Solo in Seoul? The 10 Best Travel Apps to Make Your Trip Easy & Fun
Traveling alone can be daunting at first. But luckily, many essential needs are now just a tap away with your smartphone. In this post, I share the top travel apps I used during my solo trip to South Korea, which proved incredibly helpful for navigating and enhancing my experience.
Note: These are not trip planning apps. These are apps you would use when you are already in Seoul.
Planning a trip to Seoul or other parts of South Korea?
Check out these 12 apps to make planning your next korea trip a breeze.
1. Naver Map and Kakao Map
Why these apps are essential for solo travelers in Seoul?
During my early trips to Seoul, I relied on Google Maps, which still showed me locations quite well. However, it wasn’t the best for detailed walking directions — crucial since I prefer exploring neighborhoods on foot. That’s when I discovered Naver Map and Kakao Map, which offer more accurate and user-friendly navigation, especially for walking routes and discovering hidden local spots.
Helpful tip: To save on data roaming, it’s best to look up your destinations in advance and download offline maps for the areas you’ll visit. You can do this by connecting to your hotel’s Wi-Fi before heading out.
Naver Map vs. Kakao Map:
I personally prefer Naver Map for its intuitive user interface, though both apps are available in English with some minor translation issues. If you’re already using KakaoTalk, Kakao Map might be more convenient since it integrates seamlessly with the chat app. Both are reliable choices for navigating Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods easily.
2. Subway Korea
Why every solo traveler in Seoul should use this app:
Seoul’s traffic can get pretty congested, making the subway the fastest and most convenient way to explore the city. The Subway Korea App is an essential tool for navigating Seoul’s extensive subway system quickly and easily.
What is the Subway Korea App?
This app helps you check subway routes, schedules, and real-time train departure and arrival times. It provides detailed information on connecting lines, walking distances between stations, and train timings — all crucial for planning efficient trips around Seoul.
Pro tip: I recommend planning your subway routes the night before your daily adventures and saving them in the app for quick access. Since station names can be tricky to remember at first, having your routes pre-saved makes day-to-day travel smoother, even with the app’s English interface.
Download Subway Korea for iOS | Download Subway Korea for Android
Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
3. Papago Ai Translator by Naver
Why this app is a must-have for solo travelers in Seoul:
Accurate translation apps are essential when exploring a new city alone. While Google Translate is useful for basic phrases, Papago offers more precise translations and similar features, making it a reliable tool during your trip.
What is Papago AI Translator?
Supported in 14 languages — including Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Spanish, French, Italian, Thai, Indonesian, and Arabic — this app helps bridge language barriers effortlessly.
Key features:
Text translation: Perfect for translating specific words or phrases, especially when planning your daily itinerary.
Image translation: Use this to translate restaurant menus, product labels, or artwork descriptions in museums — super handy when shopping or dining out.
Voice and conversation translation: Quickly translate one-on-one conversations, making communication in Seoul much easier.
Offline translation: Download language libraries like English–Korean before your trip, so you can use the app offline without draining your data or roaming charges.
Pro tip: Download the necessary language packs ahead of time for seamless offline translation during your solo adventures in Seoul.
Get Nomad eSIM here
4. eSIM App (Nomad eSim)
Using eSIM for Seamless Data Roaming in Seoul
When traveling solo, especially in a foreign country like South Korea, using an eSIM is a convenient alternative to buying a physical SIM card upon arrival.
What is eSIM?
Embedded SIM, or eSIM, is a digital SIM card embedded directly into your device, allowing you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. Modern smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even some drones come equipped with eSIM compatibility.
Why choose eSIM for travel?
The biggest advantage is convenience — you can access data roaming plans instantly without swapping out your home SIM card. It also reduces the risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM.
My experience:
I started using Nomad eSIM for my trip to China, where data roaming can be more complex, and it worked smoothly throughout my travels. Since I mainly use WhatsApp for messaging and calls, I didn’t need a local number, making eSIM an ideal choice.
How to use Nomad eSIM:
Ensure your device is eSIM enabled and unlocked (check your device’s specs and settings).
Purchase an eSIM plan from the Nomad website or via their app.
Go to your phone’s settings > Mobile Service or Cellular > eSIMs. Find and select the Nomad eSIM, then turn it on.
Once activated, the eSIM will automatically detect your location. Your plan begins when you arrive in the covered destination area.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on your eSIM plan’s coverage and activation details before traveling to ensure smooth connectivity in Seoul.
Source: Visit Korea
5. Korea Tour TMoney Card/App
What is the Tmoney Card?
The Tmoney Card is your ultimate transit & purchase companion. It is a popular transportation card for both locals and tourists in Korea. While the physical card is widely available, the app version is currently only accessible for Android users.
Why get a Tmoney Card?
This card is essential if you plan to use public transportation in Seoul and across South Korea. Beyond transit, the Tmoney Card works like a debit card—similar to Hong Kong’s Octopus Card or Japan’s Suica Card—allowing you to make purchases at convenience stores and other locations.
Important note: The physical Tmoney Card is available for foreigners at major entry points like airports, priced at around 4,000 KRW. You can top it up with the amount you need for your trip.
