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    Home » South Korea Travel

    A Quick Guide on How to Use Naver Maps English Version

    Updated: Mar 14, 2025 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Naver Maps has established itself as an essential navigation tool in South Korea and offers extensive and detailed geographical coverage that's invaluable for travelers and residents alike.

    Although the interface is predominantly in Korean, the application comes equipped with an English version that can be accessed with some adjustments in the settings, making it a convenient choice for English-speaking users who want to navigate the country's cities and scenic countryside with confidence.

    Understanding how to operate Naver Maps in English is crucial not just for ease of use, but also for optimizing search results and benefiting from the app's robust features.

    The process involves tweaking language settings, which may be straightforward if the app aligns with your device's system settings but can require manual changes if not. Once set up, exploring the many functions, from real-time traffic information to public transportation schedules, becomes more intuitive.

    An image featuring a young woman standing in front of a car, holding open a large map that she is examining. The setting appears to be a dry landscape with mountains in the background. She is wearing a striped, green and white top and denim jeans. Her hair is styled back with a teal headband, adding a casual yet explorative touch to her outfit.
    Jump to:
    • 🧭 Getting Started with Naver Maps
    • 🗺️ Searching for Locations
    • 🛣️ Routes and Directions
    • ✨ Advanced Features
    • 📝 Tips and Tricks
    • 🛠️ Troubleshooting
    • ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
    • 💬 Comments

    🧭 Getting Started with Naver Maps

    Setting Up Your Account

    To begin using Naver Maps, you must create a Naver account by providing an email and a mobile phone number for verification.

    Once the account creation process is completed, you can access Naver Maps with your new ID, giving you access to the entire suite of navigation tools available.

    Language Settings

    The Naver Map platform supports multiple languages, including Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. The language is set to Korean by default, but users can easily switch to the English version in the settings.

    This ensures that all menus and instructions are fully understandable, enhancing the navigation experience for English-speaking users.

    Navigating the Interface

    With the language set to English, navigating the Naver Maps interface becomes straightforward. The search bar at the top allows you to enter destinations, while the map offers various tools and options for a tailored experience that users can pan, zoom, and switch between different map views according to their preferences.

    Mobile and Browser Apps

    Naver Maps is accessible on both smartphones and tablets through a dedicated app available on the Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple App Store for iOS users.

    Alternatively, you can access Naver Maps on a computer using a browser. For non-Korean browsers, you can use the Chrome extension Google Translate to navigate the site in English.

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    🗺️ Searching for Locations

    Using the Search Function

    To start using Naver Maps, you can simply tap the search box displayed at the top. Then, you can enter the name of the destination, be it an office, restaurant, or shopping center, and initiate the search.

    Naver Maps will process the inquiry and present a list of places matching the search criteria, similar to how you're using Google Maps.

    Understanding Search Results

    Once you've entered your query and activated the search, Naver Maps populates with a host of results, including names and images of places.

    Each search result may include valuable information, such as ratings and reviews from other users, to help you make an informed decision.

    Moreover, the locations might be grouped together in lists or connected via a modeled route—all intended to make the search experience more comprehensive.

    Filtering and Sorting

    You can refine your search on Naver Maps by applying filters to sort through the results. If you're looking for a place to eat, you can select restaurant-specific filters like cuisine type or open-now status.

    Additionally, sorting can be based on parameters such as distance, user ratings, or relevance to provide a tailored search experience. To make sure you find exactly what you're looking for, filters help narrow down the search in a user-friendly manner.

    🛣️ Routes and Directions

    Selecting Transportation Modes

    To begin planning a route, you must select your preferred mode of transportation.

    Naver Maps offers options for driving, walking, public transport, and even bicycling. Each mode provides a distinct path and estimated time of arrival based on current conditions, and you can switch between modes with ease to compare routes and commute times.

    Walking and Driving Directions

    For walking or driving, Naver Maps gives step-by-step directions that are straightforward and simple to follow. These include specifics such as subway station exits for pedestrians or the best lane to choose while driving.

    Additionally, the app updates in real-time to provide the most efficient route, considering factors like traffic and construction work.

    Avoiding Tolls and Highways

    Drivers can customize their routes to avoid tolls or highways, which can be particularly useful for those looking to save money or prefer scenic routes. Naver Maps allows drivers to select options that omit these roads, providing alternative paths that fulfill the user's requirements.

