How to sign up and use KakaoTalk for foreigners: A complete guide to essential Korean messengers

To make friends, communicate with stores and companies, and even send money in Korea KakaoTalkThis is practically essential. Since most Koreans use this messenger, I recommend installing it first when you arrive. We will kindly guide you from registration to daily life services.

KakaoTalk, why is it necessary?

KakaoTalk is the most used messenger in Korea. With friends and colleagues Chat/CallOf course, almost all communication is done through KakaoTalk, including restaurant and hair salon reservations, company work, and delivery and shopping notifications. The network of Korean life begins with just one Kakao Talk.

How to sign up

App Store/Google PlayInstall ‘KakaoTalk’ and ① Enter mobile phone number → Confirm authentication number (SMS) → ② Set password/email (Kakao account) → ③ Register profile (name/photo). You can also sign up with an overseas number, and in settings Change the language to English, etc.You can do it.

How to add friends

Friends are ① Automatic synchronization of phone numbers(People saved in your contacts), ② QR code Scan, ③ KakaoTalk ID Add by search. If you save the other person's number, they automatically appear as a friend, which is convenient.

Basic functions: chat, call, transfer

1:1·Group chat, free Voice/Video Call (Voice Talk/Face Talk), Photo and file transfer is basic. When you link your Korean bank account/card, Send money directly to a friend with Kakao PayAlternatively, you can also pay Dutch.

Kakao’s daily life services

Kakao is more than just a messenger, it is a lifestyle platform. Kakao Tcall a taxi, Kakao Mapfind the way, Give a giftSend gifticons (coffee, cake, etc.) Kakao PayMake payments and transfer money. Many Korean services Easy login with Kakao accountAlso supported.

Good tips to know

in settings Language/NotificationChange it to suit you and according to your interests. Open chat roomYou can also find a community of foreigners living in Korea here. Requests for money transfer or link from strangers voice phishingPlease be careful as this may occur.

Communication in Korea becomes much smoother just by learning KakaoTalk. Install it today and ask your new friends, “Do you have a KakaoTalk ID?”