NAVER Maps, Navigation Positive Reviews
Exceptional Navigation App for Exploring SeoulI arrived in Seoul, Korea, three days ago and was recommended Navver by a hostel mate I met in Okinawa. Despite my initial apprehension due to some negative reviews, I decided to give it a try, and I am glad I did! Navver has proven to be a high-performing app, possibly one of the best I have used. It stands out by providing rich detail through live activities on iPhones with dynamic island support and helpful notifications on the home screen. The audio guidance is clear and precise, making navigation through the bustling streets of Seoul a breeze. What impressed me the most is Navver’s eagerness to deliver an exceptional navigation experience in a major city. The app is incredibly helpful, and I found it to be more detailed and user-friendly than Apple Maps in many aspects. My only feedback is that for those who cannot read Korean, including tourists, the station numbers are not shown in the app (additional some gate entry doesn’t match the maps guidance making hard to determine which line direction to enter). Adding station numbers would make it much easier to quickly understand one’s location and navigate to the next station, similar to the system in China. Overall, I really like the app experience. With minor adjustments, Navver has the potential to be a major competitor to Google Maps and Apple Maps. Highly recommended for anyone navigating Seoul!.GurudéjVersion: 5.26.4
Holy grail of solo travelDid a 3 month solo travel to South Korea and I used this app every day, not kidding. My Korean is very veryyy limited and I grew up in a countryside so had no experience with public transportation or cities other than airport “subways” lol. This accurately told bus arrival times, gave detailed information and graphics for getting from one place to another, you can save restaurants and shops (even super obscure ones you wouldn’t think would be listed, I went outside of main cities a lot) in different folder types and the markings of the folder color show up on the map all together. Very helpful for planning out stations, where to eat, where you’re staying, how to get literally anywhere. I’m so grateful to this app where I didn’t have to ask any strangers directions to places, a lifesaver for introverts and anyone who isn’t versed in traveling Korea. I’ll always download it when I visit. So many grumpy reviews, yet this was a lifesaver for me!!!!.Mariah Ae😂✨Version: 5.25.10
Excellent app if you don’t understand KoreanI don’t know where all those bad reviews coming but this is the best app you want to use it in English. When using public transportation it’s 100% everything in English compared to their competitors app when you create directions all public transportation navigation is in Korean language so if you don’t understand then you don’t know where to go. Make sure you allow in settings to use your location. It’s not as good as google maps but very close to it. Thumbs up for devs who work on this project from fellow developer :) The only thing reviews section only in Korean language so can’t leave reviews and yes if you read this review please add translation to reviews so we can translate even if we can’t leave it. I think Google translate API should be good thing to integrate for it..BenderiukasVersion: 5.22.1
Very helpful. Don’t mind the negative reviews!I am absolutely confused why this app has received so many negative reviews. Maybe people are upset that this Korean app has some *gasp* Korean? Nonsense. This app showed us very accurate directions to places we needed to go. It showed us timetables of when the next train and bus was arriving, as well as accurate walking directions. There is a setting to change it to English (which is what we used), but some places (for example, restaurants) will not have an English translation and that’s okay. It wasn’t slow or buggy when we were using it in South Korea. I highly recommend this app for travel!.LovelySejalboVersion: 5.26.7
Preferred over KakaoMapsI appreciate the additional features and functionality that this app provides over Kakao, such as more detailed information about locations and the ability to make reservations with Naver (if you have a Korean phone number).
My only request is to add the ability to copy text, specifically the place or business name, so that I can look it up easier in other apps like Google..SmirkysueVersion: 5.21.6
5 starsHey honestly In the comments are just a bunch of ungrateful Americans… this app helped me navigate everywhere! Yeah it could be better but honestly this works for what it is. This app gave bus and train routes, walking distances, everything that I could of needed it had it. The only negative thing i can say is that it could be more precise with your location on the map but you can work without it. Overall great app it helped me out A LOT!!!.RealN!!Version: 5.14.2
Its okayIts an okay up some improvements would definitely make it better.
