South Korea's Convenience Stores Launch Facial Recognition Payment

Published Date : 12/02/2025 

Major convenience store chains in South Korea are set to launch a facial recognition payment system called FacePay, developed by fintech company Viva Republica. The system aims to enhance customer convenience and security with facial scanning technology. 

South Korea's Convenience Stores Introduce Facial Recognition Payment System Major convenience store chains in South Korea are preparing to introduce a cutting-edge facial recognition payment system, FacePay. Developed by Viva Republica, the operator of the Toss mobile finance platform, the system is set to debut in March at select Seoul locations. Pioneering the Technology GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven are the first to implement this innovative payment method. GS25 and CU will roll out FacePay at select stores in March, while 7-Eleven plans to introduce the service during the first half of 2025, starting in Seoul before expanding nationwide. Advanced Accuracy and Security FacePay boasts a remarkable 99.99 percent accuracy rate, with authentication times of just one second. To ensure the integrity of transactions, the system incorporates “Liveness” technology, which can detect fake images or videos. Additionally, a 24-hour transaction detection system monitors for any suspicious activities, further enhancing security. User Registration and Checkout Process To use FacePay, customers must first register their facial data and payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account) through the Toss app. Once registered, they can complete purchases by simply scanning their face at a dedicated terminal at the checkout counter. Privacy and Security Protections The system places a high priority on security and privacy. Viva Republica encrypts all facial data and stores it on a separate server, with access restricted to authorized personnel only. This approach aligns with South Korea’s broader advancements in biometric authentication, including distributed authentication systems developed by other organizations in the country. Enhancing Customer Experience GS Retail, the parent company of GS25, expects FacePay to significantly speed up transactions and improve customer convenience. The company plans to integrate additional features through its Our Neighborhood GS app, such as reservations and discount notifications. Expanding to Small Businesses Viva Republica is also developing options for small businesses to offer facial recognition payments using existing devices with external cameras. This could help lower the implementation costs, making the technology more accessible to a wider range of retailers. A Milestone in Retail Innovation The introduction of FacePay in convenience stores marks a significant milestone in the expansion of facial recognition payments across South Korea’s retail sector. Future plans include expanding the service to other industries, such as movie theaters and cafes, further revolutionizing the way payments are made. About Viva Republica Viva Republica is a leading fintech company in South Korea, known for its mobile finance platform, Toss. The company is committed to developing innovative financial solutions that enhance convenience and security for users. With the introduction of FacePay, Viva Republica continues to push the boundaries of technology in the financial sector. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is FacePay?

A: FacePay is a facial recognition payment system developed by Viva Republica for use in convenience stores and other retail environments. It allows customers to complete transactions by scanning their face at a dedicated terminal.

Q: When and where will FacePay be launched?

A: FacePay will debut in March at select Seoul locations. GS25 and CU will introduce the service at select stores in March, while 7-Eleven plans to roll out the system during the first half of 2025, starting in Seoul.

Q: How accurate is FacePay's facial recognition technology?

A: FacePay boasts a 99.99 percent accuracy rate, with authentication times of just one second. The system includes 'Liveness' technology to detect fake images or videos and a 24-hour transaction detection system to monitor suspicious activities.

Q: How do customers register for FacePay?

A: To use FacePay, customers must register their facial data and payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account) through the Toss app. Once registered, they can complete purchases by scanning their face at a dedicated terminal.

Q: What measures are in place to protect customer privacy and security?

A: Viva Republica encrypts all facial data and stores it on a separate server, with access restricted to authorized personnel only. This ensures that customer data is secure and private. 

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