South Korean Yap launches new app for Chinese tourists
South Korean-based coupon application provider, Yap Company, has launched a new app called KAYO, that provides Chinese tourists with various tourism-related information, including shopping, transportation and translation services.  Yap is looking to adopt mobile payment services to KAYO in the near future, by joining forces with leading Chinese platforms, such as Alipay. This move comes amid a steady rise in the number of Chinese visitors to South Korea, which is predicted to reach 10 million by 2018.

South Korean location-based coupon application provider YAP Company on Thursday launched a new app that provides Chinese tourists with various tourism-related information, including shopping and transportation.



The app, dubbed KAYO, provides a selection of coupons and other information for 100,000 local shops at popular tourist destinations, including Seoul's major shopping district of Myeongdong and the southern resort island of Jeju.



YAP Company said it plans to adopt mobile payment services on KAYO in the near future by joining forces with leading Chinese platforms such as Alipay.



Other features of KAYO include taxi hiring and online translation services.



"Based on YAP's high-tech technology, we plan to allow every Chinese visitor to South Korea to enjoy quality search services, discount information and mobile payment just by downloading KAYO," a YAP official said. "The new application will also help local shop owners attract more tourists."



There has been a steady rise in the number of Chinese visitors to South Korea. Last year, 6.12 million Chinese visited South Korea, spending about 14 trillion won ($11.7 billion).



The company expects the number of Chinese visitors to reach 10 million by 2018.



YAP Company also operates an application, dubbed YAP, in South Korea, which allows users to download coupons and discount information related to shops located near the users, including major franchises.



It stands out from its rivals as it utilizes what it calls "hybrid beacon" technology, which automatically displays discount information when a user enters registered stores.



KT Corp., South Korea's No. 2 mobile carrier, also said Thursday it plans to tap the mobile coupon business for Chinese tourists through its marketing solution affiliate, KT Mhows Co.



Under the plan, KT will combine its mobile coupon, Giftishow, with a popular Chinese-language map of South Korean subway lines.



KT said its service will accept payment options preferred by Chinese, including Alipay and UnionPay. (Yonhap)



