Living in South Korea: 5 Must-Have Apps in 2025

You’ve probably heard of KakaoTalk and Papago as must-have apps when coming to Korea. But there are many other apps that can make life here much easier. In this article, we’ll introduce five essential apps that Koreans use every day — tools that can truly enhance your experience living in South Korea.

Getting Around: Transportation Tips for Living in South Korea

Booking Train Tickets Easily with KorailTalk If you’re planning to explore cities like Busan, Gyeongju, or Jeonju after arriving in Korea, navigating the train system might feel a bit overwhelming at first. With different types of trains like KTX and ITX, it can be tricky to figure out what to book.

That’s where the KorailTalk(KorailTalk) app comes in handy. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, select your preferred date and time, and the app will show you all available trains, their departure times, and fares.

You can book as a non-member — no need for a Korean ID or full registration. Just enter your email and set a password. Most international credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

💡 Tip: When having trouble with payment, try using a Revolut one-time card! After booking, your ticket (with a QR code) will appear under the “Ticket Confirmation” section in the app. If the app isn’t working, don’t worry — your email also contains a valid ticket.

Unlike subways, Korean train stations don’t have ticket gates. Just check your train's platform number (Track No.) on the display board, go to the right platform, and board the train using the car and seat numbers on your ticket. Train staff verify tickets digitally, so inspections are rare.

🚄 Travel Tip: Trains often sell out on weekends and holidays. Book at least two weeks in advance! You’ll also have better luck finding available seats on late-night or early morning trains.

Two Must-Have Apps for Getting Around Seoul: Kakao T and Ttareungi

Seoul’s Han River is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and the city’s bike-sharing service — Ttareungi(Ttareungi) — is one of the best ways to explore it.

The app lets you purchase a pass, scan a QR code, and unlock a bike at rental stations located throughout the city. It supports English and doesn’t require a Korean phone number, making it especially convenient for foreign users.

Returning the bike is just as easy — use the app’s map to find a nearby station. If a rack is full, the "Connect & Return" feature lets you park at an adjacent location.

For longer trips across the city, taking a taxi can be the most convenient option. In Korea, the most popular taxi-hailing app — similar to Uber — is Kakao T.

It’s the go-to choice for Koreans and is also popular among foreigners because it supports English and is often cheaper than Uber. You can set your pickup and drop-off points in the app, check the estimated fare and route in advance, and ride without worrying about unexpected costs.

Once you’ve requested a taxi, you can track your driver’s location in real time on the map and even send them a direct message through the app, making communication much easier.

Kakao T isn’t just for taxis — it’s a comprehensive transportation platform that also provides subway and bus routes with arrival times, navigation, electric scooter rentals, and even parking information.

Mastering Daily Life: Shopping & Delivery for Living in South Korea

Coupang: Rocket-Speed Shopping for Your Home in Korea

Coupang is often called the “Amazon of Korea,” and for good reason. It offers everything from daily essentials and electronics to groceries and clothing. Its standout feature is Rocket Delivery — order something late at night, and it can arrive at your door the next morning.

To sign up, you’ll need an Alien Registration Card and a Korean phone number to verify your identity. Once you’re in, you can save your address and enjoy fast, convenient shopping.

🍎 Coupang Eats Using Tip: Fresh is perfect for grocery delivery — especially handy when you don’t have time to visit the supermarket. And if you sign up for the paid Wow Membership, you'll unlock extra benefits like free shipping and access to Coupang Play, their OTT streaming service featuring Korean dramas and variety shows.

Coupang Eats: Enjoying Food Delivery While Living in South Korea
Once you have a Coupang account, you can use Coupang Eats without any additional registration. Wow Membership users also get free delivery on many orders.

The app supports English, making it easy to browse menus and place orders. It offers a wide variety of cuisines — Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Western, and more — including food from popular restaurants.

💡 Pro tip: If you have allergies or want to adjust your order, use the “Requests for the owner” section. You can write messages like “Please exclude nuts” or “Make it less spicy” — most restaurants will honor your request.

Your Digital Toolkit for Living in South Korea

Your 5 Must-Have Apps for Living in South Korea in 2025

Here’s a quick recap of the apps we recommend:

- KorailTalk for booking train tickets
- Ttareungi for city bike rentals
- Kakao T for getting around by taxi
- Coupang for fast online shopping
- Coupang Eats for food delivery

These apps are designed to make your life in Korea easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Download them, explore their features, and you’ll feel more at home in no time.