Your Local Korean Guide, Minari

Category: Travel tips

Get the best advice on transportation, budgeting, must-know phrases, and cultural etiquette for a smooth trip in Korea!

  • Best Travel Apps for Visiting Korea – Must-Have Apps for Navigation, Dining & More!

    Planning a trip to South Korea? Whether you’re exploring Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or anywhere else in the country, having the right travel apps can make your journey much easier. From navigation and restaurant reservations to local travel guides, here are the best apps for travelers in Korea!

    📌 Why You Need Travel Apps in Korea

    🚀 Language Barrier? Many apps offer English support, making it easier to navigate.
    🚆 Public Transportation? Find the best subway, bus, and taxi routes with live updates.
    🍽️ Dining & Reservations? Discover and book restaurants without language issues.
    🗺️ Navigation? Get accurate, real-time maps—because Google Maps doesn’t work well in Korea!

    1️⃣ Naver Map – Best for Navigation & Directions

    Best Travel Apps for Korea
    Best Travel Apps for Korea

    📲 App Name: Naver Map (네이버 지도)
    🌍 Available in: English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese
    📥 Download: Android | iOS

    Since Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea, Naver Map is the go-to app for tourists and locals. It provides accurate directions for walking, driving, subway, and bus routes with real-time updates.

    🔹 Why Use Naver Map?
    ✔️ Best for public transportation routes (subway, bus, taxi)
    ✔️ Supports English, Japanese, and Chinese
    ✔️ Provides real-time traffic updates
    ✔️ Detailed walking directions & street view

    💡 Pro Tip: Download offline maps for areas you plan to visit!

    2️⃣ KakaoMap – Great Alternative for Navigation

    📲 App Name: KakaoMap (카카오맵)
    🌍 Available in: English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese
    📥 Download: Android | iOS

    Another powerful navigation app, KakaoMap is known for its detailed and user-friendly interface. It provides precise subway, bus, and walking routes, and even offers bicycle navigation.

    🔹 Why Use KakaoMap?
    ✔️ More user-friendly than Naver Map
    ✔️ Accurate real-time bus arrival times
    ✔️ Better subway route planning
    ✔️ 3D maps & detailed landmarks

    💡 Pro Tip: You can call Kakao T (taxi app) directly from KakaoMap for an easy ride!

    3️⃣ Catch Table Global – Book Restaurants Easily

    Best Travel Apps for Korea
    Best Travel Apps for Korea

    📲 App Name: Catch Table Global
    🌍 Available in: English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese
    📥 Download: Android | iOS

    Finding and reserving restaurants in Korea can be challenging due to language barriers. Catch Table Global is the perfect app for booking seats at popular Korean restaurants, including Michelin-starred venues, Korean BBQ spots, and trendy cafes.

    🔹 Why Use Catch Table Global?
    ✔️ Make restaurant reservations in English
    ✔️ Discover trendy & Michelin-starred restaurants
    ✔️ Avoid long wait times at popular dining spots
    ✔️ See menus, reviews, and ratings before booking

    💡 Pro Tip: Use this app to book famous Korean BBQ or seafood restaurants before they fill up!

    4️⃣ Visit Seoul – Your Ultimate Travel Guide

    Best Travel Apps for Korea
    Best Travel Apps for Korea

    📲 App Name: Visit Seoul
    🌍 Available in: English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese
    📥 Download: Android | iOS

    Run by the Seoul Tourism Organization, Visit Seoul is your official travel guide for Korea’s capital city. It provides detailed tourist information, recommended travel itineraries, and event updates.

    🔹 Why Use Visit Seoul?
    ✔️ Find top attractions like palaces, markets, and shopping streets
    ✔️ Get local event updates (festivals, concerts, K-pop events)
    ✔️ Exclusive travel tips from Seoul’s tourism office
    ✔️ Maps & guides for first-time visitors

    💡 Pro Tip: Check for discounts on tours & attractions inside the app!

    🛫 Bonus: Other Useful Travel Apps

    📌 Kakao T (카카오택시) – The best app for hailing taxis in Korea.
    📌 Subway Korea – A simple app for navigating Korea’s subway system.
    📌 Papago Translator – A highly accurate translation app, better than Google Translate for Korean.

    🎯 Final Thoughts – Download These Apps Before Your Trip!

    If you’re traveling to Korea, these apps will make your trip much smoother! Whether you need navigation, dining reservations, or local travel tips, these apps will help you explore Korea like a pro.

