Can You Travel Korea Without Speaking Korean?

Yes — and thousands of tourists do it every year. While English isn’t widely spoken in some areas, Korea is one of the most convenient and safe countries for foreign travelers. With just a few apps and some cultural awareness, you’ll be able to order food, navigate the subway, and even shop for skincare without stress.

Many locals are kind and patient with foreigners. They might not speak fluent English, but they’ll try to help — especially if you show effort or use a helpful app.

Top Apps to Survive (and Thrive)

Here are the essential apps every non-Korean speaker should download before arriving:

• Papago: Korea’s most accurate translation app, built by Naver. Better than Google Translate for Korean-English.
• Naver Map: Google Maps doesn't work well in Korea — use this instead for directions, bus times, and walking routes.
• Kakao Taxi: Uber isn’t common in Korea. Kakao Taxi lets you call cabs with English menus.
• KakaoTalk: Korea’s #1 messaging app. Clinics, shops, and even hotels often communicate through it.
• Subway Korea / Kakao Metro: Must-have for navigating Seoul’s subway. Works offline too.
• MangoPlate: Yelp-style app for restaurant reviews — many in English.

Bonus tip: download an eSIM or rent a pocket Wi-Fi at the airport for seamless access throughout your trip.

Cultural Tips for Non-Korean Speakers

Language isn’t the only thing that can cause misunderstandings — culture matters, too. Here are a few tips to avoid awkward moments and connect better with locals:

• Be polite, even if you can’t speak: A slight bow, smile, and saying “감사합니다” (gamsahamnida = thank you) goes a long way.
• Don’t talk loudly on public transport: Keep phone calls quiet or text instead.
• Remove shoes when entering homes or traditional accommodations (like hanok stays): It’s a basic sign of respect.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving things: Especially with elders or at counters.
• Be patient in queues: Koreans queue strictly — cutting in line is considered very rude.

When in doubt, just slow down and observe how others do it. Most cultural understanding comes from watching first.

Common Situations & How to Handle Them

You might feel stuck when you can’t express yourself, but here’s how to handle common travel scenarios with confidence:

• Ordering food: Use photos on the menu or point. Most places are happy to help. Say “i-geo ju-se-yo” (이거 주세요) = “This one, please.”
• Shopping for skincare: Ask for “moisturizer” or show them a photo. Staff often recognize basic English skincare terms.
• Finding your way: Show the address in Korean via Naver Map or your hotel card. Say “yeo-gi-yo” (여기요) = “Excuse me.”
• Taxi rides: Enter destination in Kakao Taxi and show the screen — many drivers won’t understand verbal English but will read Korean just fine.