Mastering NAVER Map in South Korea

Summary

Sources

funliday.com

Imagine stepping off the plane in South Korea, a country where the streets are bustling with life, and the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of street food. But as you try to navigate your way through this vibrant maze, you quickly realize that Google Maps, your trusty travel companion, isn't as helpful here. Instead, the locals rely on something different—NAVER Map and KaKao Map. Today, we'll explore why NAVER Map is the go-to app for navigating South Korea and how you can make the most of it during your travels. South Korea's NAVER Map is more than just a navigation tool; it's a lifeline for both locals and tourists. Unlike Google Maps, NAVER Map offers a simplified Chinese interface, making it accessible for those who might not be fluent in Korean. This feature alone makes it a top recommendation for anyone planning a trip to South Korea. Let's start with the basics. Once you've downloaded the NAVER Map app on your phone, the first step is to adjust the language settings. Open the app and tap on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner. Scroll down to find '설정,' which means 'Settings.' From there, select '언어,' or 'Language,' and choose your preferred language—be it English, Simplified Chinese, or Japanese. Although the Simplified Chinese version might still have some Korean text, it's far more navigable than an entirely Korean interface. Now, let's put NAVER Map to the test with a real-life example. Suppose you want to visit the 'Hanmaeum Happiness Center' in Busan. You can search for it using its Korean name, '한마음행복센터,' or simply enter the phone number, zero five one, two four zero, six five seven five. Even if you can't type in Korean, the app allows you to search using the phone number, provided the location is registered on NAVER. Once you've found your destination, the map will show a blue dot with an arrow indicating your current location. On this particular day, you're starting near Nampo Station and heading to the Hanmaeum Happiness Center, located near the Gamcheon Culture Village. You can save the Korean name or phone number of your destination on your phone for easy access. When you're ready to go, simply copy and paste it into the search bar and hit 'Arrive.' NAVER Map will then present you with multiple route options. You can choose based on your preferred mode of transportation, departure time, and the best route. The app's top recommendation usually offers the shortest travel time, but it's worth scrolling down to see other routes that might be more convenient, especially if they require fewer transfers. In our example, the map shows that you need to take a small local bus, marked in green, which typically has about ten seats and navigates the narrow mountain roads. The route suggests taking the Seogu Two bus and getting off at the 'Eomeidong Public Parking Lot' stop. Follow the blue dot and arrow to walk to the bus stop at 'Chungmuro Intersection,' a journey of about eleven minutes or seven hundred twenty-eight meters. As you walk, the blue dot and arrow will move with you, a feature that makes NAVER Map incredibly user-friendly. Once on the bus, the blue dot will continue to track your progress along the route. When you reach the 'Eomeidong Public Parking Lot' stop, you'll see a 'P' sign indicating the parking lot. From there, it's a short walk up a gentle slope to your destination. The Hanmaeum Happiness Center is a community activity center located in Chojang-dong, on Cheonmasan Road. It primarily serves local seniors and new residents who have moved to Busan through marriage, offering language classes and social activities. The center also houses a 'Good Price' café, certified by the city of Busan, where you can enjoy a cup of American coffee for just two thousand won. The café's floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views that rival those of any observation deck. In addition to the usual café beverages, they serve a delicious traditional sweet rice drink that's a must-try. Navigating South Korea with NAVER Map is like having a local guide in your pocket. Whether you're exploring bustling city streets or tranquil mountain paths, this app ensures you never lose your way. So, the next time you find yourself in South Korea, remember to download NAVER Map and let it lead you on your adventure. And that's a wrap for today. Stay tuned for more tips and stories to make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Until next time, happy exploring!