KakaoBank said on Jan. 13 it will conduct inspections for a card system update from 11:50 p.m. on Jan. 17 to 7 a.m. on Jan. 18 to provide stable card services.

The inspection will include system optimisation as well as upgrades and replacements of computing equipment as part of the card system update. The step is intended to strengthen capacity to handle card payment traffic and modernise overall infrastructure to provide customers with a more reliable financial transaction environment.

During the overnight hours while the work is under way, overall financial transactions using check cards and mini cards will be temporarily suspended.

Services to be restricted include issuance and cancellation of check and mini cards, domestic and overseas online and offline payments including cancellations, deposits and withdrawals at automated devices such as CD and ATM machines, card suspension and lost card reports, mini card T-money services such as top-ups, and card-related consultations and processing through the customer service centre.

The postpaid transit function on check cards will be available as normal during the inspection. All services for the co-branded credit card, the KakaoBank JoopJoop Shinhan Card, will also operate normally.

The planned service suspension period is about 7 hours, from 11:50 p.m. on Jan. 17 to 7 a.m. the next day, but the actual end time may change slightly depending on work progress.

KakaoBank will operate an intensive monitoring system throughout the process to prepare for emergencies. If inconvenience occurs while using services after the inspection, customers can file a report through the in-app customer centre or call the main number.

KakaoBank called it system maintenance work to provide more stable services. It said it will carry out the work during late-night hours to minimise inconvenience to customers and will do its best to complete it quickly and safely so it can provide smooth services.