How to Find Korean Addresses: Street Names, Building Numbers, and Navigation Tips
Korean addresses can look complicated when you first arrive. A single hotel, restaurant, clinic, or shop may appear with a road name address, an older lot number address, a building name, a floor number, and a Korean place name that does not exactly match the English version shown on a booking site.
The address itself is usually not the hardest part. The real challenge is finding the correct entrance, identifying the right branch of a business, and understanding whether the destination is above ground, underground, inside a shopping complex, or in a separate building wing.
This guide explains how to find Korean addresses, read road names and building numbers, search locations in map apps, use addresses with taxis, and avoid being sent to the back door or the wrong branch.
Save the destination’s Korean name, full Korean road address, phone number, and map pin before leaving Wi-Fi. Search the Korean address in a Korean map app, then check the entrance marker rather than relying only on the center of the building. For taxis, show the driver the Korean address and nearby landmark together.
How the Korean Address System Works
South Korea uses a road name address system based on roads and building numbers. The official structure identifies the city or province, district, road name, building number, and any detailed information such as the building block, floor, or unit.
You may also see an older lot number address based on neighborhood names and land parcel numbers. Both can point to the same place. This is why one restaurant listing may display two different-looking addresses even though there is only one destination.
Road name address
A road name address is building-centered. It uses the name of the road and a building number assigned according to the building’s main entrance. This format is designed for finding a physical location.
Lot number address
A lot number address is land-centered. It uses a neighborhood name such as dong or ri followed by a parcel number. Older businesses, local residents, receipts, and some listings may still use this format.
Why one place can have two addresses
The road address and lot number address describe the same property through different systems. One is based on the road and building entrance, while the other is based on the land parcel. Seeing both does not mean the place moved.
Korean and English address order
In Korean, the address normally moves from the largest area to the smallest: city or province, district, road, building number, then floor or unit. In English, the order is commonly reversed so that the smallest unit appears first.
For example, a Korean-style address may begin with Seoul and end with a building and unit number. An English version may begin with the unit or building number and end with Seoul, South Korea.
Why the Korean version is worth saving
English spellings can vary because Korean names may be romanized in more than one way. A business name on a booking site may not match the version used in a local map database. Saving the Korean address avoids many spelling problems.
How to Read a Road Name Address
A typical Korean road name address contains several parts. You do not need to memorize the whole system, but recognizing each part makes it easier to spot mistakes.
Seoul + district + road name + building number + floor or unit + optional neighborhood or building name
City or province
The first large administrative area may be Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Jeju, Gyeonggi-do, or another province or metropolitan city. For tourists staying within Seoul, this part often appears as 서울특별시.
District
Seoul is divided into districts called gu. Examples include Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Mapo-gu, Gangnam-gu, and Yongsan-gu. Checking the district helps prevent confusion between businesses with the same name in different parts of the city.
Road name
Korean road names often end with one of these terms:
- -daero: a wide main road
- -ro: a road
- -gil: a smaller road or street
- -beon-gil: a numbered branch street
The official Korean system writes the road name as one unit. For example, the number that appears inside a name such as 10-gil is part of the road name, not the building number.
Building number
The number after the road name identifies the building. It should be separated from the road name. When a building has a secondary number, it may appear with a hyphen, such as 12-3.
Detailed address
After the building number, you may see the building block, floor, or unit. These details are especially important for offices, clinics, restaurants, salons, guesthouses, and shops inside large commercial buildings.
Reference information in parentheses
A Korean road address may include a neighborhood name or apartment complex name in parentheses. This extra information can help with recognition, but the road name and building number are the core location details.
What Is a Lot Number Address?
A lot number address uses a neighborhood name and land parcel number rather than a road name and building number. You may see a format that includes a district, a dong name, and one or two numbers.
Why lot number addresses still appear
Many people used this system for decades, so older signs, business cards, delivery notes, and local conversations may still refer to it. Some map listings show both formats so users can search either one.
How to recognize one
A lot number address often contains a neighborhood ending in -dong or a rural area ending in -ri, followed by a parcel number. It may not contain a road name ending in -ro, -gil, or -daero.
Which address should tourists use?
For navigation, the road name address is usually the clearer option because it is linked to a building entrance and street. However, the lot number address can be useful as a backup when an older listing or driver recognizes it more easily.
Do not combine parts from both systems
A common mistake is copying the neighborhood and parcel number from one address, then adding the road name and building number from the other. Keep each address complete and separate.
How Korean Building Numbers Work
Korean building numbers follow a structured system. Roads have a starting point, and numbers increase along the direction of the road. The official system generally assigns odd numbers to buildings on the left and even numbers to buildings on the right when moving from the road’s starting point.
Numbers are linked to distance
Building numbers are based on basic intervals along the road. The official road address system uses approximately 20-meter intervals when assigning numbers. This means the number can give a rough sense of how far a building is from the road’s starting point.
