Kakao announced on the 6th that it will embark on building a 'real-time ferry information linkage' service with the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA).
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 4th to link the authority's ferry traffic information to KakaoMap. The authority will provide real-time operation status of coastal ferries nationwide, tomorrow's operation forecast, safety information for each ferry, and more. Kakao plans to unveil a map service that includes this information on KakaoMap. The company noted, 'We plan to link traffic information so that anyone can easily and conveniently check marine traffic information.'
With this collaboration, ferry users (ticket buyers) can share their travel routes in real-time with family or friends. It will also provide various and useful information such as customized alerts regarding ferry operation control due to adverse weather, tomorrow's operation forecast, accessibility features for vulnerable passengers, and virtual reality (VR) content that allows prior experiences of the boarding area and ferry.
In addition, the map service will reflect the location and availability of footpaths formed according to coastal terrain, assisting safe movement for coastal visitors and boosting regional tourism. Kakao and the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) plan to conduct joint campaigns and other ESG-based digital social contribution activities in the future.
Kim Joon-seok, chairman of the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA), said, 'This will be an opportunity to more effectively convey the role of the authority and the value of maritime transportation safety through collaboration with a platform that citizens are familiar with,' and added, 'We will continue to expand practical transportation convenience services that the public can feel.'
Lee Chang-min, leader of the Kakao Map Traffic Tribe, said, 'We will do our best to create a safe maritime travel environment for the public through this agreement,' and stated, 'We will continually achieve results in collaboration with the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) on KakaoMap.'