Latest news with #NaverPay
Korea Herald
4 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Samsung Pay suffers 3-hour outage during Monday rush hour
Samsung Pay, the most widely used mobile payment system in Korea, experienced a widespread outage that lasted over three hours on Monday morning, leaving users unable to make payments during peak commuting hours. According to Samsung Electronics, the service disruption began around 7 a.m. and continued into the late morning, with users reporting intermittent failures when attempting to make payments using the app. However, transportation cards registered within Samsung Pay that utilize near-field communication remained functional. Other digital payment services linked to Samsung Pay, such as Naver Pay X Samsung Pay, continued to operate normally -- prompting industry watchers to suspect a server issue within Samsung Wallet. This key platform underpins Samsung Pay's infrastructure. 'The issue appears to be sporadic, affecting only some users,' a Samsung Electronics official said. 'We are currently identifying the cause and working to restore full functionality as soon as possible.' In a notice issued by Samsung Wallet's operations team, the company confirmed the error, stating: 'We are aware of an issue affecting card payments and are working to resolve it swiftly.' Launched in Korea in August 2015, Samsung Pay has grown into the country's most widely used mobile payment service. As of March last year, the platform had surpassed 17 million domestic subscribers and recorded over 300 trillion won ($217.6 billion) in accumulated transaction volume. Frustrated users took to social media to voice their concerns. "Couldn't pay for my coffee this morning because Samsung Pay was down," one post read. Others warned, "If you're using Samsung Pay, don't forget to carry your physical card," and "Customers left the store without paying." At around 10:22 a.m., Samsung issued an additional notice stating that the issue causing errors during card payment and registration had been resolved. The company added, "Service is now operating normally," and apologized for any inconvenience caused. This marks the second recent incident for the service. On May 16, Samsung Pay experienced a brief disruption due to a network equipment failure, though that issue was resolved within three minutes.
Korea Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Netflix-Naver, Tving-Baemin? Streaming wars take new shape
As competition for subscribers intensifies, streaming services in Korea resort to hybrid models South Korea's streaming services have realized that their survival hinges on more than just offering compelling content -- platforms are increasingly turning to strategic brand partnerships to combat subscriber churn and fuel growth. Korean streaming platform Tving is set to unveil a bundled membership offering in collaboration with Baedal Minjok, the nation's top food delivery app, starting June 2. The combined membership, which marks the first time for a Korean streaming service to partner with a food tech company, merges Baemin Club's paid subscription benefits -- free delivery, exclusive coupons and discounts -- with Tving's ad-supported standard tier. Subscribers to Baemin Club will now be offered access to Tving's ad-supported plan at an extra cost of 3,500 won ($2.50) per month. Tving's ad-supported plan, which costs 5,500 won on its own, allows users to watch Tving content with intermittent ad breaks. Meanwhile, Coupang Play is also gearing up to launch South Korea's first free ad-supported streaming service this June. Under the new model, Coupang members will gain free access to Coupang Play's content library in exchange for viewing pre-roll and mid-roll advertisements. The new model grants regular Coupang members access to both Coupang and Coupang Eats delivery services, as well as to Coupang Play's ad-supported plan. This shift toward hybrid models, as well as a pioneering move to waive monthly fees, comes after Netflix's collaboration with Naver, which debuted last November. The partnership, branded as the Naver Plus Membership (4,900 won), gives subscribers free access to Netflix's ad-supported tier, along with bonus Naver Pay points and redeemable cookies for webtoon and series rentals on Naver Webtoon. Currently, Netflix's ad-supported plan without a Naver Plus Membership costs 7,000 won. Netflix Korea's decision on May 10 to raise prices across all its plans, while maintaining the Naver-Netflix membership at 4,900 won, underscores the significance of the alliance for subscriber retention. The new partnerships and free ad-supported options come in response to a plateauing streaming market. According to a report from the Korea Creative Content Agency released in December 2024, free streaming service usage surged from 78.2 percent in 2023 to 85.1 percent last year, whereas paid service penetration stalled, inching down from 55.2 percent to 53.4 percent. 'The streaming service market has matured to a point where relying on one or two breakout hits to drive growth is no longer viable,' said an insider from a Korean streaming service, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Subscriber behavior tends to be substitutive -- when users sign up for a new service, they often cancel an existing one. Right now, domestic streaming platforms are seeing their user base level off at some 30 million, with growth largely tapering off," he said. This is forcing platforms to pivot their strategies to justify escalating content investments, he pointed out, adding that platforms are targeting subscribers of other popular brands in a bid to expand their market shares. However, partnerships between diverse platforms may come with unintended downsides. Alongside the appeal of low subscription fees may lie a trade-off, in which businesses onboarded onto retail platforms such as Baemin and Naver Shopping may face higher commission rates and shrinking profit margins. Additionally, consumer choice may become increasingly limited. As competition among platforms grows, the lock-in effect strengthens, making it harder for users to switch services. The reduced flexibility narrows consumer options, and over time, even as discounts fade or service quality declines, users may be forced to remain with the platform they originally chose.
