Naver introduces passport verification for foreign travelers to improve access to reservations, payments

Internet platform operator Naver has launched a passport-based identity verification service for foreign visitors, allowing travelers without a Korean mobile phone number to access reservations, orders and payments through the company’s digital services. The company said Tuesday that the new verification system, introduced Thursday, enables foreign users holding passports issued outside Korea to verify their identity directly through their smartphones. Once authenticated, users can access travel-related services on Naver, including restaurant reservations, bookings and payments through its map platform. The move is aimed at addressing a long-standing inconvenience faced by short-term foreign visitors, many of whom have been unable to use certain online services that traditionally required verification through a Korean mobile phone number. Under the new system, travelers can complete identity verification without obtaining a local phone number or contacting customer support. Naver said the process incorporates multiple verification steps designed to improve reliability and security. The cWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times