Korean Dictionary
How to say "Map" in Korean
“Map” in Korean is 지도 (pronounced "Jido").
지도
Jido
Usage & Context
While paper maps exist, Naver Maps (네이버 지도) and Kakao Maps are the go-to navigation apps in Korea. Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea due to data restrictions. Naver Maps provides excellent public transit directions and real-time traffic information.
Example Sentence
네이버 지도 어플로 길을 찾으면 돼요.
You can find your way using the Naver Maps app.
How to use 지도 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Map” is 지도, romanized as Jido.
Usage tip
Pair this travel word with polite request endings like -요 so it works in hotels, stations, taxis, and shops.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 지도.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'jee-doh' — 'jee' rhymes with 'bee,' and 'doh' rhymes with 'dough.' Both syllables are equally short with no heavy stress.
More Example Sentences
asking a stranger for directions on the street
지도 좀 보여 주실 수 있어요?
Could you show me the map, please?
comparing navigation apps with a friend
카카오맵 지도가 네이버 지도보다 편해요.
The Kakao Map is more convenient than the Naver Map for me.
explaining how to navigate the Seoul subway to a tourist
지하철 노선 지도는 역마다 붙어 있어요.
Subway line maps are posted at every station.
Cultural Context
Google Maps famously doesn't work for turn-by-turn driving directions in Korea because map data can't legally leave the country's servers — so almost everyone uses 네이버 지도 or 카카오맵 instead. Both apps offer accurate bus arrival countdowns, subway exit numbers, and even indoor maps of large shopping malls. Older Koreans still sometimes reach for paper 지도책 (map books), but smartphones have essentially replaced them.
Editorial note
We review entries like 지도 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
지도 좀 보여 주세요.
Please show me the map.
지도에서 찾아볼게요.
Let me look it up on the map.
이 지도 어떻게 봐요?
How do I read this map?
Related Expressions
길
gil
road / way
내비게이션
nae-bi-ge-i-syeon
navigation (GPS)
위치
wi-chi
location
지도책
ji-do-chaek
atlas / map book
More Travel Words
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