    A person with red hair is sitting in a car, wearing a black coat and gloves, while holding a smartphone inside a bright yellow case. The phone screen shows an Instagram feed, and a brown leather bag rests on their lap.

    ✨ Advanced Features

    Creating and Managing Lists

    In Naver Maps, you can create and manage lists to organize your favorite places and planned itineraries.

    For example, you can categorize locations into lists such as "Cafes to Visit" or "Work Offices," helping you plan trips or share recommendations with others. You can also edit these lists anytime to keep your itineraries updated.

    Sharing Locations and Directions

    Sharing key locations and directions with contacts is simple with Naver Maps. By using the in-app messaging feature or integrating other social media platforms and email, you can send a cafe's location to a friend or instructions for reaching a restaurant.

    This seamless sharing makes it easy for others to find the recommended spots or follow the same route without any hassle.

    Saving Favorite Places

    With just a few taps, you can save your favorite locations in Naver Maps—a frequently visited restaurant or a newly discovered office space.

    Later, these saved spots can be quickly retrieved from the 'Favorites' section, streamlining the process of returning to beloved locations or including them in a new travel itinerary.

    A person wearing a blue jacket and gray gloves is holding a smartphone outside in a wintry setting. The screen displays various app icons, suggesting a moment of connectivity or navigation outdoors.

    📝 Tips and Tricks

    When using Naver Maps in English, you can employ various search tips to refine your results.

    For starters, you can type in addresses or points of interest in both English and Korean, enhancing the app's versatility. For a more focused search outcome, it's better to use specific names or keywords related to the desired location.

    You can tap on favorite icons to quickly access saved locations or use the "Route" feature to get instant directions. Additionally, you can switch between transport modes—such as car, public transit, walking, or cycling—with a single tap to compare routes easily.

    If you opt for a browser over the mobile app, Naver Maps is still very accessible.

    The experience remains user-friendly, with a clean interface and intuitive controls that align well with the mobile version. By bookmarking map.naver.com, you can promptly get back to your mapping needs straight from your browser's bookmarks, avoiding the need to re-enter the site's address.

    • Browser Access: Efficient through bookmarks.
    • Favoriting Locations: Quick access to frequently visited spots.
    • Changing Languages: Ease of language setting adjustments.

    🛠️ Troubleshooting

    Common Issues and Solutions

    You might occasionally come across some typical problems with Naver Maps, such as difficulty in switching language settings or loading errors. Here are some solutions that can help:

    • Language Settings: Sometimes the app may revert to Korean. To ensure it stays in English, users should check that the language settings in Naver Maps are properly configured.
    • Account Issues: If you can't log in or access certain features, it's suggested that they verify their account details or reset their password using the app's built-in functions.
    • Loading Errors: For persistent loading issues, clearing the app's cache or updating it to the latest version often resolves these glitches.

    Reporting Problems

    In instances where the problems persist, reaching out to Naver Maps' customer support is the next step. They need to provide clear feedback or an error report, which can include:

    • Detailed description of the issue
    • Screenshot of the problem, if applicable

    You can find a feedback or report feature within the app menu, allowing you to communicate directly with the Naver Maps team.

    If you compare it with alternatives like Google Maps or Kakao Map, you may find that different platforms have their specific channels and procedures for reporting problems, so adhering to Naver Maps' own guidelines is vital for a swifter resolution.

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I change the language settings to English in the Naver Maps app?

    To switch to English on Naver Maps, you can adjust your language settings within the app to match your system settings or manually select English from the language options provided.

    Is there an English version of the Naver Maps app available for download?

    Yes, Naver Maps offers an English version that you can download directly from the App Store or Google Play Store, facilitating a smoother navigation experience in Korea.

    How do Naver Maps compare to KakaoMap when using the English interface?

    While KakaoMap is widely used, Naver Maps is often preferred for its more comprehensive English interface, offering better support for those who aren't fluent in Korean.

    Can I use Naver Maps outside of Korea?

    While Naver Maps is primarily designed for navigation within Korea, it can be accessed outside the country to plan routes and view maps. However, its utility may be limited outside Korean territory.

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    Hi, I'm Max!

    I'm a 3-year resident of rural South Korea, and a writer & chocoholic from the USA - I'm passionate about helping you have the best trip possible in Korea & beyond!

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