"From Hongdae Restaurant Recommendations to Reservations at Once"… ChatGPT Now Integrated into KakaoTalk

Ask Like Chatting, Complete Reservations and Gifting in One Step
Service Integration Through 'Kakao Tools'
Option to Save Conversations and Reflect Learning
"Data Sovereignty Comes First"
Friends Tab Restoration Not Included... Update Planned for Q4

"Whenever you need ideas in a chatroom or have to plan a trip, you can simply press the button and use it right away."

On October 28, Kakao officially launched 'ChatGPT for Kakao,' developed in collaboration with OpenAI. A new 'ChatGPT' button has been added to the top of the KakaoTalk chat tab, allowing users to ask questions or make requests to the artificial intelligence (AI) just as they would send messages to friends. This is not just about adding a new feature; it is a strategic move to integrate conversational AI into KakaoTalk as a lifestyle platform, aiming to evolve AI into a part of everyday life.

Yoo, Performance Leader of Kakao AI Agent Platform, said at the demonstration event for 'ChatGPT for Kakao' that "a new era has begun where anyone can easily utilize AI within KakaoTalk."

This initiative combines Kakao's large-scale platform and domestic lifestyle service ecosystem with OpenAI's latest model, expanding AI as a 'daily assistant.' Users can access it with just their Kakao account, without the need to launch a separate app or log in again.

Kakao has launched 'ChatGPT for Kakao,' which allows users to access OpenAI's ChatGPT directly from the KakaoTalk chat tab. Through 'Kakao Tools,' integrated with Kakao services, users can utilize various functions such as reservations, gifting, and map searches within the chat. Photo by Kakao

"Ask and get answers like chatting"… 'Kakao Tools' connected to lifestyle services

ChatGPT for Kakao goes beyond simple conversation features, focusing on integration with the entire Kakao ecosystem. This is managed by 'Kakao Tools.' When a user asks ChatGPT a question, it automatically connects to the relevant Kakao service and provides the results, acting as an AI agent. For example, if a user types "Recommend a Thai restaurant near Hongdae," ChatGPT will call up Kakao Map to show nearby restaurants. If the user then selects "Make a reservation," the screen automatically switches to KakaoTalk's reservation feature, allowing the reservation to be completed without switching apps.

Initially, Kakao plans to integrate with major services such as Kakao Map, KakaoTalk Reservation, KakaoTalk Gifting, and Melon, and later expand the ecosystem through collaboration with external partners. The goal is to create a complete user experience (UX) that leads not just to search-based chatbot interactions but to real actions such as reservations, purchases, and sharing.

"Share and ask questions directly in chatrooms"… Maximizing KakaoTalk connectivity

It is also optimized for KakaoTalk's core feature of 'conversation sharing.' Users can instantly share ChatGPT-generated answers, images, or summaries in KakaoTalk chatrooms, making it useful for brainstorming meeting ideas or coordinating schedules. Yoo, Performance Leader, explained, "While chatting with friends or colleagues, you can say, 'Let's ask ChatGPT about this,' and immediately share the answer."

Another Kakao AI project, 'Kanana in KakaoTalk,' is also expected to create synergy. Kanana is an on-device AI service that understands KakaoTalk conversations and proactively suggests relevant information based on the context.

Kakao is currently conducting beta tests based on its self-developed Korean language-specialized model, 'Kanana Nano,' aiming for an official launch in the first quarter of next year. This model operates on the device itself rather than an external server, reducing concerns about personal data leakage and reportedly surpassing global models in Korean language context comprehension.

To celebrate the launch, Kakao is running a ChatGPT Plus paid subscription promotion. Users who newly subscribe to ChatGPT Plus within KakaoTalk and maintain their subscription through the third month of payment will receive a one-month subscription fee cashback.

Meanwhile, this update does not include the restoration of the Friends tab, which had triggered strong backlash from users during the large-scale update in September. Kakao stated, "We are preparing to have the friends list displayed first and plan to update this within the fourth quarter."