[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Naver (NAVER(035420)) is supporting the digital transformation of restaurants that have not yet adopted Naver Reservations, based on user recommendations. When users recommend popular restaurants they’d like to visit via reservation, Naver will guide the top-ranked restaurants to implement the reservation system and provide financial support and visibility on Naver Maps to business owners who actually integrate the service.

Naver announced on the 6th that it is running the “Reservation Rookie 2026” campaign through the 30th, targeting restaurants that have not yet adopted Naver Reservation.

This campaign is a program designed to help restaurants—which previously only accepted walk-ins or phone reservations—utilize Naver Reservation and integrate Naver’s digital solutions, such as reviews, payments, and data management.

Support for Implementing Reservations at the Top 1,000 User-Recommended Establishments

Users can directly recommend their favorite restaurants they’d like to see included in Naver Reservations.

Based on user recommendation data, Naver will guide restaurants that rank highly in the list to adopt the reservation system. Business owners of the top 1,000 recommended restaurants who complete the implementation of Naver Reservations by December 7 will each receive 150,000 won in Naver Pay points. The total support fund amounts to 150 million won.

The restaurants ultimately selected will also receive additional promotional opportunities, such as being featured on the “Reservations” tab in Naver Maps through the “Reservation Rookie Campaign” scheduled for 2027.

Among users participating in the campaign, 10,000 will be selected via a random drawing to receive 1,000 won in Naver Pay points.

“Matdongyeo Map” for Existing Reservation-Enabled Restaurants

For business owners already using Naver Reservations, the “Matdongyeo Map” campaign will run concurrently.

“Matdongyeo Map” is a promotion that selects one region each month—such as Seoul, Gyeonggi, Busan, or Jeju—to introduce recommended restaurants in that area and link them to Naver Reservations. Users can earn Naver Pay points by making a reservation at a participating restaurant, visiting it, and leaving a review. Additionally, if users pay in person at an Npay Connect partner location, they’ll earn up to 20% of the transaction amount as bonus points.

“Matdongyeo Map” began with the “Seongsu·Konkuk University” edition last May and has now run through its 11th installment.

Starting on the 24th, Naver will launch a year-end special covering all of Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Busan, and plans to continue with a nationwide barbecue restaurant promotion starting on the 10th of next month.

Lee Se-hoon, Business Planning Leader for Naver Places, stated, “The purpose of this campaign is to help popular restaurants across the country that users frequently visit adopt Naver Reservations and connect with more customers,” adding, “We will provide support so that Naver Reservations can serve as a channel to attract more users to local business districts.”