K-map-router — open Google Maps directions in Korea's map apps

Why I built this

I’m a developer who commutes home through Myeongdong Station in Seoul, where I pass countless tourists every single day. One evening, a traveler stopped me for directions. They were staring at Google Maps — so I pulled up Naver Map, checked the spot, and pointed them the right way.

That little moment made something click: as a Korean, I almost never use Google Maps inside Korea. For real-time transit, walking routes, and reviews, the local apps — Naver Map and KakaoMap — are simply more accurate and up to date.

But asking a short-term visitor to install an unfamiliar app, learn a Korean UI, and type Korean addresses is a real barrier. So I built a tiny tool to bridge that gap — with help from Claude, in a short sprint.

What is K-map-router?

K-map-router keeps the Google Maps UI you already know, and simply routes your directions into Korea’s most-used map apps. No new app to learn, no Korean to type.

Paste a Google Maps directions link, and it reopens the same route in Naver Map or KakaoMap. Don’t have the app installed? It falls back to the web — so there’s nothing to download.

How to use

In Google Maps, get directions to your destination and tap Share → Copy link.
Open K-map-router (kmap.piyaklabs.com) and paste the link.
Choose Naver Map or KakaoMap — the route opens right in the app (or on the web).

Who is it for

Travelers in Korea who find Google Maps directions unreliable here
Anyone who wants accurate transit and walking routes without installing or learning a new app
Friends planning a trip to Korea — feel free to pass it along

It’s free

This is a 100% free side project, made to give a little back to the travelers I pass every evening. If it saves you even one confusing detour, it did its job. Feedback is always welcome!

👉 Try it: kmap.piyaklabs.com