The bus stops are not exact, but close enough for you to know what stop is what. But ive been living in busan for a month and its helped me get by.
The best advice i can give for using this app is just to pay attention to the stops and where your going. Also look at your surroundings, building may be wrong because they come and go so quick in korea..Busanbabe96Version: 5.3.3
So helpful in KoreaNaver was SO helpful, when I connected online it still guided me when I didn’t have my SIM card as long as I didn’t reload the app. Very helpful with bus times, numbers, and I got to school on time every day! Great app and it had English so i knew where to go!.Abby.love.roseVersion: 5.25.10
Get over itI don’t know why so many people are complaining. This is my first time in Korea and my Airbnb host recommended I use this app for transportation. I’ve had no problem with it, yeah some of the places are in Korean but if you can direct yourself by watching for the right stops I see no problem. Thank you Naver.Fifa_dude24Version: 5.5.2
Great for navigating Seoul as an AmericanMuch better than Kakao Maps since English is more well supported in the app. You can get turn by turn directions in English with reasonable tools for setting start and stop. Also super easy for finding restaurants to go to..Andrewwong97Version: 5.19.3
Looks betterThe old GUI was devided to direction, navigation, location, etc. so complicate to use. New one comes better. The structure is getting simplified and close to google map. But still feels little bit complicate. I like the graphic and color. Map is one of the wonderful function of smart phone and most frequently used app. Thank for your work..SpaceholicVersion: 5.0.1
Overall a good app!There are things to be improved such as fuzzy search and support for English input, but the app overall is very powerful and easy to use. I’m a foreigner that read and write Korean. Maybe that has helped me dodge some of the problems mentioned in the one-star reviews..Ming_44Version: 5.20.0
First time in Seoul & NAVER has been helpfulGoogle Map doesn’t work well in Seoul. Kakao is the best & cab drivers uses it but navigation details is in Korean hence not useful for us (Can’t read Korean). Though NAVER is not on par with Kakao, if you work around its limitation, it’s usable & helpful for those of us who can’t read Korean..John_3_16Version: 5.26.7
Fixed glitchesThere’s a lot of people complaining about glitches and things of that sort so for new people it’s all been fixed..MochiBear121Version: 5.24.5
Without fail this app gets you where you need to be in KoreaThis app had my back and I loved it.
You don’t even need to read korean to understand it as the UI was pretty intuitive.Playin hard to get them coinsVersion: 5.20.3
Dark modeHow is there STILL no dark mode? I really love everything about this app except how it blinds me with its light mode screen when I use it at night. Slowly making my transition to TMap..Republic of KoreaVersion: 5.30.1
Why a 1.7?This map is great. Visiting family right now and I can't read korean well so they told me to get kakao map but I didn't like it. I tried naver and it's perfect and it is completely translated to English which is amazing!.GrabmgVersion: 5.3.8
Siri shortcut should be supported in order to make it instantly accessible.Siri Shortcut support could make this app bigger. Users should be able to instantly start navigation to the most frequently destination by simply saying like “Drive home” or “Drive to work”. This was already possible with Apple Map..Choon1217Version: 5.2.6
Korean SIM card, Korean languageIf you’re using a KT SIM card like I was, the app will show in Korean when looking up routes. It’s somewhat usable, but not ideal. Switching to a Nomad APAC eSIM has changed the language to English. YMMV depending on SIM. Enjoy..KverbrVersion: 5.24.3
진짜.. 좋아하는 어플이거든요?국내 여행갈 때 정말 유용히 쓰고있어서 좋아하는데요
리뷰 안보인지 꽤됐는데 버그 체크좀요;; 업뎃했는데도 안보이는데요 일해주세요 젭알.ㅎㄹ료ㅗㅓㅠㄹ밍밍이Version: 5.14.2
English localization please!!Great for finding bus routes, but an English interface would be very much appreciated..StewacideVersion: 3.0.3
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NAVER Maps, Navigation Negative Reviews
Only walking directionsAt the time of this writing neither Google nor Apple Maps support walking directions in Seoul. Naver does, which is why it isn’t a 1 star. If either of those companies manages to add walking directions, you should never download Naver.
