[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Kakao Mobility (KRX: 035720) has partnered with China’s Alibaba Group to enable users of Gaode Map — China’s leading map platform — to access Kakao T taxi services while traveling in South Korea. This collaboration reflects the growing strategic ties between Kakao Group and major Chinese tech firms.
According to industry sources on May 29, Kakao Mobility integrated Kakao T into Gaode Map earlier this month. As a result, Chinese tourists visiting Korea can now hail Kakao T taxis directly from Gaode Map without needing to download a separate app. Payment is also supported through international options such as Alipay.
“Kakao Mobility has been working since 2023 to integrate Kakao T with Chinese apps to enhance accessibility for Chinese tourists,” the company said. “This initiative is part of broader efforts to attract more foreign visitors to Korea.”
With over 700 million users, Gaode Map is China’s most popular map service. The integration is expected to significantly improve convenience for Chinese visitors in Korea.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization, 4.63 million Chinese tourists visited South Korea in 2023, making China the country’s top source of inbound tourism.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
