Using Korean apps without a Korean phone number

Many Korean apps ask for a Korean number or “identity verification”. Here is what works for visitors, and what to do when you get stuck.

MapsTaxisTranslationRestaurantsVerificationeSIM vs USIM

Maps: Naver Map and Kakao Map

• Naver Map has an English interface (also Chinese and Japanese). Searching and directions work without logging in; you only need an account to save places.
• Kakao Map also offers English, Japanese and Chinese, but searching in English can be hit and miss — try the Korean name or paste the address.
• Google Maps: Korea approved Google’s request to export map data in February 2026, with conditions. Full walking and driving navigation may still be rolling out — check the app, and keep Naver Map or Kakao Map as a backup.

Sources: TechCrunch (Google Maps approval) · The Korea Times (local map apps and foreign users) · LACHA Naver/Kakao Map guide

Taxis: Kakao T and Uber

• Kakao T is the main taxi app. Visitors report being able to sign up with an overseas phone number and register a foreign Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Amex for in-app payment. Some foreign cards are rejected — if so, choose to pay the driver directly (card or cash).
• Uber works with a foreign account and card, mostly in Seoul, Busan and Incheon; availability varies by city and time. Installing both apps gives you a fallback.
• Whichever app you use, you can sanity-check the fare with our taxi fare calculator.

Sources: LACHA Kakao T guide (2026) · Trip.com Korea taxi apps

Translation: Papago

Papago (by Naver) translates text, voice, conversations and photos (menus, signs), and supports English, Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese and more. You can download language packs for offline use. No Korean number is needed.

Source: Papago on Google Play

Restaurant bookings and waitlists

• CatchTable Global — the foreign-visitor version of CatchTable. Book or join waitlists without a Korean phone number; deposits can be paid with a foreign card. Search for “CatchTable Global” specifically.
• Tabling — the tablet queue you see outside many popular restaurants. You can usually join on the spot; remote queuing in the app may require Korean verification.

Sources: Korea.net (CatchTable for foreign tourists) · Korea Experience (Tabling vs CatchTable)

When “identity verification” blocks you

Korean “identity verification” (본인인증) usually requires a Korean phone line registered in your own name, so visitors generally can’t pass it — even with a tourist SIM. Instead:

1. Look for a global / foreigner version of the app, or sign up with email, Google or Apple.
2. Use the website instead of the app, or book through an international platform.
3. Ask your hotel front desk to book or call for you.
4. Call 1330 — they can interpret over the phone with a restaurant, shop or taxi.
5. Pay or queue on the spot — most places don’t require an app.

Source: Maaltalk eSIM guide (SMS vs identity verification)

eSIM vs USIM

• eSIM — quickest if your phone supports it: install before you fly, activate on arrival.
• USIM (physical SIM) — for phones without eSIM; pick it up at the airport or have it delivered.
• Most tourist plans are data only. Some plans add a Korean number for calls and SMS, which helps with SMS codes (e.g. restaurant or taxi apps) but still won’t pass full identity verification.
• Keep your home SIM reachable (dual SIM) if your bank sends one-time codes by SMS.

Source: Maaltalk eSIM comparison

Last checked: September 2026. App sign-up rules change often — if something here doesn’t match, check the app.