Korea Herald
27-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Naver, Kakao bolster map services to counter Google's data export push
As Google seeks regulatory approval to export high-precision map data from Korea, local IT giants Naver and Kakao are ramping up their efforts to reinforce their map services -- both in functionality and user experience -- in a strategic push to defend their home turf. 'Google appears to be taking an aggressive stance. Coupled with the trade tensions sparked by the Donald Trump administration in the US, the situation has become challenging for local companies. Domestic map application developers have been launching new services, compelled to bolster their competitiveness in the face of mounting pressure,' said an industry source, who requested anonymity. Naver is focusing on enhancing services tailored for foreign users, according to industry sources on Sunday. The company plans to ease membership requirements for Naver Pay, enabling easier booking and payment processes directly through the Naver Map app for international users. The update is slated for rollout in the first half of this year. The platform has also expanded multilingual support -- including English, Japanese and Chinese -- and improved its translation features to offer more detailed information on locations such as franchise restaurants. In December, Naver launched a multilingual "How to Use Naver Map" guide page, offering step-by-step instructions for finding attractions and navigating public transportation in Korea. Additionally, the company is running a 'Be Local' campaign, which introduces popular destinations and hot spots favored by Korean Millennial and Generation Z users in areas like Myeong-dong, Seongsu, Itaewon and Hannam-dong. Naver launched the campaign targeting foreign tourists because Google has been advocating for the export of high-precision maps by citing the "convenience of foreign tourists" as a justification. Currently, the maps that Google can use in its services without government approval are at a scale of 1:25,000, which is less precise than its maps in other countries. Google argues that it causes inconvenience to foreign tourists in Korea and is therefore requesting government permission to export high-precision maps. A Naver official said, 'We aim to help foreign users navigate Korea conveniently through the multilingual Naver Map and immerse themselves in local culture and trends.' While Naver refines foreign user-focused functions, Kakao is doubling down on hyperlocal services. Its newly introduced 'Expert Profile' feature connects users to local professionals in categories such as interior design, floristry, baking, moving and even fortunetelling. Once users find a suitable expert, they can chat and make a reservation within the app -- a strategic step to strengthen Kakao's neighborhood-level utility. Kakao Map has also expanded its public transit data and lodging reservation features to help users manage their daily activities in a single app. In partnership with Korea Airports Corporation, Kakao offers indoor navigation services at major airports, highlighting the locations of commercial facilities, restrooms and childcare areas. These upgrades are translating into measurable user growth. According to Mobile Index, Naver Map's monthly active users reached 27.05 million last month -- surpassing its previous record of 26.99 million from August 2023. The app continues to lead the domestic navigation app market. Kakao Map posted even sharper growth, with March MAU jumping 10.8 percent from the previous month to 11.71 million -- far outpacing Google Maps with a 3.1 percent increase and Naver Map with a 2.1 percent increase. Experts attribute this surge to Kakao's success in integrating map functions into users' daily routines.
Korea Herald
05-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
'Global vision, local focus': How Trip.com brings mission to life in Korea
In an age where global access is taken for granted, travel has never been easier -- flights booked, hotels reserved and itineraries mapped out with just a few taps. Yet the easier travel becomes, the more we value what can't be made universal: local nuance. This is where Group steps in as a global travel service provider, well-versed in both scale and localization, striking a balance between global efficiency and market-specific customization. In an interview with The Korea Herald, Boon Sian Chai, managing director and vice president of international markets at Group, shed light on how the company is putting its 'global vision, local focus' strategy into action in Korea. 'As a global platform, we strongly believe in tailoring the experience to local needs,' Chai said, noting that the company serves Korean users with content and language fully adapted to the local market. The platform offers a seamless and integrated travel planning experience, he explained, allowing customers to book flights, hotels, activities and transportation all in one place. Stating that the company places the highest priority on its customers, Chai pointed to practical features such as language-assistance services -- which, for instance, display hotel addresses in Korean for taxi drivers -- and support for local payment methods like KakaoPay and Naver Pay. 'These details make a big difference in building trust and enhancing user satisfaction,' he added, further highlighting the app's support for Korean won pricing and Korean-language call center service. Going hand in hand with localization in enhancing user convenience are personalized services that create a more relatable user experience -- a distinguishing feature that sets the company apart from its competitors, according to Chai. A standout aspect in this regard is the app's social media-like functionality, which uses extensive data to provide personalized content for each user. This functionality enables users to quickly access what they're looking for and has proven effective in fast-growing areas like Korean entertainment and the gourmet industry, the managing director highlighted. Further underpinning the company's progress in personalization and operational efficiency is its proprietary artificial intelligence engine, TripGenie -- which he describes as 'AI travel assistance.' 'AI is a key pillar of our competitiveness, enabling smarter operations, enhanced personalization and faster innovation,' he said. 'Since its introduction, TripGenie has led to a significant increase in app engagement time and doubled the conversion rate. Beyond recommendations, AI handles 60 to 70 percent of customer inquiries through automation." In tandem with its user-focused efforts, the company is working to expand local partnerships in Korea. 'Our partners feel at ease collaborating with us because they know we're not just promoting our own brand, but also helping to elevate theirs,' Chai said, adding that the company connects domestic partners to its global platform and helps them reach international audiences. That commitment has already paid off, particularly in the area of air ticketing: 'We've established strategic partnerships with major airlines and low-cost carriers to offer a broad range of flight options." Taking a broader view, the company also sees itself as part of Korea's wider tourism infrastructure, working with the Korea Tourism Organization, local governments in Busan, Daejeon, Gangwon and Yeosu, as well as the Incheon International Airport Corporation. The company seeks to revitalize local tourism in Korea, according to Chai, as demonstrated by initiatives such as promoting the Gangwon Snow Festa and partnering with the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization to attract international tourists. 'We aim to take the lead in showcasing the unique charms of each region in Korea to the global market,' he said, citing Korea's critical position in the company's broader Asia strategy -- one in which enhancing travel experiences for both Korean customers and global travelers visiting Korea is essential. minmin@
