Getting to events in Korea: map apps, transport cards and taxis
Google Maps walking directions may not work in Korea. Which map apps to use, buying a transport card with a foreign card, and how not to get lost by taxi.
Facts checked Oct 15, 2026 · 2 min read
Whether you are heading to a concert hall, a pop-up or a festival out of town, map apps in Korea do not behave the way they do at home.
Use Naver Map or Kakao Map
Google Maps has long had limited directions in Korea. In February 2026 the Korean government reportedly gave conditional permission for Google to take map data abroad, but as of late August 2026, walking directions had still not been switched on, according to news reports (Google said only that it was planning them).
So on the ground, Naver Map or Kakao Map is the reliable choice. Both have an English interface, though shop names and addresses often appear in Korean.
Every event page on this site has a button to open it in Naver Map or Kakao Map, and the nearest subway station (Seoul area only).
Buying a T-money card with a foreign card
According to news reports, since 17 March 2026 the 440 machines at 273 stations on Seoul subway lines 1–8 let you buy and top up a transport card with a foreign credit card or Apple Pay, with an average fee of about 3.7%.
What you still cannot do is tap a foreign card at the gate. Reports say that is due to start on Seoul buses in 2027.
By taxi: show the address in Korean
Saying the venue name does not always work. Showing the name or address in Korean is the surest way.
Our event pages have the venue name in Korean for the driver, with a copy button.
Ride apps such as K.Ride and Uber Taxi are reported to work with a foreign phone number and a foreign card. Late-night fares carry a surcharge (sources give different rates).
For festivals out of town, plan the way back first
Visitors often say that right after fireworks and big festivals the subway and buses are packed and taxis are hard to find.
- Look up the last trains and buses before you go
- Leave a little before the end, or wait until the crowd thins
- Or stay within walking distance
On now and coming up
Sources (news reports)
- Google map data permission: Daum News
- Walking directions, August 2026: The Korea Herald
- Foreign cards at transport card machines: Korea JoongAng Daily
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