Naver Pay: How It Can Expand Your Market Reach and eCommerce Sales in South Korea
Last updated : August 28, 2024

Naver Pay: How It Can Expand Your Market Reach and eCommerce Sales in South Korea

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This article is brought to you by KOMOJU
We help businesses accept payments online.

As South Korea continues to advance beyond traditional digital payments like bank transfers and credit cards, integrating digital wallets like Naver Pay is becoming crucial for eCommerce businesses aiming to thrive in this evolving market.

While SamsungPay, Toss, and Payco remain popular, Naver Pay is one of the top two in the market.

Naver Pay’s integration with the broader Naver ecosystem offers unique advantages for businesses, especially those targeting tech-savvy consumers who frequently use Naver’s other services like Naver Shopping and Naver Webtoon.

This article explores how integrating Naver Pay can provide your business with a strategic advantage in the South Korean market, helping you capitalize on the growing digital payment trend.

Introduction to Naver

Naver, South Korea’s leading search engine, serves 38.8 million monthly users, about 75% of the population. Founded in 1999, Naver has expanded into commerce, fintech, content, and cloud solutions, making it crucial for businesses targeting the South Korean market.

Key Features

Launched in 2015, Naver Pay now boasts 38.8 million users and is accepted at 97,000 stores across South Korea. Despite having a smaller user base compared to some rivals, Naver Pay processed $32.5 billion in transactions  in 2023 and commands a 33.5% share of the mobile payment market. Its attractive rewards system, which offers 2.5% cash back, significantly enhances its appeal.

Naver’s ecosystem includes:

Naver Shopping

A comprehensive eCommerce platform that enhances the shopping experience by integrating seamlessly with Naver Pay.

Naver Pay

South Korea’s leading digital wallet offers seamless transactions and a rewards program with 2.5% cash back.

Naver Webtoon

A popular platform for digital comics that engages a broad audience.

Naver Blog and Influencer Search

Tools that facilitate content creation and influencer marketing, allowing brands to connect with relevant influencers and leverage their reach for targeted campaigns.

Market Impact and Reach

Naver’s extensive user base and diverse services offer significant marketing opportunities. Its integrated features support effective search, shopping, and influencer strategies, which are essential for businesses in South Korea.

What is Naver Pay?

Naver Pay is South Korea’s integrated mobile payment service. It enables users to make payments, manage finances, and transfer money quickly and securely through Naver’s ecosystem. Conveniently linked with services like Naver Shopping and Naver Webtoon, Naver Pay offers a seamless and efficient financial experience directly from mobile devices.

Features of Naver Pay

Naver Pay offers a range of features designed to simplify and secure online transactions:

Seamless Integration

Naver Pay is deeply integrated with Naver’s ecosystem, including Naver Shopping, allowing users to pay for products and services across various Naver platforms without needing to re-enter payment information.

Online and Offline Payments

Supports payments through QR codes and linked bank or credit accounts, enabling both online and offline transactions.

Quick Payments

Users can directly link their bank accounts or credit cards to Naver Pay for swift payments. This streamlines the checkout process, making transactions faster and more efficient.

Generous Rewards Program

Naver Pay offers a rewards program with 2.5% cash back in membership points for every transaction. These points can be redeemed for discounts or cashback, encouraging repeat usage and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Multi-Device Access

Naver Pay is accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers, allowing users to manage their finances and make payments from any device.

How Naver Pay Works

Naver Pay integrates with users’ bank accounts or credit cards, allowing seamless payments through their Naver account. At checkout, users select Naver Pay, which securely processes the payment from the linked account or credit card.

Naver Pay supports both online and offline transactions, including QR code payments and in-app purchases. Users can manage their spending and view transaction history directly through the Naver Pay interface.

How to Make a Payment Through Naver Pay

Before making a payment with Naver Pay, users need to set up their Naver Pay account. This process is quick and easy, involving a few simple steps.

Setting Up a Naver Pay Account

To start using Naver Pay, follow these steps to set up your account:

1. Create a Naver Account

Sign up for a Naver account if you don’t have one.

