Bhavika Choudhary, ’28, is a Computer Science major studying at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) this Fall 2024.
When I first arrived in Korea to study at KAIST, I thought I was pretty tech-savvy. Then I tried to order food, get around the city, or even send a simple message to my new friends. Suddenly, none of my usual apps worked. No Amazon, no Google Maps (well, it works, but barely), and absolutely no survival without KakaoTalk. After some trial and error – and a lot of help from kind seniors – I’ve put together this guide to the essential apps you’ll need for life in Korea.
Let’s start with the absolute basics. First, KakaoTalk isn’t just another messaging app – it’s your gateway to Korean social life. Everyone, and I mean everyone, uses it. You’ll need it for joining group chats, sending files, making voice calls, and even paying for things through KakaoPay. Don’t even think about using WhatsApp or Messenger as your primary communication app here. Get KakaoTalk set up before you arrive, if possible.
Navigation in Korea requires a different approach too. While Google Maps works for basic directions, Naver Map is vastly superior here. It shows real-time bus arrivals, helps you find specific building entrances, and even tells you which subway car to ride for the fastest exit at your destination. The restaurant search feature is incredibly detailed, with photos and reviews that are actually current. For taxis, download Kakao T – it’s like Uber but for Korean taxis. You can set it to English, and it’s way easier than trying to explain your destination to a driver in broken Korean. Also, BucaCheck is handy for checking your T-money card balance for public transportation.
Speaking of language barriers, Papago is your new best friend. While Google Translate works fine, Papago is specifically designed for Korean and gives much more natural translations. The camera translation feature is a lifesaver for menus and signs, and the conversation feature helps when you need to have a more complex discussion with someone who doesn’t speak English. I use it almost daily, whether I’m shopping, reading product labels, or trying to understand a notice in my apartment building.
Food delivery is huge in Korea, and you’ll want to master the holy trinity of delivery apps: Baemin, Coupang Eats, and Yogiyo. Coupang Eats has the most English-friendly interface, but Baemin often has more options and better deals. Save your delivery instructions in Korean (using Papago) – I usually keep a note with my address and building details in Korean that I can just copy and paste. For groceries and pretty much everything else, Coupang is like Amazon on steroids – the delivery speed will blow your mind.
Money matters are surprisingly easy to handle once you’re set up. KakaoPay is essential – it’s used everywhere from convenience stores to street food vendors, and it makes splitting bills with friends painless. You’ll link it to your Korean bank account, and you can even send money to friends directly through KakaoTalk. For tracking expenses and handling any international transfers, Toss is super helpful and has a good English interface.
If you are also going to KAIST, there are a few extra apps you’ll need specifically for campus life. KLMS is the learning management system (or your host university’s version of Blackboard Learn) for course materials and assignments. The KAIST Portal app is useful for academic schedules and campus notifications. But these are just the cherry on top of your essential Korean app collection.
Here’s my recommended setup sequence for new arrivals:
- Before coming: Install KakaoTalk, Papago, and Naver Map
- First week: Set up KakaoPay (after getting your Korean bank account)
- As needed: Download food delivery apps and Coupang
- Add your university’s specific apps
A few pro tips I’ve learned the hard way: Keep some screenshots of your address in Korean for deliveries. Save your favorite taxi destinations in Kakao T (especially your home/dorm address). And don’t be afraid to ask Korean friends for help setting things up – most apps are designed with Korean users in mind, and getting help from a local can save you hours of confusion.
The app ecosystem in Korea is incredibly efficient once you’re plugged into it. Yes, there’s a learning curve, and yes, you’ll occasionally order something mysterious on Coupang or get off at the wrong bus stop. But that’s part of the adventure of living in one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Just make sure you have enough data on your phone plan – you’re going to be using these apps constantly!
Published by
Source link
All Materials on this website/blog are only for Learning & Educational purposes. It is strictly recommended to buy the products from the original owner/publisher of these products. Our intention is not to infringe any copyright policy. If you are the copyright holder of any of the content uploaded on this site and don’t want it to be here. Instead of taking any other action, please contact us. Your complaint would be honored, and the highlighted content will be removed instantly.