Thanks to the easing of COVID restrictions and the growing popularity of Korean culture, more and more international students are coming to Korea these days. When studying abroad, it is essential to use the apps that the locals frequently use in order to live more comfortably, and this is true for Korea as well. So, have you ever wondered what apps Koreans use the most? Today, let's take a look at some of the apps that can make your study abroad experience in Korea more convenient!
Essential Apps in Korea
1. NAVER
Credit: Naver
Naver is like the Korean version of Google and is currently the largest and most frequently used search portal site in Korea.
Credit: Naver
You can search everything, from locations to the meaning of unfamiliar words, simple data searches, and daily life tips. But Naver is not just a search portal where you get the answer after searching; it also offers a variety of other features.
출처: 네이버
Credit: Naver
If you click on the three-line icon in the upper left corner of the Naver app, you will see a "shortcut" page, where you can bookmark your favorite items from the entire service. By bookmarking frequently used pages such as email, Naver shopping, dictionaries, and maps, you can easily and quickly access the pages. In addition, since there are separate apps for dictionaries like Naver Dictionary or Papago translator, and especially for maps that you use every day, it's much more convenient to download them separately from the store and use them.
2. KakaoTalk
Credit: KakaoTalk
KakaoTalk is an app that most people interested in Korea have probably heard of. KakaoTalk is the most widely used chat app among Koreans. Moreover, if you save each other's contact information on your phone, you will immediately see the other person's name in your KakaoTalk friend list, so you can contact them right away. In addition to the chat function, there are many other services provided by KakaoTalk, such as a gift-giving function for chicken coupons or convenience store vouchers, shopping, and food ordering.
Recently, Kakao announced plans to add a translation feature to KakaoTalk, and I think that this will greatly enhance the convenience of chatting when the translation function is officially added!
3. Map Apps
On weekdays, you'll be studying at a language school, but on the weekends, you'll want to go out and explore Korea, right? Map apps are the most important ones to have when going out and about, and the most widely used map apps in Korea are Kakao Maps and Naver Maps.
Credit: Naver
Most Koreans tend to use Naver Maps rather than Kakao Maps, but if you'll only be using the app to find directions, there isn't much difference between the two apps.
Credit: Naver
However, if you click on the three-line icon in the upper left of the Naver Maps app, you'll see that it's classified in detail by transportation, which is different from Kakao Maps. Plus, you can book train tickets through Naver Maps!
Credit: Naver
On the main page, there are frequently searched items at the top, and if you scroll to the left, you can see more options.
Credit: Naver
At the bottom of the main page, there are five categories, and the "MY" category on the far right can be linked to your Naver account.
출처: 카카오
Credit: Kakao
Shall we take a look at Kakao Maps? Kakao Maps seems to emphasize convenience in the list, and one special feature is that you can easily share your location with your friends on KakaoTalk. Click "Share" and send it to your friend's chat room to see where they are, which can be useful when you're having trouble finding each other or need to meet at a vague location!
Credit: Kakao
Also, just like Naver Maps, when you click on a location, like a restaurant or a cafe, the ratings and reviews appear. On Kakao Maps, the reviews cannot be deleted by the store owners, so the reviews can be considered more objective.
Credit: Kakao
If you want to go to a good restaurant, go to a place with a rating of 4 stars or higher on Kakao Maps. We've never failed to find good eats with this method!
4. Delivery Apps
If you're studying in Korea alone and away from home, you'll definitely need a delivery app! The three major delivery apps in Korea are Yogiyo, Baedal Minjok (Baemin), and Coupang Eats. All three apps have regular and fast delivery, with Yogiyo's fast delivery being called "Express," Baedal Minjok's being "BaeMin 1," and Coupang Eats' being "Cheetah Delivery." Since delivery fees in Korea are expensive, sometimes you might hesitate to order, so we recommend comparing the delivery tips of these three apps before deciding!
Credit: Yogiyo
Credit: Baedal Minjok
Credit: Coupang Eats
Here's one tip: almost all apps and stores have a "review event" going on, so check to see if the restaurant you want to order from has a notice up for a free menu item in exchange for a photo review! The participation details will usually be written somewhere on the restaurant's page. If using Korean delivery apps is difficult, Creatrip also offers delivery services in 6 languages! If your Korean is not fluent, try out the Creatrip delivery service!
5. Carrot Market
Credit: 당근마켓
By the time you've been living in Korea for six months or a year, you'll need more and more things. However, you might think it's too expensive to buy new things yet uncomfortable to live without them. You might also feel sad to throw away your used things that are still useful before returning home. In such cases, you should use a second-hand trading app, similar to eBay, called "Dangeun (Carrot) Market."
출처: 당근마켓
Credit: 당근마켓
Initially, Dangeun Market only had a simple function for buying and selling used items. However, as it was designed for people to trade only with their neighbors through local authentication, additional features such as the "Neighborhood Life" section, where neighbors can share information about local facilities, were added. Currently, a widget called "Near Me" has been added. This unique feature has the "Winter Snack Map," which shows the locations of street vendors selling winter snacks such as sweet red bean bread, hotteok, and roasted sweet potatoes, plus the history of visiting those locations. Click on the "Winter Snack Map" if you want to enjoy winter snacks!
6. Coupang
Credit: Coupang
Finally, we would like to introduce the leading e-commerce app in Korea, Coupang. It functions similarly to Amazon and Alibaba, and also includes a Coupang Eats section within the app.
Credit: Coupang
In addition, there is a membership called "Rocket Delivery" that costs only 4,990 KRW per month, which allows you to receive your package the next day at dawn! There are also many other benefits and a 30-day free trial available, so why not enjoy the membership benefits for at least a month?
We hope that the apps mentioned above will be of some help to your study abroad experience in Korea! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!