What is KakaoTalk? How to Use Korea's #1 Messaging App
Your Guide to KakaoTalk PLUS Useful Korean Vocabulary for the App
In today’s digital age, messaging apps have become a crucial part of our daily communication. Among the many options available, 카카오톡 (kakao-tok) also known as KakaoTalk in English is a major player, especially in South Korea.
Launched in 2010 by Kakao Corp., this instant messaging application has revolutionized how people communicate, socialize, and do business.
KakaoTalk was first developed to offer users a simple and effective way to communicate over the Internet. As soon as it launched, the app rapidly gained popularity among Korean youngsters. The major reason behind its popularity is due to the free messaging service, user-friendly interface, and various multimedia content.
Now in 2025, it is positioned as one of the leading messaging platforms in the region. Most Koreans refer to 카카오톡 (kakao-tok) – KakaoTalk as 카톡 (katok). 카톡 (katok) is the first and last character from 카카오톡 (kakao-tok).
Let’s learn about what Kakao Talk is, its impact on Korean society, and why it has become the preferred messaging app for Koreans!
What is KakaoTalk | Why Koreans Like KakaoTalk
What is KakaoTalk | Popular Functions Koreans Use the Most on KakaoTalk
What is KakaoTalk | Challenges and Controversies of KakaoTalk
What is KakaoTalk | The Future of KakaoTalk
What is KakaoTalk | FAQs
Why Koreans Like KakaoTalk
There are several reasons why KakaoTalk is popular in South Korea:
🆓 Free Service and Easy Navigation:
The app’s signature yellow color and clear layout make it easy for users of all ages to navigate. Plus, the app was totally free to all users and attracted many users in all age groups since the beginning.
📲 Diverse Features:
KakaoTalk is like a social networking platform with a messenger service. The Kakao Corp came up with innovative ideas to make this a ‘one-stop’ platform for everything. KakaoStory, KakaoTaxi, KakaoBus, KakaoMusic, KakaoGames, KakaoHome, and more make social networking, listening to music, basic home functions, and transportation all possible in one platform. In 2017, Kakao became the first internet-only bank in Korea to be approved by South Korean regulators.
🧙♀️ Kakao Characters:
KakaoTalk resonates with South Korean culture by incorporating popular local characters, such as Kakao Friends. 카카오 프랜즈 (kakao poo-renz) or Kakao Friends in English are emoticons from KakaoTalk that became very popular characters in Korea.
You can see Kakao Friends merchandise shops across Korea which proves Koreans love these characters.
🌎 Social Connection:
The group chat function in KakaoTalk is particularly popular for both personal and business purposes. Group chat in Korean is called 단톡방 (dan-tok-bang) which is a short word from 단체 카톡방 (dan-chae katok bang)
Korean Words and Their Aegyo Forms
| Korean | Transliteration | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 단체 | danchae | group |
| 카톡방 | ka-tok-bang | KakaoTalk chat room |
Popular Functions Koreans
Use the Most on KakaoTalk
🗨 Messaging and Voice Calls:
KakaoTalk is mostly used for text messages, voice notes, sharing photos, and videos.
🗨 Group Chats: As mentioned, group chats are a popular function Koreans love to use.
You can create group chats with friends, family, or colleagues from work. There is an open chat function that enables people to join public chat rooms.
If you are interested in purchasing a certain item from a group chat, or become part of a certain community, you can easily join the open chat rooms and start your conversation.
🗨 Stickers and Emojis:
Emojis are very popular in KakaoTalk, especially KakaoTalk’s original characters. There are a variety of selections available both for free and at a cost. Gifting emojis is a popular practice in Korea among friends.
💸 Kakao Pay:
Kakao Pay is a useful function that makes paying easy. This serves as the same function for international payment systems like ApplePay, making payment much easier for Koreans.
📱 Kakao Story:
Koreans love using Kakao Story as part of social networking. You can share updates, photos, and status with friends.
📈 Business Communication:
KakaoTalk’s presence in the local business sector is huge. Many companies use the platform for internal communication. Using KakaoTalk as a platform for communicating with customer service is very common in Korea. Since almost everyone uses KakaoTalk, integrating customer service in the same platform just makes things much more convenient.