2. Verify Your Account

Complete the verification process using your identification. For details, refer to the guide on creating a Naver account.

3. Select a Bank or Card

Choose the type of card or bank you want to link to your Naver Pay account.

4. Enter Personal Information

Provide necessary details such as your name, nationality, gender, date of birth, phone number, and address.

5. Agree to Terms

Review and agree to the terms and conditions.

6. Input Bank or Card

Details: Enter your bank account number or card details.

7. Verify Your Phone Number

Confirm your phone number to complete the setup.

After completing these steps, your Naver Pay account will be ready for secure and convenient payments.

Steps to Complete a Payment with Naver Pay

After setting up your account, you can easily make payments with Naver Pay. Here’s how the payment process works:

1. Choose Naver Pay 

Select Naver Pay as the payment method during checkout on supported platforms, indicated by the Naver Pay logo.

2. Choose Payment Option 

Decide whether to pay using a linked credit or debit card or Naver Points, which can be earned and redeemed for discounts.

3. Account Connection 

Your selected payment method is automatically linked to your Naver account, eliminating the need to re-enter payment details.

4. Successful Deduction 

The payment amount is deducted from your chosen method, and the transaction is confirmed instantly. You will receive a confirmation message once the purchase is completed.

Benefits of Using Naver Pay for Customers

1. Seamless Integration with Naver App

Naver Pay integrates seamlessly with the popular Naver app, enabling easy payments across Naver platforms like Naver Shopping. This eliminates the need to re-enter payment details, simplifies the process, and enhances convenience by saving time and reducing friction.

2. Versatile Payment Options

Naver Pay supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, electronic transfers, and QR codes. This versatility allows users to choose their preferred payment method for both online and in-person transactions, accommodating diverse shopping scenarios and preferences.

3. Convenience for Online and Offline Transactions

Naver Pay enables quick payments both online and in-store using just a phone. Linking bank accounts or credit cards directly streamlines the checkout process, eliminating the need for physical cards and reducing wait times.

4. Extensive Acceptance and Rewards Program

Accepted at many stores and online platforms, Naver Pay provides 2.5% cash back in membership points per transaction. These points can be redeemed for discounts or cashback, adding value to purchases and encouraging repeat usage.

5. Multi-Device Accessibility

Accessible on smartphones, tablets, and computers, Naver Pay allows users to manage finances and make payments from any device. This flexibility ensures convenient access to transactions and account management from anywhere.

Why eCommerce Merchants Should Consider Naver Pay

Integrating Naver Pay allows you to reach a consumer base that is already engaged and active in digital transactions, creating opportunities for increased sales and market growth.

1. Increased Transaction Volume

Integrating Naver Pay connects your business to a vast user base and high transaction volume. This access to a substantial market segment can lead to significant increases in sales, as Naver Pay users are likely to spend more frequently.

2. Enhanced Customer Experience

A seamless checkout process with Naver Pay improves the customer experience by eliminating friction at the point of sale. This ease of use can lead to reduced cart abandonment rates and higher conversion rates, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

3. Streamlined Integration

KOMOJU’s straightforward setup supports various payment methods including Naver Pay, making integration into your eCommerce platform quick and efficient. This simplicity helps merchants start accepting payments faster, with minimal technical hurdles.

4. Access to a Broader Market

Offering Naver Pay allows you to connect with South Korea’s extensive consumer base and international tourists who prefer this payment method. Its widespread popularity and integration with Naver Shopping make it a crucial tool for expanding your reach, increasing visibility, and attracting more customers in the South Korean market.

5. Increased Customer Loyalty

Naver Pay’s rewards program, featuring 2.5% cash back in membership points, encourages repeat purchases. This not only boosts customer loyalty but also enhances the lifetime value of your customer base, driving more consistent revenue.

6. Simplified Cross-Border Transactions

Facilitate easier payments for international shoppers with Naver Pay. This feature streamlines cross-border transactions, making it simpler for global customers to complete purchases and increasing your opportunities for international sales.

