Your smartphone can be a faithful companion during your travels around the world. When you're unfamiliar with your surroundings, the local language, or the daily habits of residents, mobile applications can prove invaluable in countless situations. Here's a practical guide to getting properly equipped in Seoul.

Once you've landed at Incheon Airport, take a few minutes to set up your mobile phones! Although many wifi networks exist throughout central Seoul, some neighborhoods or streets are without coverage. Several phone carriers have stands in the main terminal, where you can choose your plan. Fair warning: it's not cheap. For example, you'll pay 27,500 won—roughly 20 euros—for unlimited 4G data for 5 days. Choose based on your length of stay. Also consider, if you opt for a limited plan, connecting to the wifi networks you'll encounter along the way: hotels, restaurants, public spaces, and more. Once your phone has internet access, you can use the apps you've downloaded before your flight, or download them on the spot.

Turn left! Wait... Actually, I'm not sure.

The most important thing will be to orient yourself and find your way around South Korea's capital. Although Google Maps works reasonably well here, the American giant doesn't have complete coverage of Korean roads and neighborhoods. Locals prefer KakaoMap. This app not only shows you exactly where you are but also offers additional features. You'll find a detailed, interactive map of Seoul's metro system, which you'll likely use countless times. If you're not in the mood for underground travel, you can also book a taxi through connected apps available directly in KakaoMap's menu.

Friends are forever!

If travel means connection for you, the KakaoTalk app will delight you. It's essentially the same concept as WhatsApp or Messenger, with one key difference: every Korean uses KakaoTalk. You'll be able to stay in touch, through your internet connection, with the new friends you meet while sightseeing, at social events, on the street... or even through apps!

Hello Talk is a tool that will help you connect with Koreans by learning the language first, discussing tourist attractions, or taking the leap and arranging to meet for coffee or a sightseeing activity!

Impress them with your linguistic skills!

Because yes, these new friends will greatly appreciate your surprising them by already speaking their language after having set foot on Korean soil just days before! Many Koreans speak very little English. There's no point mentioning French. The surest way to communicate is to learn a few basic notions to get by and, at worst, make your conversation partner laugh. Rieulkorean, available only on Android, and Naver are two apps that will give you a head start. The first, for the more dedicated learner, features a Korean-English dictionary, vocabulary lists, pronunciation guides, and even a conjugation table!

The second, Naver, simply translates your sentences from English to Korean. It's far more popular with travelers than Google Translate, for example!