Naver and Kakao, Similar Yet Different Train Ticket Booking Services

Naver Enables Ordering from Popular Restaurants via Map App
Kakao Integrates Transportation Options Seamlessly

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Naver and Kakao simultaneously launched train ticket reservation services, including KTX, on the 1st. Beyond basic booking and ticket issuance services, each company introduced strategies such as linking to popular restaurants and connecting with other transportation modes, entering a competition to secure users.

According to the portal industry, from this day, Naver and Kakao each started train reservation services through ‘Naver Map’ and ‘KakaoT’, respectively.

The basic structure of the train reservation services from both companies is not significantly different. In Naver’s case, by tapping the newly added ‘Train Search & Reservation’ tab in the map application (app), users can search and book train schedules for KTX, Saemaeul, Mugunghwa, ITX-Cheongchun, tourist trains, and more. KakaoT Train service also allows booking, payment, and ticket issuance for all types of regular trains operated by Korail.

However, there are differences in detailed strategies to enhance app usability. First, Naver applied a win-win strategy with SMEs to its train reservation service. The core is utilizing the country’s largest level of P.O.I (Point of Interest) data, including information on local business operators and hidden popular restaurants owned by the company.

Using ‘Smart Around’ embedded in Naver Map, users can search for restaurants and book a train to Busan all at once. On the day of departure, before boarding time, users can pre-order food from restaurants near Seoul Station via ‘Naver Smart Order’ and pick it up before boarding the train.

Naver is also reviewing various functions for user convenience, such as recommending popular restaurants near the destination by notification according to the arrival time. Naver explained, "By creating synergy effects with Naver’s large-scale POI data and various local-based services, Naver Map can provide enhanced convenience to users."

Since Kakao utilizes the mobility app KakaoT, the focus is on ‘movement’ itself. It organically links services such as intercity buses and Kakao Taxi to provide a MaaS (Mobility as a Service)-type service that covers all transportation means across wide metropolitan areas.

In KakaoT Train, users can simply enter the departure and arrival points to automatically receive optimal route recommendations for the entire journey, including train station guidance. Even without knowing train stations or route details, users can get optimal train route guidance, book, and pay by entering only the final destination. Additionally, transfer information between trains and intercity buses, as well as transportation means between the departure and destination before and after train use, are provided all at once.

Kakao stated, "KakaoT Train is organically linked with intercity buses, taxis, and navigation, connecting and providing all transportation means and information needed throughout the user’s journey in a single app. It will be the first case to fully experience a MaaS-type service in daily life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.