Using Translation Apps in Korea

A translation app is one of the most useful things on your phone in Korea. It reads menus, deciphers signs, and gets you through basic conversations.

Which app to use

Papago, made by Naver, is generally the strongest option specifically for Korean — it's built and tuned for the language, including slang and menu shorthand. Google Translate is a solid backup, especially if you're also translating to or from other languages on the same trip. Both are free and worth installing before you land.

The features that matter most

Camera translation — Point your camera at a menu or sign for a real-time overlay.
Voice translation — Speak back and forth for a quick conversation.
Offline packs — Download the Korean pack in advance in case you lose signal.

Camera translation tip

A Korean-only kiosk or menu board is rarely a problem with camera translation — just make sure there's enough light, since that's what most affects accuracy.

Getting better results

Keep sentences short and simple; translation quality drops with long, complex ones.
For anything important — an address, an allergy — show the screen directly rather than trying to say it out loud.

Translation apps solve communication; they don't solve navigation. For directions, pair one with Naver Map or KakaoMap rather than Google Maps, which has limited routing data in Korea.