Saturday, August 10, 2024 Korea’s tourism industry faces challenges as foreign travelers encounter difficulties with navigation and delivery apps, raising concerns over digital accessibility. International tourists visiting various countries are increasingly frustrated with local navigation, identity verification, and payment systems, despite these nations’ reputations as leaders in technology. As reported by several tourism boards, countries like South Korea have seen a significant rise in foreign visitors this year, with numbers nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels.
However, the experience of these tourists is evolving, and not always in a favorable direction. In many popular destinations, a new trend has emerged where tourists, influenced by local media such as dramas and movies, seek to engage more deeply with the local culture, including ordering delivery food. However, they often encounter significant challenges with local apps and services.
A common issue is the lack of foreign language options and difficulties in accessing clear information, making it nearly impossible for international visitors to navigate these platforms effectively. The identity verification process, which often requires a local phone number or credit card, adds another layer of complexity for tourists. Industry experts are increasingly advocating for the development of “integrated gateway apps” to address these challenges.
These proposed apps would act as a central access point, simplifying.