Many high-tech tools are available for foreign visitors to Korea

What are the most helpful apps to foreigners visiting Korea?

If Seoul, the capital city, is the destination, the app i Tour Seoul developed by visitseoul.net is recommended.

Available in five different languages, including Japanese and Chinese, the service provides extensive and timely information about what to eat, see and more in Korea.

For Chinese tourists visiting Korea, Zaiseoul is a popular one. The app is more oriented toward those who wish to plan their own travel, providing information of airline tickets and lodging, shopping and K-pop culture.

Local retailers are jumping into the industry in order to attract more Chinese visitors.

Recently, Lotte Group launched an app called Tiantian Le Tian that provides information on shopping, including promotional events going on at the retailer’s 15 subsidiaries. It also provides basic functions such as translation and local maps in Chinese.

Another noteworthy app is called Kozaza, which is a Korean equivalent of the widely known app Airbnb.

From hanok (traditional houses) to luxurious apartments, travelers can find various types of lodging using this service.

Foreign visitors also have the chance to use smartphones in Korea for free.

SK Telecom, Samsung Electronics and the state-run Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) have agreed to rent out the latest smartphones for five days free-of-charge to 250 randomly selected people per week who make reservations online in advance. The selected visitors can pick up the smartphones at Incheon International Airport.

The digital devices will include the VisitKorea app created by the KTO. It provides information about what to do in Korea from attractions to hotels and dining.

Reservations can be made at emk.visitkorea.or.kr.

BY PARK SU-RYON
[jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]