Does Google Maps work in Korea?
For finding places, yes. For getting there, not fully. Here is what that means for a trip, and what most visitors use instead.
Last checked 25 October 2026. Map apps change, so test yours before you fly.
What Google Maps does well in Korea
- Finding a restaurant, hotel or sight by name, with photos and reviews.
- Saving places into lists and sharing a pin with other people.
- Showing the Korean name of a place, which is what Korean map apps search best.
Where it falls short
Google Maps has been limited in Korea when it comes to directions. Driving and walking turn-by-turn navigation has not worked the way it does in most countries, and public transport routing has been less complete than in Korean apps. That is the part of a trip where it matters most.
Why this happens
Korean law has restricted exporting the government's detailed map data, and Google has said that data is needed for features like driving directions. Naver and Kakao are Korean companies and work with that data inside the country. In February 2026 Korea approved a conditional export of detailed map data to Google, with security safeguards. Reports since then still describe Google Maps directions in Korea as limited, so check what your own phone shows before relying on either story.
Naver Map and KakaoMap at a glance
| Naver Map | Often recommended first for visitors. English display, transit routes, station exit numbers and walking routes. |
|---|---|
| KakaoMap | Popular with locals. Strong live bus information. Some screens stay in Korean even with English selected. |
| Google Maps | Good for discovery and reviews. Limited directions in Korea. |
Most guides suggest installing both Korean apps. You do not have to choose one for the whole trip.
Searching Naver and Kakao when the name does not match
- Use the Korean name. English spellings of Korean names are inconsistent, so English searches often miss. Find the Korean name on the place's own website, a booking confirmation, or Google Maps set to Korean.
- Add the district or city when there are several places with the same name.
- Search by name or by address, not both together. Joining them can return an empty map.
- Check the result. Compare the pin with the photo, the address and the city before you set off.
Where Maptinerary fits. Maptinerary is a free beta app for iPhone and Android. You bring places in from Google Maps, Naver or Kakao, or paste a plan from any planner, and confirm each stop once. Each place keeps its English and Korean names, and opens in the map app you choose. Join the beta.
Already saved places in Google Maps? See how to move Google Maps places to Naver Map.
Questions
Can I use Google Maps in Korea?
Yes, for finding places, reading reviews and saving lists. Its driving and walking directions have been limited in Korea, so most visitors also install Naver Map or KakaoMap for getting around.
Which is better in Korea, Naver Map or KakaoMap?
Neither wins everywhere. Naver Map is often recommended first for its English support and transit detail. KakaoMap is popular for live bus information. Many visitors keep both.
Why does Naver or Kakao not find the place I saved in Google Maps?
English spellings of Korean names are inconsistent, so searches often miss. Search the Korean name, add the district or city, and search by name or address rather than both together.