Everything else about this app is garbage. Terrible use experience from start to finish. Expect it to crash. Anticipate every tap to take at least three seconds to respond. Expect it to forget that it was in a navigation mode as you frantically try to retrieve the state you left it in. Be aware no more than maybe 10% of it is translated to English and a first year CS student could produce a better search experience..Savage Glitter XVersion: 5.22.3
Locked me out of my account because I don’t have a Korean number.I saved a bunch of restaurants and other locations for an upcoming trip to Seoul and while I was using the app it locked me out. I spent hours researching and saving things throughout the city. I had already created an account but all of the sudden they made me register with a Korean number while I was here. I don’t have one so I don’t have access to anything I have saved and it locked me out. I don’t really understand why this suddenly happened but not a great experience as an international traveler..Han27489Version: 5.24.0
Worst updateIve been using the phone in the us and brought to Korea, and the phone is still set in English and the app store being us version. The app worked just fine before the update and now it is horrible.
First of all, it takes forever to do anything, starting from locating myself and searching for places, and the app stalls occasionally. I also think it’s quite uncomfortable to translate every locations even when I search it in Korean(I have to double check because some places have different English name). I might give some credit to developers if they intended to make it comfortable for foreigners, but I think there should be an option to choose the preferred language.
Optimization needs to be done asap and some improvements too..JyoungyoungVersion: 5.0.3
Does not allow me to login and useWould not let me login with last trip user ID Created new one with phone number verified then suspend my login in less than 24 hours saying I am from a suspicious network. Can’t recover account. Cannot login. Wry few and little English. Complete garbage if you are not Korean in Korean with a Korean phone number and a Korean ID
Update: Complete trash. Requested customer support on their website and they respond in Korean. Had to use g translate. And it says sorry you are in an unsafe location (in the USA with t mobile and att!!! That is unsafe!!!) Says nothing else.
Do not use. Do not submit any official document for customer service. You will give up your ID and privacy for garbage.Wake.koalaVersion: 5.29.0
CarPlay and podcast/music interruptionsI have been using Naver for many years, and was quite satisfied with it but few months ago i start having an issue with it. When i drive long i use CarPlay in my car, use NaverMap for navigation and usually play some music or listen to podcast.
My problem that music or podcast stops every time NaverMap announces something, once announcement is completed, play restarts. I would like to have option to have announcements play simultaneously with podcast/music.
I did not have this problem in the past, but after an update several months ago i start having this issue. I would appreciate if you could fix this. Thanks.DocNixonAndTitoVersion: 5.21.3
A lot of improvements can be madeIt’s a decent app for getting around in Korea, but there are a lot of problems. It freezes or crashes quite often. It’s very annoying to save places, it often shows me error messages. Also the English version is clunky and confusing to navigate. Still has a long way to go before it can reach the level of Google Maps.TovarischDroogVersion: 5.5.0
If you are a foreigner, this will do a great job getting you lostIf you're a foreigner living in Korea, you are probably using Naver because Kakao does not have an English version, and Waze and Google Maps don't work well here due to Korea's data restrictions.
The problem is that Naver is a terrible app. It's AI is awful. The worst feature (by far) is that it constantly tries to re-route you in directions that make absolutely no sense. It simply refuses to stick with an initial route. It will give you a different route every single time.
