Discover 4 must-have apps for foreign travelers in Seoul — from multilingual taxis and real-time translation to mobile passport and restaurant booking services.
Ever tried getting in a taxi in Seoul, only to realize you don’t know how to say the address? Or walked past a super popular restaurant with a one-hour wait?
Seoul is a dynamic and exciting city, but if you’re a foreign traveler, things like language barriers and local systems can make simple tasks a little tricky.
But here’s the good news: technology has your back! 💡
Let me introduce you to 4 smart apps that make getting around Seoul, communicating with locals, and booking popular places so much easier — even if you don’t speak a word of Korean.
🚖 1. TABA – A Taxi App for Foreigners in Seoul
Hailing a taxi in a foreign country can be a gamble — unless you have TABA.
Supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and T-Money, TABA lets you search for destinations in multiple languages and call a taxi with just a few taps.
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Multilingual interface (no Korean typing required!)
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Sign up with your original mobile number
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Popular tourist destinations suggested automatically
"It honestly feels like having a local friend hail a cab for you."
🚖 TABA – 외국인 전용 다국어 택시 앱
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Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.globaleur.taxi
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App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1622291969
🛂 2. Trip.PASS – Smart Travel with a Mobile Passport
Tired of pulling out your passport every time you shop or get a refund?
With Trip.PASS, your phone becomes your passport. It even combines transportation and payment features for a seamless travel experience.
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Use the Trip.PASS 2in1 card + app
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Works on buses, subways, and for tax refunds
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No need to carry your real passport around
“You’ll wish you had this app on every trip.”
🛂 Trip.PASS – 모바일 여권 & 환급 & 교통카드
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Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trip.trippass
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App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1583459623
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공식 웹사이트 (카드 구매): https://trippass.net/
🚘 3. TAP! – Try Seoul’s Self-Driving Shuttles
Ever ridden in a self-driving car?
In Seoul, it’s totally possible! With TAP!, you can call an autonomous vehicle and experience the future of urban travel.
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Available in designated areas of Seoul
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Simple booking via the app
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A unique ride you’ll want to brag about
"Your Instagram followers will love this."
🚘 TAP! – 자율주행 셔틀 호출 앱
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Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tap.auto
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App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6446144132
🗣 4. Flitto – Real-Time Translation at Your Fingertips
When words fail, Flitto saves the day.
Used at tourist centers and museums across Seoul, this real-time translation app supports 11 languages and makes smooth communication possible anywhere.
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Used in places like Gwanghwamun Tourist Info Center
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Fast and accurate real-time chat translation
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Makes conversations feel natural
“It’s like having a translator in your pocket.”
🗣 Flitto – 실시간 번역 앱
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Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flitto.app
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App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id581546198
Seoul isn’t just a cool city to visit — it’s a smart one too.
With the right apps, your trip can go from “a little stressful” to “totally smooth.”
Want to know how to enjoy Seoul’s food, delivery services, and K-pop performances?
👉 Must-Have Seoul Travel Apps ② – Food, Delivery, and Entertainment
