If you are traveling in Korea, Naver Map is one of the most useful apps to have on your phone.
It can help you find walking routes, subway stations, bus stops, and places that may be difficult to locate using an English search.
However, there is one thing many foreign visitors discover quickly:
Using Naver Map is easy. Searching for the right place can sometimes be the difficult part.
Quick Summary
- Set Naver Map to English before your trip.
- Search in English first, especially for major attractions and stations.
- If a restaurant or shop does not appear, copy and paste its Korean name.
- Use Naver Map for walking, subway, and bus directions.
- Always check the exact branch and subway exit before you start moving.
Before you arrive: Naver Map is much easier to use when your phone has reliable mobile data. If you have not chosen your connection yet, see Best eSIM for Korea: What Tourists Need to Know Before Buying.
How to Use Naver Map in English
Before your trip, download the Naver Map app and switch the interface to English. You can use the main search and navigation features without knowing Korean, although some place names, reviews, and local business information may still appear in Korean.
On Android
Open Naver Map and go to MY → Settings → Language → English.
On iPhone
Open Naver Map and go to MY → Settings → Language. The app may take you to iPhone Settings → NAVER Map → Preferred Language, where you can select English.
If the Preferred Language option does not appear on your iPhone, add English under Settings → General → Language & Region first.
Local Tip: Do not worry if some Korean text still appears. For a first trip, you mainly need the search bar, directions, subway and bus routes, and the correct station exit.
How to Search for Places
Start by searching for the English name.
Popular attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace are usually easy to find.
For smaller restaurants, cafes, or shops, English search results can be inconsistent.
If the place does not appear, try this:
- Search for the place on Google, Instagram, or another website.
- Find its Korean name.
- Copy the Korean name.
- Paste it into Naver Map.
This simple trick solves one of the most common problems foreign travelers have with Naver Map.
How to Use Naver Map for Navigation
Once you find the correct destination, tap Directions and choose how you want to travel. Naver Map can guide you by walking, subway, bus, or a combination of public transportation options.
Do not look only at the estimated travel time. Open the route details and check the subway line, transfer station, bus stop, and the final exit before you start moving.
For subway trips, the exit number is especially important. Large stations in Seoul can have many exits, and choosing the wrong one can add a surprisingly long walk.
Common Problems Foreign Visitors Have
The biggest problem is usually not navigation itself.
It is finding the correct place.
English names may be translated differently, and some smaller businesses may be easier to find using their Korean name or phone number.
Some information may also remain in Korean even when your app is set to English.
That is why I recommend using Naver Map together with Papago when needed.
There is another shortcut when using this blog.
Whenever possible, my destination guides include a direct Naver Map link, so you can open the exact location instead of searching for it again.
Local Tips That Save Time
If an English search fails, try the Korean name before giving up.
Check the subway exit number before leaving the station.
Make sure you selected the correct branch if a restaurant or cafe has several locations.
And save important places before leaving your hotel so you are not searching for everything while standing on the street.
Final Thoughts
Naver Map may feel slightly unfamiliar at first, especially when English search does not work perfectly.
But once you learn one simple trick—searching with the Korean place name when necessary—it becomes much easier to use.
For most travelers, you do not need to learn every Naver Map feature before your trip. Start with searching for places, checking routes, and finding the correct subway exit.
Once you are comfortable with the basics, see 7 Useful Naver Map Features Tourists Should Know in Korea for saved places, opening hours, reservations, real-time transportation information, Street View, indoor maps, and more.
FAQ
Is Naver Map available in English?
Yes. Naver Map supports an English interface on both Android and iPhone. Some local place names, reviews, menus, and business information may still appear in Korean, so copying the Korean place name can be useful when an English search does not work.
What should I do if I cannot find a place in English?
Find the Korean name of the place and paste it into Naver Map.
Can I use Naver Map for buses and subways?
Yes. Naver Map provides public transportation routes as well as walking directions.
Should I download Naver Map before arriving in Korea?
Yes. Installing it and learning the basic interface before your trip will make your first day much easier.
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