    ✅ Best for Navigation: Naver Map & KakaoMap
    ✅ Best for Dining: Catch Table Global
    ✅ Best for Travel Info: Visit Seoul

    💡 Tip: Download these apps before arriving in Korea, as you may need Wi-Fi to set them up!

    📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    ❓ Can I use Google Maps in Korea?

    Google Maps does not provide walking or driving directions in Korea. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead.

    ❓ Do these apps work without Wi-Fi?

    Some features work offline, but it’s best to have pocket Wi-Fi or a SIM card for real-time updates.

    ❓ Can I book Korean restaurants without speaking Korean?

    Yes! Catch Table Global lets you book restaurants in English without needing to call.

    ❓ Is Kakao T (taxi app) available in English?

    Yes! Kakao T has an English interface and is the best way to get a taxi in Korea.

    ❓ Which app is best for finding tourist attractions?

    The Visit Seoul app is great for discovering events, landmarks, and cultural experiences in Seoul.

    🌟 Ready for Your Korea Trip? Download These Apps Today!

    Which app do you find most useful for traveling in Korea? Let me know in the comments!

  • Top 5 Must-Have Skincare Products at Olive Young – Recommended by Koreans!

    Are you traveling in Korea and wondering what to buy at Olive Young? Don’t worry! As a local recommendation, here are the top five skincare products that Koreans actually use and love. These picks will keep your skin hydrated, soothed, and glowing throughout your trip.

    1️⃣ Torriden Dive-In Serum – Deep Hydration Boost

    Long flights or sudden weather changes can leave your skin feeling dry. To combat this, the Torriden Dive-In Serum provides deep hydration with low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. Unlike heavier creams, it absorbs quickly and works well for all skin types.

    Torriden Dive-In Serum
    Torriden Dive-In Serum

    🔹 Why Koreans Love It:
    ✔ Intensely hydrates and refreshes the skin
    ✔ Lightweight formula that absorbs instantly
    ✔ Gentle enough for sensitive skin

    2️⃣ Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream – The Secret to Calm, Healthy Skin

    Sensitive or acne-prone skin can easily get irritated while traveling. The Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream, infused with Centella Asiatica extract, helps reduce redness and calm irritation. Whether it’s pollution or a sudden climate shift, this cream is a reliable solution.

    Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream
    Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream

    🔹 Why Koreans Love It:
    ✔ Instantly soothes irritation and redness
    ✔ Strengthens the skin barrier
    ✔ Lightweight, refreshing gel-cream texture

    3️⃣ La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume – A Travel Essential for Dry & Damaged Skin

    Traveling often leads to dry patches, chapped lips, or even sunburns. The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume is a lifesaver, formulated with Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Madecassoside to heal and protect sensitive skin. It’s perfect for emergency skincare needs.

    La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume
    La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume

    🔹 Why Koreans Love It:
    ✔ Heals and protects dry, irritated skin
    ✔ Rich but non-greasy formula
    ✔ Perfect for emergency skincare while traveling

    4️⃣ Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Serum – Brightening & Dark Spot Correction

    Dull skin from jet lag or air pollution? The Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Serum brightens the complexion and fades dark spots. Made with 70% green tangerine extract, it delivers powerful results without irritation.

    Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Serum
    Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Serum

    🔹 Why Koreans Love It:
    ✔ Helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation
    ✔ Brightens and evens out skin tone
    ✔ Safe for sensitive skin with a non-irritating formula

    5️⃣ Dalba White Truffle First Spray Serum – A Luxurious On-the-Go Mist

    This all-in-one mist serum is a game-changer for travelers. Infused with Italian white truffle extract, niacinamide, and plant-based oils, it hydrates, nourishes, and refreshes your skin in just one spritz. Whether you’re on a long flight, exploring the city, or battling dry hotel air, this mist is your go-to for an instant glow boost.

    Dalba White Truffle First Spray Serum
    Dalba White Truffle First Spray Serum

    🔹 Why Koreans Love It:
    ✔ Hydrates and nourishes the skin anytime, anywhere
    ✔ Gives a dewy, fresh look—even over makeup
    ✔ Lightweight and perfect for travel

    Why These Products Are Perfect for Travelers in Korea

    ✨ Easy to Find – All of these products are available at Olive Young stores nationwide!
    ✨ Travel-Friendly – Lightweight, effective, and easy to carry.
    ✨ Korean-Approved – Loved by locals and highly rated in the Korean beauty community.

    If you’re visiting Korea, be sure to stop by Olive Young and grab these must-have skincare items before heading home!

    👉 Which one are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

    📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    ❓ What is the best Korean skincare product for dry skin?

