Naver Map: First-Time Setup Guide

Learn how to install NAVER Maps, change language settings, configure navigation preferences, and prepare for common issues.

In this guide :

1. Download
2. Change the app language
3. Basic settings to check
4. Why you should keep camera alerts ON
5. Common first-time problems

⏱️ Setup takes about 5 minutes.

Related :‍

[Using Naver Maps in Korea]

‍

Download

• iOS: App Store → search "NAVER Map"
• Android: Google Play → search "NAVER Map"

The app is free, and you don't need a Korean phone number.

🗣️ Do I need to log in?

You can use Naver Map without an account.

But logging in unlocks:

But logging in unlocks:

• Bookmarks (save your favorite places)
• Search history
• Saved routes
• Saved vehicle settings
• Driving score tracking

If you'll drive in Korea more than a few times, logging in is worth it. You only need a phone number to verify (any country works).

‍

Change the app language

The app should auto-detect your phone's language. But if it opens in Korean, here's how to switch.

• iOS : App Store → search "NAVER Map"
• Android : Google Play → search "NAVER Map"

The app is free, and you don't need a Korean phone number.

‍Tip: Even after switching, place names and reviews will still appear in Korean. That's normal — the menus and navigation are translated, but local content isn't. We'll cover how to handle this below.

⚠️ Voice navigation language : Only English is available for voice. If you set the app to Japanese or Chinese, voice will still play in Korean.

‍

Basic settings

Before your first drive, take 2 minutes to check these :

Go to Settings.

This menu contains navigation settings such as alerts, guidance options, and speed camera notifications.

Default route mode

• Set Car as your default (instead of public transit)
• This way, the app gives you driving directions first when you search a place

My car settings

Set the fuel type for your vehicle.

• Gasoline
• Diesel
• LPG
• Electric
• Hydrogen

NAVER Maps will use this information when searching for gas stations or charging stations.

Voice volume + alerts

⚠️ You can also adjust the voice and guidance volume later while driving.

• Settings → Navigation → Voice guidance
• Make sure volume is loud enough to hear over road noise
• Check which alerts are turned on (speed cameras, school zones, etc.)

Voice guidance can also be turned off completely if preferred.

Speed & camera alerts → Keep ON ✅

This is the most important setting. Details below.

‍

Camera alerts ON

Korea has a LOT of speed cameras, and the number keeps growing every year.

What "camera alerts ON" gives you

• A voice warning before each camera ("Speed camera ahead, 80 km/h")
• A visual warning on the screen
• School zone alerts (extra loud)
• Bus-only lane alerts (avoid getting fined for using the wrong lane)

First-time driver in Korea? Keep ALL alerts ON. Yes, even if it sounds annoying. It will save you money.

Why this matters for foreign drivers

• Cameras are everywhere — highways, city roads, school zones, even small streets.
• School zones (어린이보호구역) are the strictest. The speed limit is 30 km/h, and fines are doubled.
• If you're driving a rental car, you may get charged for the fine later.

[Traffic Fines]

‍

Common first-time problems

🗣️ Place names still appear in Korean

This is normal. Here's the workaround:

1. Find the place on Instagram, a blog, or the hotel website
2. Copy the Korean name (e.g., 경복궁)
3. Paste it into Naver Map search

This works far better than searching in English.

Or, search by phone number — that almost always works.

🗣️ Voice keeps playing in Korean

You probably set the app language to Japanese or Chinese.

• Voice navigation is only available in English.
• Switch the app to English to get English voice.

🗣️ I can't sign up — it asks for a Korean phone number

You don't actually need a Korean number. During signup, choose your country code (e.g., +1 for USA, +44 for UK). You'll get the verification SMS to your home number.

If signup still fails, skip it — most features work without an account.

🗣️ The map looks empty / no buildings

Make sure you have an internet connection. Naver Map needs data to load most features.

If you're using pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM, this is usually fine. If not, consider getting one before your trip.

🗣️ I can't see live traffic

Live traffic only shows after you start navigation for a route. On the regular map view, tap the traffic icon (usually top right) to toggle it on.

‍

‍

For tips on how to use Naver Map for actual driving — search tips, parking, route choice — check our main guide:

[Why Naver Map & How to Use It]

‍