In shortSince 4 June 2026, anyone with a passport issued outside Korea can verify their identity in Naver with only a smartphone, without a Korean phone number. That opens Naver Map reservations, orders and payments.
No Korean number neededWho can use it
- Any foreigner with a passport issued outside Korea.
- You need only a smartphone: no Korean phone number and no call to customer service.
- Naver says it added several verification steps for safety.
What it unlocks
- Naver Map reservations, orders and payments, and other travel-related Naver services.
- Naver says the aim is to make it easier for visitors to book popular places and pay at restaurants.
What's next
- Naver says it will add more services step by step and strengthen language support.
- Naver has also expanded global login options.
What we couldn't confirm
The announcements don't describe the verification steps, the languages the feature supports or which payment methods work. Check in the Naver Map app.
FAQ
Do I need a Korean phone number?
No. A smartphone and a passport issued outside Korea are enough.
When did this start?
On 4 June 2026, as Naver announced on 9 June 2026.
Sources
- Asia Economy · 2026-06-09
- SBS Biz · 2026-06-09
- Digital Daily · 2026-06-09
- inews24 · 2026-06-09