Travelers in Korea can now use their passports to verify their Naver accounts

If you're visiting South Korea and would need to book a service or reservation through Naver but don't have a Korean mobile number, you can now use your passport to create an account.

According to Naver, South Korea's largest search engine and web portal, starting June 4, international travelers can now verify their identity directly via smartphone using a foreign passport. Previously, they would need a Korean mobile number or call customer support.

Once authenticated, users can access key travel services on Naver Map, including restaurant reservations, bookings, and payments.

“Passport verification was developed to help foreign tourists enjoy a more convenient and satisfying travel experience in Korea,” a Naver official stated. “We will gradually expand the range of services that support passport verification and strengthen language support so global users can navigate Naver safely and easily.”

In addition to broadening global login options, Naver plans to increase multilingual support across its platform. The company has enhanced features for overseas users since launching a multilingual version of Naver Map in 2018.

Recent upgrades include multilingual guides, Naver Pay integration, and support for more payment methods.

Furthermore, Naver Map now automatically translates local Korean reviews into English, Chinese, and Japanese, making it easier for tourists to discover restaurants, cafes, and attractions.