There's an App for That!

Must Download Apps:

Google Maps App:

I don't use the directions option of this app, but I use it to help me find subway stations near my location.   If you type in the place you are going you can easily zoom in close to it to find the names of the closest subway station.    I also used it to make sure I was going in the right direction to my chosen destination.  Someone asked if you can type the destination name in English, I was always able to use the English name successfully.   The app is handy to help figure out which exit to use to get out of the subway station.   It also helped me judge if something was within walking distance or if a subway was necessary.  Before we went I spent some time starring places of interest so they were easy to see on the map.

Seoul Metro:
This app allows you to plan a route.  You can input the starting station and then ending station and the app will tell you approximately how long it will take and exact directions to get there.  I recommend playing with it a bit before you get there.  One again,  I used Google maps to determine the nearest subway station to my starting point and to my ending point, then followed the directions.

1.) Use the menu to choose Route Planner. (See the pictures below.)

2.) Input your starting station and ending station. (use google maps) 

3.)  Determine which route you prefer, fastest or easiest.  Many times they are the same.

4.) Use this version to see an overview of your route, which lines (colors) you'll be using.

5.) Slide the screen left to see the map version and exact directions of where to transfer.

Subway tips:
- the screens on the subway also announce locations in English.  Make sure to pay attention.
- for the subway illiterate, like myself, pay attention to the direction you need to go.  Each subway line has trains going in both directions. Usually it's right across from each other.  Use the map and the signs through the subway station to ensure you are going in the right direction. Example: Toward Euljiro, toward Seoul Station, etc.

-  the exit number is important when getting out of the subway station.  If you don't use the right exit you'll end up near your location,  but you may have to walk further. If you zoom in close enough on Google Maps it will show the exit number to leave through.  In the picture below the little yellow circles wth numbers represent the exit numbers.

When  you get off the subway there will be signs on the ceiling that tell which way to go for each exit.  

WhatsApp:
For those that have a Samsung phone, this app was quite handy.  I don't know about Iphones, but with my phone I wasn't able to call or text using my wifi egg.   This app allows you to call, text and video chat for free to anyone who has the app.  The clarity is excellent and it can be used without charge anywhere that you have wifi. We used this to keep up with our families back at home.  

Side note:  We used the olleh wifi egg that we rented at the airport for Wi-Fi signal.  This was an awesome tool to have while in Korea.


Google Translate:
Lastly, the Google Translate app came in handy several times.  If we were ever having a language barrier issue we would use this app to get the point across.  In Seoul this isn't usually a problem as a lot of Koreans know a little English.   It came in handy at some of the shops or any of the small restaurants.    We even used it a bit to communicate with our foster mom when the social worker wasn't in the room to help translate.
Note:  Google Translate isn't perfect, the translation isn't always literally what you mean, but it's a start and can be used for simple translations.