I've given up on this app. You're better off just using trial and error..Straight furrowVersion: 5.14.2
Used to be good, now unreliableUsed this app for almost 4 years and it worked just fine until now. They updated and it has become completely unreliable. It loses my track right before turns, reroutes me in directions that don’t make sense, and completely shuts down while in the middle of driving. Can be a safety hazard. I used to love it because it was easy to find places, gave good warnings about speed cameras and rest stops. Unfortunately, I can’t rely on it any longer. Hope they update it to fix the issues..TheBeAsT528Version: 5.13.3
Another step backWhen I first started using this app, I could use English as well as Korean to search for places. Now I can only use one or the other. This app has seemed to have gotten worse over the past couple of years. It started freezing and then the navigation would disappear mid-route. So I haven’t been too happy with it. This latest update changed some things and my biggest complaint is that the when I choose English as the language of choice, it deletes my Korean keyboard. One star..JayemeyeVersion: 5.24.2
Horrible, horrible updateThe new app is seriously testing my patience every time I use it. I hate that you can’t use the app in Korean if your iPhone’s language is set to English. I see how it can be a plus for some ppl, but I have used it in Korean for many years and English transliteration just seems so confusing now! Another thing - if the app is running in the background and I bring it forward to do a new search, the app just stalls! Most of the time I have to kill the app and open it again. Super annoying , especially when you are in a hurry..Fashion AveVersion: 5.0.2
Naver...Why did you change the whole thing? I mean, before it changed like now, it was useful to find a way to places I wanted to go. It had its own fashion and creativity. And it was easy to use too. But now, as I mentioned earlier, I DO NOT understand why you guys transformed this app into a weird thing. It looks like Google map, but it is not useful just like Google. Furthermore, It becomes too complicated to use as a navigation tool. I can’t even find the information I want! It just becomes chaos.
Please change the whole thing back to the original..TheBraveLeoVersion: 5.0.4
Suspended my account without helpDuring my extended stay in Seoul, Naver suspended my account due to 'suspicious login,' and despite appealing twice, they said my account doesn't belong to me and there's nothing they can do to help me. I lost all of my saved locations within that account. Their phone support line lacks international language options, and the website lacks a help desk ticket system. The app cannot export/import saved favorites. Otherwise, for public transit routing and timetables, it is the best app I have found.Daniel RobertsonVersion: 5.20.2
Couldn’t even get an account set up…I attempted to create an account with an American phone # with T-Mobile, but the verification codes wouldn’t even send, and the number wasn’t ever blocked from T-Mobile to begin with. I was on the phone with T-Mobile for an hour only to find this out, and even still couldn’t get it to work. There were no more options within the app, such as verification through email, and I’m out of luck in regards to this..VerylostinkoreaVersion: 5.30.1
Distracts driver. Talks too much.Very annoying navigation app. It tells you 3 times about turn, speed limit etc. approximately 800 meters before, 400 and 100. While it tells you about turn or something else you cover the distance and it’s time to tell you again and then third time. So, it continuously talking about everything and distracting a driver. There should be an option to limit number of times that app tells you about everything. Ones more then enough..FgyuiknVersion: 5.11.0
All my saved data is gone 😩This app was a lifesaver back when I was visiting relatives last year. Sure, it lagged sometimes, but that was a negligible con compared to the pros. It was a reliable & informative app with great bus/transportation info. I barely used Google Maps at all during my time in Seoul — this app was my go-to.
Then there was this update. The layout is may look a bit prettier, faux modern sleek-ish, but the functionality is basically trash.
Plus, there was the added “bonus” of all my saved locations being deleted. All of my saved routes and transportation methods have disappeared. All of the places I noted down to visit or revisit at a later date are just gone, which is obviously upsetting.
They shouldn’t have updated this. It was fine, better than fine, before..Erica807Version: 5.2.8
Product of Anti-Competitive ProtectionismThe only reason you’ll download this app, is because South Korea has passed legislation which makes it impossible for competitors to these local mapping and search engines. So it can give you directions.
But it is absolutely terrible for foreigners and the English accessibility of the data is almost non-existent.
