‘Hot’ beacons boom driving convenience

Near field communication devices – now commonly referred to as ‘beacons’ – are becoming increasingly prevalent in Korea, changing the way consumers shop, study and interact with companies.

At schools and universities, attendance is checked automatically when you enter a classroom.

When you pass a grocery store, you receive a text message including electronic coupons.

When travelling overseas, you can receive tourist or shopping information without a sightseeing guide.

With the adoption of ‘beacons’ – near field communication devices – smartphone users can now enjoy this kind of convenience.

According to South Korean IT industry watchers, in addition to electronics companies and telecommunication companies that are adopting Internet of the Things (IoT) technology aggressively, finance and distribution companies are also installing beacons at their businesses for consumer convenience.

As a result, beacons can already be found at banks, department stores, schools, amusement parks, stadiums and other living spaces.

Beacons are Bluetooth-based devices that send out text messages through applications for smartphone users staying in a localised area.

They are cheap in comparison to other electronics, and very small, making them invisible to consumers  regardless of how many are installed. They are usually set on ceilings.

The possible uses of beacons are countless.

SK Telecom recently installed 60 beacons at the Kyobo Book Centre in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. When a customer enters, text messages with information about promotions and books or coupons are sent according to the consumer’s tastes.

KT installed 20 beacons at Chunghakdong on Jiri Mountain. The beacons send information about the site, and alerts about snakes or cliffs and other dangers.

Officials say, “Beacons are hot now, regardless of the field of business. If consumers show positive reactions, the use of beacons will continue to grow.”

  • Original story by Francine Jung of Koreabizwire.com

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