It is now possible to use transportation cards with iPhones in Korea.
Telcuon, a Korean smart card-based fintech security solution company, is the first company in South Korea to use NFC (near field communication) based on an iOS transportation app called ‘NFC BBIK (삨)’.
The iPhone’s exclusive transportation card app ‘NFC BBIK’ is based on KORAIL RailPlus and can be used on iPhone 8 or later iOS 13 models. “Last year, we have passed national compatibility tests since the official release of iOS 13 last year,” said Telcuon.
First, you need to pick up the NFC-compatible sticker, available online and from convenience stores such as GS25 and CU, costing around $30. You then attach it to the back of the iPhone (some users have reported issues when using a case). Then, download the ‘삨’ (NFC BBIK) app from the Apple app store and select the ‘Youth’ and ‘Adult’ transportation card option. You can deposit funds into the ‘virtual account’ the app will recognize the NFC sticker. Credit card charging and debit card integration will also be available soon.
Telcuon also launched a revamped Android-only transportation card app under the new brand name, this is available for download from the Google play store.
An official from Telcuon said, “We have applied for and registered more than 40 patents while preparing the App Transportation Card.” We hope that the technology and business models developed by SMEs will be more institutionalized at the government level.
Telcuon also decided to continue upgrading its services. To this end, the first cooperative trial service was launched at Cockbank, a mutual financial independent service of the NACF. The NACF will officially launch in May. In addition, we are recruiting groups from Naver ‘Asamo’, the largest iPhone user online community in Korea, with 1.8 million users, and are also conducting step-by-step tests. The sticker will be available to consumers from March.
- iOS app is available to download here https://apps.apple.com/tt/app/%EC%82%A8-bbik/id1490345851?ign-mpt=uo%3D2
- Google Play Store app is available to download here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.telcuon.bbik&hl=ko
- You can purchase an NFC sticker online here (however they are currently sold out) https://smartstore.naver.com/umnshop/products/4849208250
- Telcuon website https://www.telcuon.com/