Naver Map in English: Why Google Maps Fails in Korea and What to Use Instead (2026)

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Most visitors find out on their first day: Google Maps works for looking at Korea, but it does not give full walking or driving directions here. Transit directions exist, but they are often less complete than in other countries. Korean apps — Naver Map and KakaoMap — are what locals use, and both work in English.

Checked in October 2026. App menus change between versions; if a setting has moved, look for “Settings” → “Language”.

Why Google Maps is limited in Korea

Korean law restricts exporting precise map data to servers abroad. Without that detailed data, Google Maps has not been able to offer the same turn-by-turn walking and driving directions it gives elsewhere. In February 2026 Korea’s review committee conditionally approved Google’s request to use more detailed map data, but at the time of writing it is not clear that directions have improved for visitors. Plan on using a Korean app.

The short version

Setting up Naver Map in English

1. Install Naver Map (search “Naver Map” in your app store).

2. Open the menu → Settings → Language → English. If your phone is already set to English, the app may switch automatically.

3. Allow location access so the app can route from where you are.

You do not need a Korean phone number or a Naver account for search and directions.

Searching for places

• English names work for major sights, stations and hotels (“Gyeongbokgung”, “Busan Station”).
• For smaller restaurants and cafés, the Korean name works far better. Copy it from a blog, a sign or a booking confirmation and paste it into the search box.
• Many Korean places use a building name and floor; check the photos in the listing to find the entrance.

Following transit routes

Naver Map shows subway and bus routes with live arrival times, the exit number to use, and which car is closest to the transfer. For buses, it shows the stop name in English and Korean, which helps when the announcements are only in Korean.

Tap “Start” for step-by-step guidance; the app will tell you when to get off.

KakaoMap as a second app

KakaoMap also has an English mode and is equally reliable for routing. Many long-stay foreigners keep both: if one app cannot find a place, the other often can. KakaoMap also connects to Kakao T, the main taxi app in Korea.

What you need: data

Both apps need mobile data. Hotel Wi-Fi is not enough when you are trying to find a bus stop. The simplest option is a Korean eSIM before you land. A plan that includes a Korean phone number also helps with restaurant waiting lists and some bookings that ask for a local number.

Tips from someone who lives here

• Save your hotel address in Korean in the app — taxi drivers read Korean faster than English.
• Walking routes in Korea often include underpasses and footbridges; follow the app’s arrows rather than going straight across a big road.
• In Jeju and Busan, Naver Map’s bus times are usually accurate to the minute.

Planning a trip? Start with our Jeju in November itinerary or the 3-day Busan itinerary, both written around these apps.

FAQ

Does Google Maps work at all in Korea?

It shows places and some transit, but full walking and driving directions are limited. Use it as a backup, not your main app.

Do I need a Korean phone number for Naver Map?

No. Search and directions work without an account or a local number.

Naver Map or KakaoMap?

Both are good. Naver Map is slightly more common among visitors for transit; KakaoMap pairs with the Kakao T taxi app. Install both.

Do these apps work offline?

Not fully. Plan on mobile data.

The short version

Install Naver Map and KakaoMap, switch them to English, search smaller places by their Korean names, and get an eSIM so the maps work on the street.