Kakao has added a local information service on KakaoTalk in North America aimed at Korean users there.

Kakao said on Sept. 15 it has applied 'Local News' to the third tab of KakaoTalk in North America. Without installing a separate application, users can check region-by-region information on Korean community businesses, notices from overseas diplomatic missions and open chat information operated by local users within KakaoTalk.

One pillar of the service is information on local commercial districts. It aggregates KakaoTalk channels run by Korean community businesses across North America and allows users to check product, discount and event information through those channels. On some channels, users can also contact businesses directly through KakaoTalk messages.

From the business side, existing KakaoTalk channels can be used as local promotional tools. Store information can be shared through channel messages and the news function, and if selected as a recommended channel it will also be displayed on the main Local News screen.

Public information is also provided. Kakao signed an MOU with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sept. 14 to provide overseas safety, consular administration and other notice services for North America. Under the agreement, Local News will deliver overseas safety information and consular notices provided by overseas diplomatic missions in North America.

The local community function uses open chat. It links open chat rooms by topic, such as the economy, parenting and hobbies, to allow Korean users in North America to exchange local information or communicate around shared interests.

Kakao sees the service as part of its broader expansion of its KakaoTalk business in North America. The company launched KakaoTalk advertising products such as message ads and display ads in North America in April last year.

It is also expanding regions where overseas advertising is applied. Kakao plans to officially launch KakaoTalk advertising in Japan on Oct. 1.

A Kakao official said, "Local News is a service designed to help Korean users in North America find information needed for daily life within KakaoTalk and connect more easily with local businesses." The official added, "We will continue to identify services that fit overseas users' daily-life context and enhance KakaoTalk's global usability."