Flying to S.Korea's Jeju Island? Just bring smartphone

The identity verification app Pass of South Korea's three telecom companies has added another function: enabling a user to board a domestic flight with just a smartphone.

In collaboration with SK Telecom Co., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp., Korea Airports Corp. on Monday launched the Pass Smart Ticket, a service that simultaneously verifies a user's ID and boarding pass through the Pass app at 14 domestic airports including Gimpo, Gimhae and Jeju.

The app reduces hassle by eliminating the need to show one's boarding pass and ID at an airport's departure and boarding gates.

The service is offered on the domestic flights of Jeju Air Co., T'way Air Co., Hi Air and Eastar Jet. With Air Seoul to be added this month, the ticket will see its use expanded to all domestic carriers in order.

The smart ticket combines a passenger's mobile ID on the Pass app and domestic boarding pass to generate a QR code in the app for display for authentication during the boarding process. The code can be used just like a boarding pass in all procedures from check in to ID verification, purchase of duty-free goods and boarding a plane.

A passenger who pre-registers his or her mobile ID on the app can use the e-ticket after completing check in. If the boarding pass and Pass customer information match, the app automatically displays a QR code and ticket data, and real-time inspection of ID and check-in information based on the Pass mobile ID raises safety.

The three telecom companies said the addition of functions like screen capture blocking and initialization of the QR pattern makes forgery or alteration of the e-ticket difficult. Those wishing to use the ticket can access the mobile ID tab on the main screen of each carrier's Pass app, register their resident registration card or driver's license, and agree to the terms and conditions of the service's use.

To mark the service's debut, the three companies have a promotional booth at Gimpo International Airport in Seoul at the departure area for domestic flights on the third floor. Through the middle of next month, they are offering exclusive passage benefits to Pass Smart Ticket users and prizes and gifts to customers.

Write to Seung-Woo Lee at leeswoo@hankyung.com