The Best Map App in Korea: How to traverse Seoul and other cities using Naver Map.

Navigating a foreign city like Seoul can be challenging, even more so to find the right Seoul subway map. Don’t rely on Google Maps; Korean restrictions make it less reliable. Instead, turn to using Naver Map as your primary guide. With ThxKorea, enjoy a seamless journey!

Using Naver Map is the key to grasp Seoul Map’s

The Korean online mapping world offers several choices, including Kakao Maps, Waze, and notably, Naver Map. Originating from South Korea, Naver Map led the way by introducing an English version, granting non-Korean speakers much-needed ease. But what makes the best map app in Korea the number one option when choosing the right Seoul Map for both ex-pats and tourists?

• Versatility and User-Friendliness: Whether you walk, cycle, drive, or use public transport, Naver Map directs you to the best routes. Plus, it helps you find restaurants, temples, theaters, and more, acting as a comprehensive guide.
• Up-to-date and Thorough: Naver Map constantly updates its information, removing locations that have closed, ensuring you stay on track.
• Multilingual: Unlike many Korean apps that only offer Korean, using Naver Map reaches a wider audience with languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese.
• Feature-Rich: Naver Map stands out with its integrated blogs, review systems, and the AI-powered “Smart Around” feature that suggests places based on your past searches.

How can I start using Naver Map?

Downloading the App:

• For iPhone Users: Download Here
• For Android Users: Download Here

Switching to English: If your phone’s default setting is English, Naver Map will automatically load in that language. If not, follow the simple steps below to switch:

How can I find my destination using Naver Map?

1. On the home screen, enter your destination by using its name, address, or phone number.
2. Tap ‘to’ (if you’ve entered your starting point as the destination, tap ‘from’).
3. Although ‘From’ will automatically identify your current location, you have the option to modify it.
4. Select your preferred mode of transportation: Public transportation, driving, walking, or cycling.
5. After setting your route, scroll upwards to explore the detailed directions. For a more detailed view, simply tap any section of the directions.

Insider Tip: Always remember to click the arrow in the bottom left corner of the screen. This will ensure that you’re moving in the correct direction by identifying your location (Depicted as a blue circle)

Seoul Subway Map: How Using Naver Map makes Public Transportation stress-free!

Public Transportation: Whether you’re on the hunt for a Seoul Subway Map you can trust or a way to the nearest bus, using Naver Map offers detailed insights, right from the quickest transfer points in the subway to real-time bus conditions.

• Subway: You have access to the entire Seoul subway map where you can find the name of the next stop in the direction you should be going, which car you should enter for the quickest transfer, what time the train will arrive, and how many stops you will pass before your destination. Additionally, if you want to check your progress, you can tap on the number of stops to see the names of all the stations you will pass plus the direction of the exit door.
• Buses: You will not only see your route, but you can also monitor the conditions of the bus in real time. The app tells you down to the second exactly when the bus will arrive. Additionally, the seat availability is indicated as comfy, normal, or crowded. Similar to the subway, you have access to the entire Seoul map and can see how many stops and what the name of each stop is before your destination. Plus, you can see alternative buses with similar routes.

Unleashing the Power of Naver Map

Navigating using Naver Map offers more than just basic directions; it’s been rightly named the best app in Korea for a multitude of reasons, including very exciting and unique features:

• Reviews and Ratings: Every place has a star rating out of five. Check the REVIEWS tab; emojis help you grasp feedback even in Korean. A less-than-excellent rating might hint at a mediocre spot.
• Explore with Smart Around: Activate this AI feature by swiping up on the home screen. It suggests places and provides average spending estimates for budget-savvy choices.
• Bookmarking: Found a location you want to return to? Tap it and hit the “SAVE” bookmark icon.
• Reservations: Making reservations via Naver Map might not always be in English, but it’s a plus for those holding a valid ARC (Alien Registration Card).

For drivers, this must-have Seoul map provides route preferences like the fastest, toll-free, shortest, or two-wheeler paths, varying based on availability.

Navigating Possible Roadblocks

Despite its brilliance, using Naver Map can sometimes be challenging, especially when searches yield unexpected results. To sidestep such hiccups:

• Double-check the location by viewing the actual Seoul map or cross-referencing with the address.
• When completely unfamiliar with a location, it’s safer to get the full address in both English and Korean beforehand.

Final Words

Using Naver Map encompasses more than just directional guidance. It’s an immersion into the city’s culture, unveiling concealed gems and cherishing every moment. While Naver Map serves as a dependable companion for exploring Seoul and understanding the Seoul Subway Map, always exercise caution with addresses, particularly when dealing with non-Korean languages. ThxKorea hopes that using this guide and tips will help you to enjoy the journey of exploration!