It is estimated that approximately 9️⃣7️⃣% of Koreans use KakaoTalk. That’s almost everyone in South Korea!
Challenges and Controversies of KakaoTalk
Despite its success, Kakao Talk has faced many challenges.
Privacy concerns have always been a subject of debate in Korea. The company faced many challenges with data security and the handling of user information.
Additionally, the app’s dominance in South Korea has led to criticisms. As KakaoTalk dominates the digital marketplace in South Korea, they faced many criticisms.
But since almost everyone uses this platform, it is not easy to NOT use it to keep up with everyone and everything.
The Future of Kakao Talk
Looking ahead, Kakao Talk is estimated to grow even bigger in South Korea. As user expectations evolve, the company is looking into ways to expand its features and services.
Integration of AI and Chatbots: Kakao is strengthening its artificial intelligence to improve user experience through integrating AI into text messaging.
Expansion into Global Markets:
While KakaoTalk is predominantly used in South Korea, this domestic company wants to reach new heights and enter the global market. However entering the global market is not easy as competition from Facebook, WhatsApp, and Viber is high.
Kakao Talk is more than just a messaging app:
It’s a cultural phenomenon that has reshaped communication in South Korea. If you are planning to move to South Korea, we highly recommend you use this app. Without it you will be missing out on so many things!
USEFUL VOCABULARY
👇 We should have you pretty well covered with the following vocabulary and phrases:
| Korean Term | Transliteration | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 카카오톡 | Kakao Tok | KakaoTalk |
| 톡 | tok | Talk (short for KakaoTalk) |
| 단톡방 | dan-tok-bang | Group chat room |
| 이모티콘 | imotikon | Emoticon |
| 스티커 | seutikeo | Sticker |
| 친구 | chin-gu | Friend |
| 사진 | sa-jin | Photo |
| 채팅 | chae-ting | Chat |
| 음성 메시지 | eumseong mesiji | Voice message |
| 공유 | gong-yu | Share |
| 알림 | al-lim | Notification |
| 대화 | dae-hwa | Conversation |
| 좋아요 | jo-a-yo | Like |
| 답장 | dap-jang | Reply |
| 링크 | link | Link |
| 확인 | hwak-in | Confirm |
| 초대 | cho-dae | Invite |
| 친구 추가 | chin-gu chu-ga | Add friend |
| 카카오 페이 | Kakao Pay | Kakao Pay |
| 오픈 채팅 | o-peun chae-ting | Open chat |
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What is KakaoTalk | FAQ
What is KakaoTalk?
KakaoTalk is South Korea’s most popular messaging app, offering free chats, voice calls, and a range of features like KakaoPay, Open Chat, and Kakao Friends stickers.
Why is KakaoTalk so popular in South Korea?
KakaoTalk dominates the Korean market because it’s free, user-friendly, and packed with features that go beyond messaging, including payments, shopping, and even taxi services.
Can I use KakaoTalk outside of South Korea?
Yes! KakaoTalk works globally, and you can use it to chat with friends anywhere. However, some features like KakaoPay may be limited outside of Korea.
How do I add friends on KakaoTalk?
You can add friends by syncing your phone contacts, searching for their Kakao ID, or using the QR code feature.
How do Koreans say KakaoTalk?
Most Koreans refer to 카카오톡 (kakao-tok) – KakaoTalk as 카톡 (katok). 카톡 (katok) is the first and last character from 카카오톡 (kakao-tok).
톡 (tok) or Talk in English is another way Koreans refer to KakaoTalk.
People will usually say 카톡할게 (ka-tok-hal-ge) or 톡할게 (tok-hal-ge) to say I will text you.
Who is the most popular character in Kakao Friends?
라이언 (lai-on) or Ryan in English is the most popular among Kakao Friends in Korea.
What is KakaoHome?
카카오홈 (kakao-hom) or KakaoHome in English is a home management service where you can remotely control the temperature, electronic appliances, and power in your home.
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