Naver Adds Passport ID for Foreigners

Seoul, South Korea - Naver Corp implemented a passport verification system on June 4, enabling foreign nationals to authenticate their identities and access platform services without a domestic mobile phone number, the company stated.

The system allows individuals holding overseas-issued passports to use a smartphone to access Naver's reservation, ordering, and payment features, which are integrated with Naver Map. 

According to the company, the verification process utilizes multiple security checks and eliminates the need for customer service intervention.

Prior to this update, short-term foreign visitors were required to have a South Korean mobile number to book venues or process payments through the application.

"We have prepared the passport verification service to accommodate foreign tourists," said Yoon-jae Na, leader of Naver Digital ID & Authentication. "We will gradually expand the applied services and strengthen language support."

The company indicated it is currently expanding its global login methods and preparing additional language options. 

Naver previously launched a multilingual map in 2018 and introduced a multilingual usage guide in December 2024 to assist users with location searches and public transit navigation.

In a related infrastructure development, Naver Pay (Npay) established a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Tourism Organization in 2025. 

The partnership involves deploying offline-integrated Npay Connect payment terminals at tourist facilities, airports, and regional restaurants.

The terminals support cash, credit cards, QR codes, and near-field communication (NFC) transactions.

Domestic user reviews processed through Npay Connect terminals are translated into English, Chinese, and Japanese for display on Naver Map.