Odd and even sides
Odd numbers are generally on one side and even numbers on the other. This can help when walking along a long road, although curves, intersections, complexes, and multiple entrances can make the pattern less obvious on the ground.
How the road direction is set
Road sections are generally established with continuity in mind, commonly from west to east or south to north. Visitors do not need to calculate the direction, but it explains why building numbers increase as you move along the road.
Why a building number may include a hyphen
A secondary number can be used when several buildings share one interval or when an additional building is added. A destination such as 20-4 is not necessarily next to building 204. Read the hyphen exactly as shown.
Where to find the building number plate
Look near the main entrance, gate, exterior wall, or corner facing the road. The plate normally shows the road name and building number. In a large complex, the address plate may be near the official main entrance rather than the entrance closest to your destination.
The main entrance matters
A building that touches two roads is generally assigned an address based on the road connected to its main entrance. Your map route may approach from another side, so the address plate can appear to be on the opposite side of the building.
How Floors and Unit Numbers Are Written
Finding the correct building is only the first step. Many Korean businesses are located on upper floors, in basements, or inside mixed-use buildings with several entrances.
B1 and B2
B1 means the first basement level, and B2 means the second basement level. Korean signs may also use 지하 1층 or 지하 2층.
1F, 2F, and 3F
These mean the first, second, and third floors. In Korean, 층 means floor. A listing that says 3층 is on the third floor.
Unit numbers ending in 호
The character 호 identifies a room or unit. For example, 201호 means Unit 201. The first digit often suggests the floor, but not every building follows the same pattern.
Building blocks ending in 동
In apartment complexes, hospitals, universities, and large developments, 동 can identify a building or block. For example, 101동 means Building 101, not Unit 101.
Main building, annex, and new wing
Large properties may use terms such as 본관 for the main building, 별관 for an annex, and 신관 for a newer wing. Check these details before entering an elevator.
Lobby floors and unusual levels
Some large buildings use labels such as L, M, G, or separate parking levels. Do not assume the street entrance is always marked as Floor 1. Follow the directory inside the building.
Basement shopping areas
A shop may be listed as B1 but be connected directly to a subway station, underground mall, or department store. In this case, entering from street level may be slower than using the correct subway exit or underground passage.
How to Search for a Korean Address
The most reliable search method is to keep several identifiers for the same destination. Do not depend on one English business name.
Search the Korean place name first
Copy the Korean business name from the official website, reservation message, or local map listing. Korean text usually produces more exact results than a translated or shortened English name.
Search the full Korean road address
When the place name returns several branches, paste the complete Korean address. Check the district and building number before choosing a result.
Try the phone number
Many map databases connect a business to its local phone number. Searching the number can help when the name is common or spelled differently.
Remove extra details when the search fails
Some search boxes do not handle floor numbers, parentheses, punctuation, or postal codes well. Start with the road name and building number, then add the business name separately.
Check the branch name
Chain restaurants, pharmacies, cafes, clinics, and hotels may have several locations. Compare the district, nearby subway station, road name, and phone number.
Save a screenshot
Take a screenshot showing the Korean name, address, phone number, and map pin. This is useful when mobile data is weak, the map app logs you out, or you need to show the destination to a taxi driver.
Use Korean map apps for local details
Many travelers use Korean map services because local business listings, public transportation routes, building names, and entrance information can be more detailed. Keep at least one navigation app ready before your trip and learn how to switch between English and Korean search terms.
Need reliable map, translation, and transportation tools?
See the Best Apps for Traveling in KoreaHow to Find the Correct Entrance
A map pin often marks the center of a property rather than the door you need. This is especially common with department stores, office towers, shopping malls, apartment complexes, underground spaces, and buildings that face more than one road.
Zoom in before arriving
Check whether the map shows separate pedestrian, vehicle, parking, or subway-connected entrances. A route that ends behind the building may not be wrong; it may simply be pointing to a loading or parking entrance.
Look for the building name first
A small restaurant or clinic sign may be difficult to see from the street. Find the building name and number, enter the lobby, and use the directory to locate the floor and unit.
Check subway exit numbers
One station can have many exits spread across several blocks. The correct exit can save ten minutes or more and may connect directly to the destination underground.
Watch for multiple elevator zones
Large buildings sometimes have separate elevators for low floors, high floors, offices, hotels, parking areas, or different wings. Check the directory before entering the first elevator you see.
Do not follow vehicle directions blindly
Walking routes and car routes may use different entrances. A taxi can stop at a driveway that is far from the pedestrian lobby, while a walking route may end at a side staircase.
Ask nearby staff
Security guards, information desks, convenience-store employees, and parking attendants often know the building layout. Show the Korean business name and floor number rather than only saying the English name.
Use the business phone number
When the entrance is impossible to find, call the business or ask a Korean speaker to call. Staff can describe a landmark, exit number, or floor more quickly than a general address search.
