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Does Google Maps Work in Korea? (Honest Answer)
Short answer: barely. Here's exactly what works, what doesn't, and what to use instead.
Beta open
The Map That Actually Works in Korea
Turn-by-turn walking directions, subway exits, bus transfers, and restaurant reviews translated from 2,000+ Korean sources. All in English.
Join the BetaFree. No account needed.
Myeongdong Gyoza
Manduguk · Myeong-dong
4.2
“Exit 6, walk 2 min. The handmade dumplings are worth the wait.”
₩9,000Exit 6 · 2 min walk
2,000+
Korean review sources
50K+
Places mapped
Real-time
Transit data
100%
In English
Navigate Korea Like a Local
No Korean required. Works from your first step out of Incheon.
1
Search in English
Type any place, address, or food in English. We find it on the Korean map — no Hangul typing needed.
2
Read Local Reviews
Translated reviews from Korean locals. Real opinions, real photos, real prices — not 5 vague Google reviews.
3
Get There
Turn-by-turn walking directions, exact subway exits, bus numbers, and transfer instructions. In English.
What Other Maps Can't Do
Built specifically for foreigners navigating Korea.
Walking Directions That Work
Real turn-by-turn navigation with street-level accuracy. Google Maps can't do walking directions in Korea — we can.
Subway + Bus in English
Which exit. Which bus number. Where to transfer. Real-time arrivals and exact instructions — not a vague route overview.
Translated Reviews
2,000+ Korean review sources translated to natural English. What locals actually think — not the 3 tourist reviews on Google.
Works Offline
Save maps, directions, and restaurant info offline. Navigate the subway without signal. Find your way back to the hotel without data.
Why Navigation in Korea is Broken for Foreigners
Google Maps doesn't work here
No walking directions. No transit details. Wrong business hours. Korea restricts map data exports to Google.
Naver & Kakao Maps are in Korean
Best navigation data in Korea — but the interface, directions, and reviews are 100% Korean. Useless if you can't read it.
You end up lost, frustrated, late
Wrong subway exit. Missed your bus. Walked 20 minutes in the wrong direction. Every foreigner in Korea has this story.
Korea Maps combines Korean navigation data with English translation — so you get the accuracy of Naver with the language of Google.
From the Blog
Practical guides for getting around Korea.
Transit
Seoul Subway for Beginners: Exits, Transfers, Cards
Everything you need to know about riding the Seoul Metro without getting lost.
Guide
How to Use Kakao Map in English (2026)
Kakao Map has the best Korea data but it's all Korean. Here's how to navigate it.
Stop Getting Lost.
Start Exploring.
Join the beta and navigate Korea with confidence. Walking directions, transit, and translated reviews — all in one app.
iOS only · No account required · Free forever