How to Use NAVER Map in Korea: Installation, Korean Search and Directions

Foreign visitor using Naver Map for directions in Korea

 

Google Maps may not always provide the detailed local route information travelers expect in South Korea. NAVER Map is one of the most useful navigation apps for finding restaurants, attractions, subway routes, buses and walking directions.

This guide explains how to install NAVER Map, change the language and search for destinations using Korean place names.

1. Install NAVER Map

Search for NAVER Maps, Navigation in your phone’s app store.

Be careful not to install only the regular NAVER search app. For directions and public transportation, you need the dedicated NAVER Map app.

After installation, open the app and allow location access if you want to use your current position.

2. Change NAVER Map to English

NAVER Map supports Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese map information. English navigation is also available.

  1. Open NAVER Map.
  2. Open the menu.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Find Language.
  5. Select English.
  6. Restart the app if the language does not change immediately.

Some Korean restaurant names, addresses and local business information may still appear in Korean.

3. Essential Korean Map Words

KoreanRomanizationMeaning
지도JidoMap
길찾기GilchatgiDirections
출발ChulbalDeparture
도착DochakArrival
현재 위치Hyeonjae wichiCurrent location
대중교통Daejung-gyotongPublic transportation
지하철JihacheolSubway
버스BeoseuBus
도보DoboWalking
환승HwanseungTransfer
검색GeomsaekSearch
즐겨찾기JeulgyeochatgiBookmark

4. Search for a Destination

Tap the search bar and enter the destination. Famous attractions may appear in English, but searching with the Korean name is often more reliable for smaller restaurants, cafés and shops.

  • 경복궁 — Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • 서울역 — Seoul Station
  • 명동역 — Myeongdong Station
  • 해운대해수욕장 — Haeundae Beach
  • 성산일출봉 — Seongsan Ilchulbong

You can copy the Korean name from your hotel confirmation, restaurant page or an official tourism website and paste it into NAVER Map.

5. Confirm the Correct Place

Businesses with similar names may have several branches. Before starting, check the Korean and English place name, street address, district, opening hours, phone number, photos, distance and nearest subway exit.

6. Get Directions

  1. Select the destination.
  2. Tap Directions or 길찾기.
  3. Set your starting point.
  4. Choose public transportation, walking or driving.
  5. Compare the routes.

For most visitors in Seoul, Busan and other large cities, the public transportation option is the most useful.

7. Read a Public Transportation Route

A route may show the subway line, bus number, boarding stop, transfer station, number of stops, travel time, walking time and recommended subway exit.

Do not check only the total time. A slightly longer route with fewer transfers may be easier when carrying luggage.

8. Find the Correct Subway Exit

Large Korean subway stations can have many exits. Before leaving the station, check the exit number, direction, nearby landmark and walking route.

  • 몇 번 출구예요? — Myeot beon chulgu-yeyo? — Which exit should I use?
  • 이 출구가 맞나요? — I chulgu-ga mannayo? — Is this the correct exit?

9. Search with a Korean Address

If an English address does not return the expected result, copy and paste the Korean road-name address.

주소를 한국어로 적어 주세요.
Jusoreul hangugeoro jeogeo juseyo.
Please write the address in Korean.

네이버 지도에서 찾아 주세요.
Neibeo jido-eseo chaja juseyo.
Please find it on NAVER Map.

10. Save Important Places

Bookmark your hotel, airport terminal, train station, restaurants, attractions, pharmacies, hospitals and embassy before leaving your accommodation. Save your hotel in both English and Korean so you can show it to a taxi driver.

11. If Search Does Not Work

  1. Search with the Korean place name.
  2. Remove unnecessary English words.
  3. Use the Korean road-name address.
  4. Add the neighborhood or city name.
  5. Check whether the business moved or closed.
  6. Search for the nearest subway station first.
  7. Ask hotel staff to confirm the Korean spelling.

12. Practical Tips

  • Keep mobile data available while navigating.
  • Carry a portable battery.
  • Save screenshots of essential routes.
  • Confirm the final train or bus time at night.
  • Check the subway direction before boarding.
  • Do not rely only on the English spelling of a small business.
  • Recheck opening hours on the day of your visit.

Quick Summary

  1. Install NAVER Maps, Navigation, not only the regular NAVER app.
  2. Change the language to English if needed.
  3. Search famous attractions in English.
  4. Use Korean names and addresses for local businesses.
  5. Check the branch, address and subway exit.
  6. Save your hotel and important destinations before traveling.

NAVER Map may look unfamiliar at first, but learning how to search Korean place names makes traveling around Korea much easier.

App menus and available functions may change after an update. Transportation schedules, business hours and route information should be confirmed again on the day of travel.



Why Google Maps Is Limited in Korea

Google Maps can display places and basic information in Korea, but local walking, driving and public-transport details may be less complete than those in Korean map services. Map coverage and functions can change, so keep a local app ready instead of relying on only one service.

NAVER Map vs KakaoMap

NAVER Map: Best all-round choice for place searches, public transportation, walking routes and local reviews. English is available.

KakaoMap: Useful for live bus information, road views and cross-checking an address that is difficult to find.

Google Maps: Convenient for saved international travel lists, reviews and general orientation. Confirm the final route in NAVER Map or KakaoMap.

How to Change KakaoMap to English

  1. Open KakaoMap.
  2. Open the menu and select Settings.
  3. Find the language or app setting shown on your version.
  4. Select English and restart the app if necessary.

Menu names can change after an update. Smaller businesses may still be listed only in Korean.

Which Map Should You Use?

• One app only: choose NAVER Map.
• Live bus or difficult address: cross-check KakaoMap.
• Saved reviews and trip lists: use Google Maps, then confirm the route locally.
• Taxi destination: save the Korean place name and road-name address.


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