South Korea clearly doesn’t care about Tourists or business travelers to be able to get around or see things..CenturionOmegaIVersion: 5.24.5
I hate I had to download itThis app is really bad, from crashing, to lagging, to not showing places on the map, to the GPS being as inaccurate as it can be. I don’t recommend it, but what option do you have? This app is pretty much a monopoly and it shows, after all it has no need to improve, why change if people are going to donwload it anyway? Well, good luck to you and may God have mercy on your soul, because Naver won’t..LeloleloleloleloleloleloVersion: 5.26.4
Make saved places visible on the mapI’m not sure why but u used to be able to see all your saved places as little stars on the map. You could go to any area and quickly see what’s around. But they keep removing the feature and it’s so stupid. Now I have to scroll through the list making finding things incredibly inconvenient. Please give users the option to have it visible or not :(.Adrie96Version: 5.23.6
Terrible updateThe old interface was simple and efficient. This is not even an update; it’s like having to use a new map application. Korean transit station names are no longer listed in Korean and we are forced to use the English version. The layout is overly complex and it is very difficult to switch between different sections of the app quickly. I have used Naver maps for over five years but this recent update has forced me to look for other options..Mbn reviewerVersion: 5.0.1
Account Suspended for No Good ReasonI created an account so I could map out locations for my trip to Korea and was suspended for suspicious activity (all I did was search and star locations to save them). It is impossible to figure out how to get unsuspended, so I had to create a new account, hoping that one doesn’t get suspended as well. Very disappointing..IkaslikVersion: 5.22.5
Horrible navigation.This app is souring my time in Korea. It’s incredibly slow and half the time just won’t load. My BF also has this app and it doesn’t even work on his phone. It will map us to the wrong spots and won’t reroute if you take a wrong turn. It’s a joke. I would never recommend using this app if there’s another option. We can never find what we’re looking for. Screw this app and it’s creators..IhatedancinglineVersion: 5.27.1
Volume adj problem with navigationNavigation alerts doesn’t decrease volume of music playing in the background. Tried other navigation app in Korea and they worked fine
Edit:Voice recognition caused the problem, as soon a s I turned off the “네이버 클로바” the app was able to adjust bg music volume for its navigation alerts.Farreach84Version: 5.7.2
Wrong roads, gps, speed cameras missingNaver maps has frequently taken me down back roads with terrible conditions or narrow single lanes. Many speed zones are incorrect and speed cameras are not listed. Not a big deal unless the road changes speed and you can’t tell and then there is a camera. Boom ticket. Thanks Naver..JfktggdvggbhgdgdVersion: 5.14.2
Pins disappearedWhere did all my pins go? This latest update is terrible for me as foreigner living in Seoul. Naver maps was my life saver and now all of my pins are in their lists but not displayed on the map and I don't know where anything is. Please go back to the way it was before!!.HappydayruthVersion: 5.21.4
Update horribly screwed upEver since the long awaited English update, the app always failed to find my location. Even worse, when it does in a few cases it cannot even track the road I’m driving on. What an embarrassment! You update an app with language support but then decide to fiddle with perfectly working GPS location trackers. Well done Naver! Never change! You’re a disgrace to Korean tech builders..CartunaVersion: 5.5.0
Not Accurate in English versionI am a frequent user of Naver Map. I have been using it for 7 years now, and I really like it because of its accuracy. However, the new version that supports English does not seem to have good accuracy in finding direction (길찾기), and it offers less alternatives in the public transit compared with the earlier version in Korean. I really I can switch back the version 😫😫😫.The_exp89Version: 5.0.1
Pointless sign-inWhen you try to sign in via Facebook and provide your credentials, it makes you create a new account with a new user name and password anyway. What’s the point of signing in via Facebook, then? Tried to delete the account and it was unresponsive. Didn’t bother finding out what the rest of the app is like. What’s the point if they can’t even get the first step right?.KimcheaterVersion: 5.3.3
A lousy navagation appThis app has gotten my friends and I lost more times than I can count. It's a terrible navagation app.
