How to Save and Organize Favorite Places in Naver Map

To save favorite places in Naver Map, search for your destination, tap the 'Save' star icon on the place profile, and select a folder to categorize it. You can manage these bookmarks in the 'My' tab to organize your daily itinerary by neighborhood or theme.

Why Google Maps Fails in South Korea

If you are planning a trip to Seoul, Busan, or Jeju Island, your first instinct is likely to open Google Maps. However, you will quickly find that Google Maps is virtually unusable for navigation in South Korea. Due to long-standing national security laws regarding geographic data, Google is not permitted to host high-detail map servers within the country. As a result, walking directions are non-existent, driving routes are often inaccurate, and the map data itself is outdated.

To navigate like a local, you must switch to Naver Map or KakaoMap. Naver Map is the gold standard for tourists because it offers a robust English interface and integrates deeply with local businesses, reviews, and real-time transit data. But beyond just finding a route, the most powerful way to use this app is by mastering the 'Save' and 'Favorite Places' features to build your itinerary before you even land at Incheon Airport.

Setting Up Your Naver Map Account

Before you start bookmarking every K-drama filming location or Michelin-rated rib place, you need to create an account. While you can use Naver Map as a guest, your saved places will not sync across devices or be backed up if you delete the app.

1. Download Naver Map from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top left or go to the 'My' tab.
3. Log in using a Naver account, or more conveniently, use your Line, Facebook, or Apple ID.
4. Ensure your language is set to English in the app settings.

Once logged in, you can access your favorites on both your phone and a desktop browser, which is much easier for heavy planning sessions.

How to Save Favorite Places: Step-by-Step

Saving a location is simple, but doing it correctly ensures you can find it later amidst the sea of Korean text.

Searching for Locations

Search for your destination in English. If the English name doesn't appear, try searching for the phone number or the address in Korean (Hangeul). Many K-pop fans find it helpful to copy-paste addresses from official fan sites directly into the search bar.

The Save Icon

When the place profile pops up from the bottom of the screen, look for the 'Save' icon (a star). Tapping this will immediately bookmark the location.

Choosing a Folder

A menu will appear asking you which folder you want to save the place to. By default, there is a 'List of Favorites,' but for a structured trip, you should create custom folders. You can even choose different colors for the map pins, such as red for 'Must-Visit Food' and blue for 'Shopping.'

Organizing Your Itinerary with Folders

The secret to a stress-free trip to Seoul or Busan is geographic organization. Instead of one giant list, break your favorites down by day or by neighborhood.

• By Neighborhood: Create folders for 'Hongdae/Yeonnam-dong,' 'Gangnam/Apgujeong,' and 'Myeongdong.' This helps you see which spots are within walking distance of each other.
• By Category: Use folders for 'Cafe Hopping,' 'Skincare Clinics,' and 'K-Drama Spots.'
• By Priority: Mark folders as 'Top Tier' or 'If Time Permits.'

When you are standing in the middle of Seongsu-dong and wondering where to go next, you can simply open your 'Seongsu' folder and see your pre-selected spots nearby. If you are looking for specific dietary options, you might also want to read about how to find vegetarian restaurants using Naver Map tags.

Connectivity: The Engine for Your Maps

Naver Map is a data-heavy application. It pulls real-time bus arrival times, high-resolution satellite imagery, and live traffic data. To use it effectively, you need a stable, high-speed connection. Relying on spotty public WiFi or expensive international roaming will lead to frustration when the map fails to load in a confusing subway station.

A SeoulSIM eSIM provides the local 5G connectivity you need. Operating on the SKTelecom and LG Uplus networks, these eSIMs offer the same coverage as local residents. Whether you are hiking in Jeju or taking the subway in Busan, you will have the bandwidth to load Street View and 3D maps instantly. If you are curious about advanced visuals, check out our guide on Naver Map 3D View.

Comparing Connectivity Options

Feature	International Roaming	Airport SIM Rental	SeoulSIM eSIM
Network Speed	Often Throttled	Local 4G/5G	Local 5G (SKT/LG)
Convenience	Automatic but Expensive	Long Pickup Queues	Instant Digital Delivery
Flexibility	Fixed Daily Rate	Return Required	Top-ups Available
Price	Very High	Moderate	Affordable

Planning Routes Between Favorites

Once your places are saved, Naver Map allows you to calculate the best route between them. Tap on a saved place in your 'My' tab, then select 'Directions.' You can then choose your next saved spot as the destination. The app will provide:

1. Public Transit: The exact subway exit to use and which train car is closest to the transfer.
2. Walking: Turn-by-turn directions (which Google Maps lacks).
3. Taxi: An estimated fare for Kakao Taxi or local cabs.

Before you head out, make sure to check if your phone is compatible with Korean eSIM technology to ensure you stay connected throughout your journey.

Pro Tips for Naver Map Power Users

• Add Memos: When saving a place, you can add a small note. Use this to write down what to order (e.g., 'Try the salt bread') or which K-drama scene was filmed there.
• Share Folders: Traveling with friends? You can share a link to your entire folder so everyone has the itinerary on their own phone.
• Offline Use: While Naver Map requires data for searching and routing, you can view your saved pins offline if you have previously loaded the map area. However, for real-time updates, a SeoulSIM data plan is essential.
• Find My iPhone: Be aware that certain location services work differently in Korea. For more on this, read SmartThings Find and Find My iPhone: Do They Work in Korea?.

How to Install Your eSIM for Navigation

Setting up your data is the first step of your itinerary. Once you purchase your plan, you will receive a QR code via email. For a detailed walkthrough, follow our setup guide.

• For iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code and set the new line as your 'Cellular Data' source.
• For Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan. Scan the QR code.

Remember, SeoulSIM plans are data-only and do not include a local phone number. However, they work perfectly with WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, and iMessage, allowing you to stay in touch without the high cost of a traditional voice SIM.

The Bottom Line

Mastering Naver Map favorite places is the difference between a stressful trip and a seamless adventure. By organizing your spots into folders and ensuring you have high-speed 5G data from a SeoulSIM eSIM, you can navigate Seoul's complex alleys and Busan's coastal roads with total confidence. Stop worrying about directions and start enjoying the food, fashion, and culture of Korea.