[Edaily Reporter Lee So-hyun] Naver Maps is introducing a feature that provides voice-guided directions while walking, similar to a car navigation system.

Naver (#NAVER) announced on the 19th that it has introduced a real-time walking navigation service to Naver Maps—which is used by more than 31 million people monthly—and has also enhanced its safe driving features for navigation.

The newly added real-time walking navigation feature enhances the existing “Follow on Foot” service with voice guidance. Users can check their route through voice prompts such as “Turn left shortly” or “Next, cross the overpass” without having to constantly look at their smartphone screen while walking.

Following the launch of the “Follow on Foot” feature in 2023, Naver Maps has continued to enhance its walking navigation capabilities, including the introduction of stair-avoidance route guidance last year.

Real-time walking directions are currently available on Android devices first. They are scheduled to be rolled out to iOS devices sequentially.

Integration with public transportation route planning has also been strengthened. Users can receive voice guidance for the walking segments connecting their starting point to the public transportation boarding location, and from the alighting point to their final destination. The navigation screen also displays information on the next bus or subway line to take, as well as estimated arrival times.

Naver explained that this feature helps users travel seamlessly to their final destination while checking public transportation schedules.

The feature also connects with indoor AR navigation. When users enter an area supported by indoor AR navigation—which was first implemented at COEX last year—the walking directions will seamlessly transition to AR navigation guidance.

The safe driving features of Naver Maps Navigation have also been enhanced. Naver has redesigned the user interface and experience on the navigation screen to make it easier to report road conditions while driving.

A “Report” icon has been added to the navigation screen, allowing users to quickly report unexpected situations—such as accidents, road construction, or traffic restrictions—that they encounter while driving. Reported information is shared with other drivers in real time. This helps drivers anticipate unexpected traffic jams or road closures in advance and drive safely.

A feature providing alerts for rear-facing speed cameras has also been added. Users can now receive real-time alerts for rear-facing fixed speed cameras and rear-facing real-time variable speed cameras.

Real-time traffic light information is now available even in “Safe Driving” mode, where users drive without a specific destination.

Naver Maps is also continuously enhancing its real-time incident information, such as accidents and traffic restrictions. Last April, in collaboration with the Financial Supervisory Service, the service strengthened warnings for sections prone to deliberate accidents.

Naver announced that, thanks to these enhancements, the daily average number of users of Naver Maps Navigation in May recorded a double-digit growth rate for the fourth consecutive year since 2022.

Jeong Gyeong-hwa, Head of Naver Maps Services, stated, “As an all-in-one platform that supports users throughout their entire journey, Naver Maps has enhanced its walking and public transportation integration through this update to enable more convenient and precise travel.” She added, “We will continue to improve our services across the board so that over 31 million monthly users can travel more conveniently and safely all the way to their final destination.”