    The Torriden Dive-In Serum and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume are great for intense hydration and skin barrier repair.

    ❓ Is Dalba White Truffle First Spray Serum good for setting makeup?

    Absolutely! It helps lock in moisture and gives a fresh, dewy finish.

    ❓ How often should I use Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream?

    You can use it morning and night to keep your skin calm and hydrated.

    ❓ Where can I buy these products?

    You can find them at Olive Young stores across Korea or order them online from global beauty retailers.

    🌟 Planning to visit Korea? Don’t forget to check out these top-rated skincare products at Olive Young!

  • Essential Korean Shopping Phrases for Travelers: A Guide to Bargaining & Shopping in Korea

    If you’re traveling to South Korea and planning to shop in local markets, department stores, or traditional shops, learning a few essential Korean phrases can make your experience smoother and even help you get better deals! 🛍️✨ Whether you’re visiting the famous Namdaemun Market, Myeongdong Shopping Street, or Dongdaemun Fashion Market, these useful Korean expressions will help you communicate with local shopkeepers and navigate your shopping experience like a pro.

    🛍 Price & Payment: How to Negotiate in Korean

    Shopping in Korea, especially in traditional markets, often allows for some bargaining. While fixed prices are standard in department stores and branded outlets, local vendors may offer discounts if you ask politely.

    Can you make it a little cheaper?

    🗣 깎아주세요.
    👉 Kkakka juseyo.
    📝 Use this phrase to politely ask for a discount when shopping in street markets or independent stores.

    Is there a discount if I pay in cash?

    🗣 현금으로 하면 할인돼요?
    👉 Hyeongeumeuro hamyeon harin dwaeyo?
    📝 Some stores may offer discounts for cash payments instead of credit cards.

    Please give me a receipt.

    🗣 영수증 주세요.
    👉 Yeongsujeung juseyo.
    📝 Useful when you need a receipt for tax-free shopping or personal records.

    🛒 Asking About Products: Finding the Right Item

    If you’re looking for a specific item, size, or color, these phrases will come in handy.

    Do you have this in a different color?

    🗣 다른 색 있어요?
    👉 Dareun saek isseoyo?
    📝 Helpful when shopping for fashion or accessories.

    Do you have this in a different size?

    🗣 다른 사이즈 있어요?
    👉 Dareun saijeu isseoyo?
    📝 Great for trying to find the perfect fit in clothing or shoes.

    Can I try it on?

    🗣 입어 봐도 돼요?
    👉 Ibeo bwado dwaeyo?
    📝 Essential when shopping for clothes—many stores have fitting rooms!

    Do you have a new one?

    🗣 새 제품 있어요?
    👉 Sae jepum isseoyo?
    📝 If you’re buying electronics, bags, or delicate items, ask for a new, unopened one.

    👜 General Shopping Phrases: Making Your Purchase

    Once you’ve found the perfect item, these phrases will help you complete your purchase smoothly.

    Please wrap it for me.

    🗣 포장해 주세요.
    👉 Pojanghae juseyo.
    📝 Useful when buying gifts or fragile items that need extra protection.

    Please recommend one.

    🗣 추천해 주세요.
    👉 Chucheonhae juseyo.
    📝 If you’re unsure, ask the seller for recommendations—especially useful when buying cosmetics, snacks, or souvenirs.

    Is this popular?

    🗣 이거 인기 많아요?
    👉 Igeo ingi manayo?
    📝 A great way to find trending Korean beauty products, K-pop merchandise, or must-try foods.

    Is this made in Korea?

    🗣 이거 한국에서 만든 거예요?
    👉 Igeo hangugeseo mandeun geoyeyo?
    📝 If you’re looking for authentic Korean products, this is a handy phrase!

    🏆 Bonus Tips for Shopping in Korea

    💡 1. Learn Basic Korean Numbers – Some prices may be written in Korean, so knowing how to read them will be helpful. 💡 2. Use Cash for Small Vendors – Some traditional markets prefer cash over credit cards. 💡 3. Shop Tax-Free – Tourists can get VAT refunds at participating stores (look for “Tax-Free” signs)! 💡 4. Be Polite & Smile – A friendly attitude can sometimes get you a better deal. 😊

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    Shopping in Korea can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when you know a few basic phrases to communicate with local shop owners. Whether you’re bargaining for souvenirs, buying trendy K-fashion, or looking for the best K-beauty products, these Korean expressions will help make your shopping trip stress-free and fun! 🎉

    If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow travelers and leave a comment below with your favorite Korean shopping experience! Happy shopping in Korea! 🇰🇷🛍️