Traveling to Japan or Europe is easy; you just use Google Maps and Apple Pay. However, traveling to Korea is a different game. If you arrive without preparing your Korea travel essentials, you will be lost in minutes.
Why? Because Google Maps doesn’t work well here. Uber is rare. And some buses don’t accept cash anymore. Consequently, many tourists panic at Incheon Airport because their phones are useless.
I was one of them. Therefore, I have compiled this Korea travel essentials cheat sheet to save you from the “Digital Blackout.”
Welcome to Level 1. Let me explain how I became a digital ghost at the airport.
The Facepalm Files: The Google Map Fail
Flashback: 3 years ago. Incheon Airport Arrival Hall.
I landed in Seoul, excited and confident. First, I opened Google Maps to find my hotel. Shockingly, the map was blank. No walking directions. No bus routes. Just a gray screen.
Then, I tried to call an Uber. The app said “No cars available.” Finally, I tried to hop on a subway train, but the gate wouldn’t open with my credit card. A nice lady told me, “You need a T-Money card. Cash only to buy it.” Unfortunately, I had zero Korean Won.
I stood there with my heavy luggage, realizing I was completely unprepared for the unique Korean ecosystem.
Enter “Ssam” (The Tech Guru)
I managed to find WiFi and called Ssam. “Ssam, is my phone broken? Google is dead!”
Ssam sighed. “Alice, Korea is a digital island. We have our own ecosystem.”
He explained the Golden Rule: “To survive here, you need to download Korean apps and get a Korean card. Specifically, forget Google. Trust Naver.”
Level 3 Wisdom: The Holy Trinity of Apps
Before you board the plane, download these. These are the non-negotiable Korea travel essentials.
1. Navigation: Naver Map (Not Google)
Google Maps cannot give you walking or driving directions in Korea due to security laws.
- Download: Naver Map or Kakao Map.
- Setting: Go to settings and change the language to English. It tells you exactly which bus to take and which subway exit to use.
2. Transport: Kakao T (Not Uber)
Although Uber (UT) exists, it is slow.
- Download: Kakao T.
- Usage: You can hail taxis instantly. You don’t need a Korean number; just link your credit card or select “Pay to Driver.”
3. Language: Papago (Not Google Translate)
Google Translate is okay, but Papago is much more accurate for Korean grammar and slang.
- Feature: Use the “Image Translation” to read menus. It saves lives.
Level 4: The Deep Dive (Ssam’s Insight)
(Why is Korea so different?)
The “Galapagos” Effect
You might wonder, “Why doesn’t Google Maps work?” It is not a technical error. It is a National Security Law.
1. The North Korea Threat Korea is technically still at war. The government prohibits detailed map data (like military bases or government buildings) from being stored on servers outside the country. Consequently, Google (which stores data abroad) cannot access high-quality map data. Local companies like Naver and Kakao comply with these laws, so they dominate the market.
2. The Super-App Culture Koreans prefer “Super Apps.” Kakao isn’t just a messenger; it’s a bank, a taxi app, and a map. It is convenient, but it makes it hard for foreign apps to compete.
Level 5: Ssam’s Secret Map (External Links)
(Get these BEFORE you fly)
Don’t wait until you land. Prepare these Korea travel essentials now.
1. K-ETA (Visa) – Official Site
Most nationalities need to apply for K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) at least 72 hours before flight.
- Warning: There are many scam sites. Use the official government link only.
- Link: Official K-ETA Website
2. WOWPASS (All-in-One Card)
This is a prepaid card for tourists. You can load it with foreign currency, use it like a debit card at restaurants, and use it as a T-Money transport card.
- Why: It solves the “Cashless” problem.
- Link: Get WOWPASS Info
3. eSIM / WiFi Rental
Don’t rely on roaming. Korean internet is fast and cheap if you rent locally.
- Link: Book LG U+ or KT eSIM
Alice’s Bottom Line: Download or Get Lost
Korea is the most high-tech country in the world, provided that you use their tech. Delete your expectations, and download Naver Map.
With these Korea travel essentials, you will travel like a local, not a lost tourist.
Survival Hangul: Tech Support
- “와이파이 비밀번호 뭐예요?” (What is the WiFi password?)
- “충전해 주세요.” (Please charge/top up my card.)
- “티머니 카드 있어요?” (Do you have a T-Money card?)
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Ready to travel? Now start your adventure.