How to Use Naver Map in Korea: Best Navigation App Guide for Foreigners [2026]

If you are planning a trip to South Korea, here is a crucial piece of advice: Google Maps does not work properly for walking or driving directions in Korea due to national security location data regulations. Relying solely on Google Maps will often lead you to dead ends or missing transit routes!

naver map in korea


To navigate Korea effortlessly, downloading Naver Map is an absolute must. Here is the ultimate Easy Route Korea step-by-step guide on how to set up Naver Map in English, search locations, and master walking directions!


📲 1. Download & Switch Language to English

Naver Map fully supports English, Chinese, and Japanese interfaces. Setting it up takes less than a minute!

  1. Download Naver Map from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app and grant Location Access Permissions(essential for real-time GPS tracking).
  3. If the app displays in Korean, tap the Menu Icon(☰) at the top left corner.
  4. Go to Settings (⚙️) -> Language and select English.

📲 Download Official NAVER Map App

🔍 2. How to Search Places & Addresses in English

While English search is supported, searching in Korea can sometimes be tricky due to Romanized spelling differences. Follow these pro tips:

  • Search Famous Landmarks in English: Major places like "Myeongdong Station", "Incheon Airport", "N Seoul Tower", "Gyeongbokgung Palace" work instantly in English.
  • Use Phone Numbers: If searching for a specific restaurant or hotel in English yields no result, simply type their Korean Phone Number into the search bar! Naver Map will immediately pinpoint the exact address.
  • Copy-Paste Korean Addresses: Copying the Korean text address from Google Reviews or hotel booking confirmations directly into Naver Map gives 100% accurate location results.

🚶‍♂️ 3. Master Transit & Walking Directions

🚇 Transit Tab (Subway + Bus Routes)

Select your starting point and destination, then tap the Transit Icon(Bus/Train). Naver Map will display:

  • Exact total travel time and fare cost.
  • Real-time bus arrival countdowns.
  • Best Train Car Numbers for the fastest subway transfers.
  • The exact Subway Exit Number to use upon arrival.

🚶 Walking Tab(Pedestrian Navigation)

When walking through narrow alleys in Hongdae or Myeongdong, select the Walking Icon. A blue arrow shows your real-time heading direction via phone compass, preventing you from walking the wrong way!


💡 Easy Route Korea Pro Tips for Naver Map

✨ Save Places to Your Bookmark List!
Before your trip, create a custom folder(e.g., "Seoul Trip 2026") in Naver Map and star all your planned hotels, cafes, and attractions. You can access your saved map offline anytime during your travel!


Download Naver Map, bookmark your favorite places, and enjoy hassle-free routes across South Korea with Easy Route Korea!

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