Naver is improving service convenience for foreign tourists. Even without a domestic mobile phone number, users can complete identity verification with only a passport and use Naver Maps reservations, ordering, and payment services.
Naver said on the 9th that it introduced a "passport verification" service starting on the 4th for foreign users holding passports issued overseas. The move aims to reduce inconveniences that short-term foreign tourists faced during reservations at popular restaurants and spots or on-site payments because they do not have domestic mobile phone numbers.
Users can complete passport verification on their smartphones without contacting customer service separately. Naver said it enhanced verification reliability and safety by applying multiple confirmation steps. Once verified, users can more easily use travel-related services such as reservations, ordering, and payments based on Naver Maps.
Naver plans to expand global login options and broaden language support so that foreign users can naturally use Naver services while traveling in Korea.
Since launching its multilingual map in 2018, Naver has steadily improved features for foreign users. Since Dec. of last year, it has provided multilingual guidance on place searches and public transit directions through the "Guide to using Naver Maps" page. Naver Pay is also expanding the "Npay Connect" terminals, focusing on tourist attractions, popular restaurants, and airports, in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), broadening the payment infrastructure for foreigners.