus in photos will still be in Korean.

  3. Step 3: Get transit directions

    Tap a place, choose Directions, and select the public transit tab. Naver Map shows subway and bus options with real-time departure and arrival times. Subway routes usually also show which exit to use, which saves a lot of wandering at big stations.

  4. Step 4: Save places to your list

    Tap the star or bookmark icon on a place to save it. Saving requires signing in to a Naver account; search and directions work without one. If you'd rather not sign up, keep a note with the Korean names and addresses of your must-visit spots.

  5. Step 5: Don't rely on offline use

    Neither Naver Map nor KakaoMap offers full offline maps, and search and transit directions need a data connection. Get an eSIM or a local SIM and turn it on as soon as you land. Screenshot key routes as a backup in case your signal drops.

Show this in Korean

  • 여기 어떻게 가요?

    Pronunciation: Yeogi eotteoke gayo?

    How do I get here? (while showing the map)

  • 몇 번 출구로 나가야 해요?

    Pronunciation: Myeot beon chulguro nagaya haeyo?

    Which exit number should I take?

  • 이 주소로 가 주세요.

    Pronunciation: I jusoro ga juseyo.

    Please take me to this address. (for a taxi driver)

Foreigner FAQ

Does Google Maps work in Korea now?

Partly. It shows places, reviews, and public transit directions, but as of September 2026 it still doesn't offer walking or turn-by-turn driving directions in Korea. Google has said full features are coming but hasn't announced a date.

Do I need a Naver account to use Naver Map?

No. You can search and get directions without signing in. You need an account only for features like saving places to a list.

Is KakaoMap better than Naver Map?

They're close. Naver Map supports more languages and is the usual pick for visitors, while KakaoMap's listing supports English and Korean. Having both installed is useful when one gives an odd route or can't find a place.

Why do some places still show in Korean after I switch to English?

The language setting changes the app's menus and directions, not the names businesses registered. Many local places only have a Korean name, so searching or copying that name is often the fastest way to find them.

Who can I call if I get lost and can't read the signs?

Call the Korea Tourism Organization's 1330 Travel Helpline (dial 1330 in Korea, or +82-2-1330 from a foreign phone). It offers travel information and interpretation, and you can also chat through its messenger or KakaoTalk.

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