Where can I use the Tmoney Card?
Most public transportation in South Korea—including buses, subways, and some taxis—accept the Tmoney Card, making commuting seamless. However, it cannot be used on high-speed trains like the KTX.
How to top up and refund:
You can easily add credit via the Tmoney app (Android only), ticket vending machines at subway stations, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven—using cash or credit cards.
Pro tip: If you need to refund any remaining balance (up to 20,000 KRW), you can do so at subway stations or top-up locations before you leave Korea.
6. Korailtalk App
What is the Korailtalk App?
The Korailtalk App is your one-stop solution for checking train schedules, planning routes, and purchasing tickets for all trains operated by Korail across South Korea. You can book tickets in advance and even reserve seats directly through the app for a hassle-free journey.
Why use this app?
If you’re planning to explore beyond Seoul and Jeju—whether in Busan, Gyeongju, or other destinations—the train is an efficient way to travel. The Korailtalk App makes it easy to manage your train trips on the go.
Note:
The app’s language support is limited to Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese, so some menus might be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with these languages.
Pro tip:
If you anticipate taking multiple train rides during your trip, consider purchasing a Korail Pass. It offers great savings and flexibility, with various options tailored to different travel plans.
Learn more about the Korail Pass here.
Download Korailtalk App for iOS | Download Korailtalk App for Android
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
7. Digital Wallets or E-Wallets
What is a digital wallet?
A digital wallet, or e-wallet, is an app that stores your credit and debit card information, allowing you to make secure online and offline payments directly from your smartphone.
Why should you use a digital wallet in Korea?
Carrying too much cash and multiple credit cards can be risky, even if your accommodation has a safe. South Korea has a high adoption of digital payments, so most stores, restaurants, and convenience stores accept digital wallet payments. These apps can also store digital tickets such as show tickets, train tickets, and airline boarding passes, making your travel experience smoother.
My experience:
I used Apple Wallet during my trips to South Korea without any issues. For Android users, Google Wallet is a great alternative — just note that it’s only available on Android devices.
Pro tip:
Set up your digital wallet before your trip to enjoy quick, secure, and contactless payments throughout Korea.
8. Prepaid Debit Card Services with Mobile Apps
Why consider a prepaid debit card?
A prepaid debit card helps you reduce overseas banking fees and offers convenient management of your travel funds through a dedicated app. Additionally, in case of fraud or loss, your personal bank accounts remain secure, as your travel funds are separate.
Namane Card and App:
Namane is a prepaid debit card designed for foreigners in South Korea. You can purchase the card at any Namane kiosk across the country, and the accompanying app allows you to top up easily using cash or your credit card. This makes managing your travel budget simple and convenient during your trip.
Other options:
There are several international prepaid debit cards available, but many require a local address for verification, which may limit accessibility depending on your home country.
My recommendation:
I’ve been using the Wise International Debit Card based on a friend’s recommendation. It offers several advantages, including:
No overseas ATM withdrawal fees with the international debit card.
Easy transfer of funds from your personal bank account to exchange currencies at competitive rates with no extra fees.
Easy expense management via the app, including transferring remaining balance back to your bank after your trip.
Pro tip: Choose a prepaid debit card that suits your travel needs and offers flexibility and security during your trip to Korea.
Check out Wise debit card here.
Another popular option among my friends is Revolut. Check out Revolut here.
Make sure the country on the website is set to your residential country for the most accurate information.
A sample route from a hotel in Insadong to Leeum Museum in Seoul that I got from asking ChatGPT.
9. ChatGPT
Why try ChatGPT?
Most local transport apps in Korea are not fully available in English and have unique interfaces that take time to learn. ChatGPT simplifies this process — just type in your request, and it will provide detailed, accurate answers to help you navigate your trip with ease.
My personal experience:
I used ChatGPT (free version) during my travels when I got lost, and it was incredibly helpful. The more information you provide, the better and more tailored the response. Plus, with its voice feature, you can use it on the go without needing to type — perfect for busy situations.
Pro tip:
Save time and avoid language barriers by using ChatGPT as your virtual travel assistant in Korea — it’s free, easy, and available anytime you need quick guidance.
Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash
10. K-Ride App
What is the K-Ride App?
K-Ride is a taxi-hailing app designed specifically for foreigners in South Korea. Operated by Kakao Mobility, the same company behind Kakao T — Korea’s leading taxi app — K-Ride offers a simple way for non-Korean speakers to book taxis with ease.
Why consider using K-Ride?
As a foreigner, you can log in using your social account, which is a big advantage since Kakao apps typically require a local phone number for verification — something that can be challenging without a local SIM.
My experience:
I’ve categorized K-Ride as a “good-to-have” rather than essential. I prefer using public transport whenever possible, including trips to and from the airport. However, I find K-Ride useful for day trips or weekend excursions to areas outside Seoul where local buses or subways are less accessible or unfamiliar.
Pro tip:
Download K-Ride for convenient, hassle-free taxi rides during your travels outside the city or when local transportation options are limited.
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