7. Multi-Device Access

Naver Pay’s compatibility across smartphones, tablets, and computers ensures a seamless payment experience on any device. This flexibility allows customers to manage transactions and payments conveniently, enhancing the overall shopping experience and driving more sales.

Integrating Naver Pay with Your Online Store

To integrate Naver Pay, use KOMOJU. This platform simplifies the process for adding Naver Pay to your eCommerce site.

1. Sign Up with KOMOJU

Create an account on the KOMOJU website to access the testing environment.

2. Application Assistance

Complete the English application process for Naver Pay.

3. Integration

Connect KOMOJU to your eCommerce platform via EC Platform or API to integrate Naver Pay and other South Korean payment methods.

4. Pay Nothing Until a Sale is Made

KOMOJU charges no setup or monthly fees—only processing fees for transactions.

Using KOMOJU ensures a smooth integration of Naver Pay, helping you reach South Korean consumers effectively.

Summary

Integrating Naver Pay into your eCommerce platform provides a key advantage in South Korea’s digital payments market. Naver Pay, a leading digital wallet with a significant user base and high transaction volume, offers a seamless payment experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and boosting sales. With its integration into Naver’s ecosystem and an attractive rewards program, it is essential for businesses looking to expand and drive repeat purchases.

Partnering with KOMOJU simplifies the integration of Naver Pay, making it easy to tap into South Korea’s market. Start using Naver Pay to streamline payments, reach a broader audience, and enhance your eCommerce store’s growth.

Ready to integrate Naver Pay?

Find out Naver Pay’s settlement currencies and processing fees on the Naver Pay payment method page.  If Naver Pay is the right payment method to offer your customers, sign up for KOMOJU to offer them a secure and convenient payment option!

If you’re unsure if Naver Pay is the right payment method for your eCommerce site, why not talk to our payments expert to learn more about Naver Pay and other South Korean payment methods?

FAQs

Yes, foreigners can use Naver Pay by setting their payment preferences to “Overseas” in the app. This adjustment allows them to make payments by presenting a QR code at participating locations in the country where they are shopping.

Yes, Naver Pay is safe. It employs encryption protocols to protect transaction data and personal information. Additionally, it uses two-factor authentication (2FA) to enhance account security and employs fraud detection systems to monitor and prevent suspicious activity. Payments are processed through secure channels, ensuring a safe payment experience for users.

Naver Pay primarily supports domestic transactions within South Korea. For international use, Naver Pay users need to enable the “Overseas” setting in the app. This allows them to make payments abroad where Naver Pay is accepted, typically by presenting a QR code at participating merchants.

Setting up Naver Pay with KOMOJU is simple. After creating an account and submit application on KOMOJU, you can link it to Naver Pay by following the setup instructions provided by KOMOJU. Once the integration is complete, you can start accepting payments through Naver Pay.

Naver Pay is available to users who have a Naver account. This includes both individuals and businesses in South Korea. Foreigners can also use Naver Pay, but they may need to set up their account and payment methods according to the available options in their country.

Naver Pay and Kakao Pay are both popular digital payment services in South Korea, but they differ in several ways:

  • Platform Integration: Naver Pay is integrated with Naver’s ecosystem, including its search engine, shopping platform, and various other services. Kakao Pay is integrated with KakaoTalk, a widely-used messaging app, and other Kakao services.
  • User Base: Naver Pay is primarily used by those who frequently shop on Naver or use Naver’s services, while Kakao Pay is popular among KakaoTalk users, offering seamless payment through the messaging app.
  • Features: Both platforms offer similar features like online payments, QR code payments, and money transfers, but Kakao Pay tends to have more features related to financial services, such as bill payments, insurance, and investments.
  • Merchant Acceptance: While both are widely accepted in South Korea, certain merchants may favor one over the other depending on their platform alignment (Naver for Naver Pay and Kakao for Kakao Pay).
This article is brought to you by KOMOJU
We help businesses accept payments online.

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