I’ve put together a list of essential apps for fans of K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean culture, as well as those planning to visit South Korea. These apps can be found on both the App Store and Android. Whether you're watching your favorite K-drama, read...
Sections
5
KDramas
KPop
Travel
Learning Korean
Others
KDramas
A popular app for streaming Asian series and movies, with a strong selection of Korean content. It also features some variety shows, though the catalog varies by region.
Viki: Asian Drama, Movies & TV
This app focuses solely on K-dramas and Korean variety shows, also including some movies (depending on the region). Content comes from networks like KBS, MBC, and SBS, along with their partners, and also features idol-related content.
KOCOWA+: K-Dramas, Movies & TV
Netflix has one of the largest selections of Korean content, particularly K-dramas and variety shows.
Netflix
Hulu includes K-dramas and Korean movies; however, in some regions, this content is available on other platforms, like Disney+.
Hulu: Stream TV shows & movies
Disney+ offers original K-dramas and Korean shows, but depending on your region, these might be available on Hulu instead.
Disney+
Prime Video offers a selection of Korean series and movies. The regional catalog varies, with some areas offering more movies compared to other platforms.
Amazon Prime Video
Primarily known for Chinese content, this platform also offers some original Korean dramas, though there aren’t many.
iQIYI - Dramas, Anime, Shows
Viu is an Asian streaming platform with Korean content, though it’s only available in select countries like the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Viu: Dramas, TV Shows & Movies - Apps on Google Play
A free streaming service available in Europe and the Americas, accessible online or through some smart TVs. It includes a K-drama channel, where a limited selection of K-dramas is available to watch live on Pluto TV or 'on demand.'
Pluto TV: Watch Free Movies/TV - Apps on Google Play
An Asian streaming service with both free and premium content. While it has more Chinese content, there are some Korean options available, which can vary by region.
WeTV: Asian & Local Drama - Apps on Google Play
An app by Korea’s official KBS network with international content, featuring shows, news, and more from the network, with subtitles in multiple languages.
KBS WORLD Mobile
A well-known site to track your favorite series, movies, and shows, whether you're watching, have watched, or plan to watch. It also allows you to follow actors, read news, and get updates on upcoming releases.
MyDramaList - Asian Drama DB
KPop
A rhythm game for ATEEZ fans! If you're an ATINY, you'll love listening to their songs while collecting virtual photocards. Highly recommended for fans of the group.
SUPERSTAR ATEEZ
Another rhythm game, but this one only features SM Entertainment artists. If you like any of their groups, it's really fun! It works just like the ATEEZ game but with a wider variety of artists.
SUPERSTAR SMTOWN
Similar to the previous games but with HYBE artists. Like the SM version, it's best if you’re a fan of multiple artists.
Rhythm Hive
This game is similar to the others, but it exclusively features JYP artists.
SUPERSTAR JYPNATION
Weverse, created by HYBE, is a fan platform that connects K-pop fans with idols through exclusive content, live streams, and fan communities. Originally for HYBE artists, it now includes artists from other labels. You can view exclusive posts, join s...
Weverse: Connect with Artists
A BTS-themed match-3 puzzle game. If you’re a fan of BTS or enjoy puzzle games, you’ll enjoy this. The cute characters, fun worlds, and challenges make it a super entertaining game.
BTS Island: In the SEOM Puzzle
A cooking game with BTS! It’s a classic cooking-style game, but the cute animations, storyline, and setting make it extra fun, especially for BTS fans. Even if you're not a huge fan, it’s still entertaining—and definitely addictive!
BTS Cooking On
Travel
Naver is like Google in Korea. The Naver map is the best option since Google Maps doesn’t have many locations or addresses properly marked. Plus, Naver’s map is available in English.
NAVER Map, Navigation
This is another great app for navigating around South Korea. It provides detailed maps for walking, driving, and using public transport. It’s a great alternative to Naver Map, and many travelers find it helpful to use both apps depending on where the...
KakaoMap - Korea No.1 Map
KakaoTalk is for chatting with people, like WhatsApp or Line. Koreans use this app to communicate, so if you're traveling, it may not be essential, but if you're staying for a few months, it can be really helpful to connect with locals.
KakaoTalk
This app provides easy access to subway schedules, routes, and updates. It’s especially useful for tourists, with an English version available.
KakaoMetro
I always used this app during my trips to South Korea. It gives real-time updates and helps with route planning, making it super easy to navigate the subway in Seoul and other cities. You can use this one or Kakao Map, depending on your preference.
Subway Korea
Although I love walking and taking the subway when I travel to Korea, there are times when I need to use taxis. KakaoT is a great app for booking rides, tracking them, and paying directly through the app. If you have trouble adding a credit card, you...
Kakao T
A translator is essential if you don’t know the language. Naver's translator is much better than Google’s, as it’s specifically designed for Korean.
Naver Papago - AI Translator
This app is for food delivery. If you're traveling for just a few days, it may not be that useful, but if you're staying longer in Korea, it can be very convenient. Plus, it has an English option.
Coupang Eats - Food Delivery
An app for discovering and booking unique experiences, tours, and activities in South Korea.
Trazy - Travel Shop for Asia
Similar to Trazy, Klook is a travel platform where you can book tickets for attractions, tours, and activities in South Korea. I use them interchangeably to find the best deals and experiences!
Klook
Learning Korean
This app focuses more on speaking, which I find very important because practicing speaking is crucial. If you don't have anyone to practice with, it's a great way to learn.
Teuida: Learn Languages
This is one of my favorite apps. The content on the app, along with its social media, is very interesting and dynamic.
Eggbun: Learn Korean Fun
A great app for dynamic learning with entertainment content like KDramas and Kpop.
Cake - Learn English & Korean
The Naver Dictionary is the go-to app for translating and looking up words in Korean.
NAVER Dictionary
Others
Webtoons are a hugely popular form of storytelling in South Korea. The official Naver Webtoon app offers a wide range of stories in multiple languages, many of which are later adapted into K-dramas or films.
WEBTOON: Comics
Tapas is another Korean platform for digital novels and webtoons, available in English as well.
Tapas – Comics and Novels
This is a popular Korean app for taking photos with filters, stickers, and other fun effects. Occasionally, it features collaborations with Korean artists.