1. Constantly loses its bearings inside Seoul
2. Turn directions are imprecise especially for Seoul, you constantly enter the wrong lane.
3. The most aggravating part is that the AI is awful. It refuses to actually follow the route you want, and constantly reroutes you for no reason, and often in the most nonsensical way.
No wonder Korea bans Google, Google Maps would absolutely crush this lousy app.
You are better off just using trial and error and memorizing the route. This app is practically worthless..US Military MemberVersion: 5.14.2
Useless Because Of RegistrationNaver is really big in South Korea, or was 15 years ago, but it's less useful today. - Not as accurate, or up to date, as the competition - Account required for many basic features but it seems impossible to setup an account unless you have an ID from the Korean government - GPS is really wonky.SandifopVersion: 5.22.5
Great except CarPlayMy favorite navigation app for Korea. Dual lingual and easy to use. The problem is I use this for my motorcycle via CarPlay to stay off the express ways. Update 5.15.0 has left me with a blank screen when using CarPlay so now I have to find a new navigation app with English and CarPlay..Newbelgium4Version: 5.15.0
Terrible UXNaver may have the best geo dataset in Korea (I’m assuming); but the UX of this app is simply dreadful.
You need to turn on a switch to know where you are on the map: whhaaat? Who thought about that? :-) that’s crazy. Come on, it’s a map app, I wanna know where I am. Plus this geoloc switch is a 3 states switch (none, GPS, GPS+orientation), which is even more awful.
No icons are used, all buttons look the same and only use text. That’s not easy for the brain to remember text, icons make this easy.
Also, the map is still a bitmap image. You guys badly need to switch to vector rendering..MitttshVersion: 4.3.5
You'll have to download but you won't like itEvery click is painfully slow.
Search is very hard to use (English search at least)
Login is buggy - had to try 3 times.
I randomly get logged out ~once a day..Chet k 105Version: 5.26.0
Allow searching using HangulAllow searching using Hangul even when using the English interface.
Kakao maps allows this..NothanksagainVersion: 5.0.2
My saved list???Places I’m trying to save is not showing up on the list….Thalam100Version: 5.29.1
Stupid direction.Dont use this usless map..YongpoVersion: 5.28.1
Barely usable without a working NAVER IDCannot save locations or retain search history or a working NAVER ID, and NAVER will lock ID without prior notice or without meaningful ways to resolve and no costumer service representative to talk to. Incredibly unfriendly for foreigners to use any of their apps while travelling to Korea. I want to like the app but without an ID it is barley function-able. English search function is also very limited and inconsistent..RainloveyaVersion: 5.24.3
There is a reason Google is #1 and Naver isn’tHorrible interface, lots of bugs..BroumandVersion: 5.23.6
Unreliable for public transit, hours of operation, and so much moreThis app is terrible for public transit. For example, it’ll make it’s too suggestion for a bus route, indicating that you’ll arrive at your destination in half an hour. But there’s no ETA for the bus, and you may actually arrive at your destination far, far later than half an hour..Constantthinker1Version: 5.20.3
Too many error, poor accuracyUseless.Tylor Yunsung LeeVersion: 5.3.0
네비기능만한국에서는 구글맵이 안되어 앱스토어에서 다운받았습니다 그런데 대중교통이나 도보 등의 다른 기능은 전혀 안되는 듯합니다 불편하네요.MargjmVersion: 4.3.2
Please allow option to switch languagesThis was the best korean map before the update. The app does not allow to switch between Korean and English. 한글 searching does not work in English mode, and the only way to switch to 한글 is the change the default language of the phone. Please allow full 한글 regardless of the phone’s language settings..PR73aVersion: 5.0.1
Nice appPls put english pls.ShhauUnabqv12351617Version: 4.3.7
대중교통 찾기 안됨아이팟터치에서 대중교통 길찾기만 안됨.HwanivkkVersion: 2.7.0
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NAVER Corp.
