Mobile navigation for celebrating Koreans

Here’s a good example of a mobile service that provides solid and timely social benefits. Principal Korean providers (among them SK Telecom) have introduced various services to help people who visit their hometowns during the four-day Chusok holiday, the Korean version of Thanksgiving that starts today.

SK Telecom, the country’s top wireless operator, strengthened its Nate Drive services to inform users of the shortest routes to their hometowns on top of travel tips. Motorists can also ask the fastest routes to their destinations via voice or text messages.

To enjoy the services, SK Telecom subscribers need to purchase a Nate Drive kit at the company’s sales outlets. Usage fees can be chosen from a flurry of rate plans.

KTF, the runner-up player, gives similar functions by enabling its customers to savor K-Ways services with all models. Thus far, the features were available with global positioning system-enabled phones.

KTF clients can type in their current locations or destinations on a user interface of the cell phone like sending text messages, then a variety of information on ways to the destinations will be shown. The fee will be 300 won per usage.

The smallest operator, LG Telecom, teamed up with Hyundai Motor, the nation’s top carmaker, to offer a service that notifies drivers of danger zones, road conditions and restaurant recommendations.

When people find themselves stuck in a traffic jam on highways, there will be an escape with mobile handsets.

The first available service is to watch TV programs on the road via digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), the country’s go-anywhere broadcasting platform.

DMB enables people on the move to enjoy crystal-clear video, CD-quality audio and data through in-car devices or mobile gadgets like cell phones.

When cell phones do not offer DMB functions, drivers or their family members can play mobile games to kill time on overly stuffed highways.

The three wireless operators provide games in a variety of genres such as action, shooting, adventure, arcade or puzzle, that can be downloaded through the handset-based mobile Internet.

A most useful service; it’s about time we had similar services in Europe!

Source: Korea Times