KaKao

[Seoul, South Korea – March 31, 2015] Daum Kakao (co-CEOs Saehoon Choi and Sirgoo Lee) today announced the official launch of KakaoTaxi in Korea. KakaoTaxi’s service model focuses on providing a convenient and secure connection between drivers and passengers, and users throughout Korea will be able to use the service via the KakaoTaxi passenger app released today.

Prior to the launch, Daum Kakao signed MoUs with the Korean National Joint Conference of Taxi Association, the Seoul Taxi Association, the Federation of Korean Taxi Workers’ Union and the Korean Taxi Workers’ Union, working closely with major current operators to deliver an exceptional taxi experience to all parties involved.

Once logged in with their Kakao Account, the user’s current location is automatically set as the pick up location, requiring only the input of the drop off location to complete the request. Based on a variety of factors including distance and current traffic conditions, the request is then sent to the best-positioned drivers for ride acceptance. KakaoTaxi’s interface requires minimal menu and location selection, making it easy to navigate from both the passenger and driver’s perspective.

Safety and convenience-oriented features are found throughout the service. All drivers are currently licensed taxi operators approved via KakaoTaxi’s application process, and passengers will automatically receive the relevant driver’s name, photo and vehicle information when their taxi request is accepted.

During phone calls between driver and passenger, a generated number masks the passenger’s real number to ensure user privacy. Text messaging function is built-in within the KakaoTaxi app, with frequently used phrases including “Arrival in 5 minutes” and “Waiting at pickup location” preset for handy selection. For further privacy protection, all text message exchanges are automatically deleted once the taxi reaches the drop off location.

Passengers can also send notifications to KakaoTalk friends that include pick up time/location, drop off location, vehicle information and estimated ride time. The option helps passengers inform other parties of their estimated time of arrival or, in the case of late night passengers, provide peace of mind to friends and family.

Once the ride is completed, both parties will have the ability to rate the experience, and drivers and passengers that maintain high ratings will be provided with different benefits. The rating system is expected to discourage unwanted behavior and ensure a high-quality experience for everyone involved with KakaoTaxi.

John Jung, Head of KakaoTaxi TF, said, “KakaoTaxi was designed to make the taxi-riding experience as simple and easy as possible by eliminating the need to physically hail taxis or search for taxi service phone numbers.” He added, “Daum Kakao will continue to improve the service so anyone that needs a taxi can use KakaoTaxi to get where they need to go quickly, conveniently and safely.”

The KakaoTaxi passenger app is available for download at Google Play store, with an iOS version scheduled for release in April. [END]