Naver Takes on Google with Saudi Map Launch and Super-App Push

Naver, South Korea's leading online search engine, is set to challenge Google with its recent launch of a Saudi map feature and a push into super-app territory.

The move comes as analysts predicted that generative artificial intelligence would disrupt the traditional search industry in late 2022, with ChatGPT bursting onto the scene. However, users in South Korea are finding ways to blend ChatGPT with Naver's search functionality, rather than abandoning it altogether.

Naver has been steadily expanding its services beyond search, with a focus on AI-powered features and user experience. The Saudi map launch is seen as part of this broader strategy, which includes the development of super-apps that combine multiple services under one platform.