Naver to Add 5-Point Rating System for Local Reviews

SEOUL, South Korea — Naver Corp. announced Wednesday it will introduce a numerical rating system to its Smart Place business review service, which currently relies on text and keyword-based feedback.

Starting April 6, users will be able to rate experiences on a five-point star scale, in addition to submitting written reviews.

The system will apply to restaurants, retail stores, accommodations, cultural facilities, pop-up stores, and events booked through Naver.

Numerical ratings will initially enter a restricted collection phase, during which scores will be visible only to the reviewer and the business owner, not the public, according to the company.

The company stated the measure is intended to verify data stability and fairness.

Naver has not set a date for when average scores will be displayed publicly. When public display becomes available, it will be optional for business owners.

The default setting shows only text and keyword reviews; businesses that do not wish to display numerical scores need not take further action.

To address review manipulation, Naver will limit users to editing review content and star ratings for 3 months after posting.

Naver also stated it plans to redesign the keyword-based review interface later this year.