Using Addresses for Taxis and Hotels
Show the address in Korean
Taxi drivers may recognize a famous landmark or hotel, but an English-only address can create confusion. Show the Korean place name, road address, and map pin on your phone.
Include a nearby landmark
When the destination is inside a narrow alley, pedestrian area, or large complex, a nearby subway exit, hotel, department store, or intersection may be easier for the driver to find.
Expect to walk from a main road
Some alleys are too narrow, restricted, or inconvenient for taxis. The driver may stop on the nearest accessible road. Check the remaining walking route before leaving the vehicle.
Confirm the exact hotel branch
Hotels can share similar English names or operate several branches in Seoul. Compare the Korean name, district, road address, and phone number before starting the ride.
Save the hotel address before arrival
Keep the Korean hotel address available offline for airport transport, late-night check-in, luggage delivery, and emergency situations. A screenshot is more dependable than searching after landing.
Use the hotel’s official listing
Booking platforms sometimes shorten the property name or pin the center of a complex. Compare the booking confirmation with the hotel’s official map listing and contact information.
Planning to use taxis during your trip?
Read the Korea Taxi Guide for TouristsUseful Korean Address Phrases
| Korean | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| 이 주소로 가 주세요. | Please go to this address. |
| 여기가 맞나요? | Is this the right place? |
| 입구가 어디예요? | Where is the entrance? |
| 몇 층이에요? | Which floor is it on? |
| 엘리베이터가 어디예요? | Where is the elevator? |
| 이 건물 안에 있나요? | Is it inside this building? |
| 반대편인가요? | Is it on the other side? |
| 지하에 있나요? | Is it underground? |
| 여기서 얼마나 걸려요? | How long does it take from here? |
| 이 지점이 맞나요? | Is this the correct branch? |
Common Address Mistakes
Searching only the English business name
English spellings may differ across booking sites, signs, and maps. Save the Korean name and address as a backup.
Choosing the wrong branch
Chain businesses can have several locations with nearly identical names. Compare the district, road, subway station, and phone number.
Ignoring the floor or unit
The map may lead to the correct building while the actual destination is on B1, the seventh floor, or inside a specific unit.
Assuming the pin marks the entrance
A pin may point to the center, back, or parking side of a large property. Check pedestrian entrance information and street-level photos when available.
Confusing building and unit numbers
101동 usually identifies Building 101, while 101호 identifies Unit 101. The final Korean character changes the meaning.
Using the wrong subway exit
Large stations can cover several blocks. Confirm the exit number before reaching the station rather than after emerging on the wrong side.
Saving no offline copy
A lost signal, dead battery, or app problem can make a simple address difficult to recover. Save a screenshot and write the hotel name somewhere accessible.
Showing only a postal code
A postal code identifies an area but not the exact entrance. Show the full road name, building number, and destination name.
Mixing road and lot number details
Keep each address format complete. Combining parts from two systems can produce a search result that does not exist.
Trusting a translated hotel name
A hotel may use different international branding, Korean signage, and local map names. Match the address and phone number, not just the logo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Korean places have two addresses?
One is the road name address based on roads and building numbers. The other is the older lot number address based on neighborhoods and land parcels. Both can refer to the same property.
Is the road name address better than the lot number address?
The road name address is generally more useful for finding a building and its main entrance. The lot number address remains useful as a backup for older listings and local references.
Can taxi drivers read English addresses?
Some can, but the Korean address is more reliable. Show the Korean place name, road address, nearby landmark, and map pin.
Why does the map pin lead to the back of a building?
The pin may mark the center of the property, a vehicle entrance, or the side used by the map database. Look for a separate pedestrian entrance or lobby marker.
What does B1 mean?
B1 means the first basement level. B2 means the second basement level.
What does 3층 mean?
It means the third floor. The Korean character 층 means floor.
What does 201호 mean?
It means Unit or Room 201. The character 호 identifies an individual unit.
Can I search for a place using its phone number?
Often, yes. A local phone number can be one of the easiest ways to identify the correct branch in a Korean map app.
Should I save the address in Korean?
Yes. Save the Korean name and full Korean road address, even when you also have an English version.
How do I find a shop inside a large building?
Find the building name first, then check the floor, unit, wing, and elevator zone. Use the lobby directory or information desk when available.
What should I show a taxi driver?
Show the Korean place name, road address, phone number, nearby landmark, and destination pin. A screenshot works well when mobile data is unavailable.
Do odd and even building numbers matter?
They can help. Odd and even numbers are generally assigned to opposite sides of the road, but large complexes and multiple entrances may make the pattern less obvious.
Before leaving your hotel, save four things for every important destination: the Korean place name, the full Korean road address, the phone number, and a screenshot of the entrance area. Those four details solve most navigation problems in Korea.
Need to show your destination to a driver?
Open the Complete Korea Taxi Guide
