Overview
Daum is more than just a search engine; it has transformed into a multi-functional internet platform offering a wide range of services to its users. Founded in 1994 by Park Geon-hee and Lee Jae-woong, and launched as a web portal in May 1997, Daum has become one of the leading internet portals in South Korea.
Key Features and Functionality
Search Engine
Daum started as a search engine and gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and accurate search results. It introduced innovative features such as image search and real-time keyword ranking, setting it apart from other search engines at the time.
Email Services
Daum Mail is a popular free web-based email service that has been a cornerstone of Daum’s offerings. It was instrumental in building a loyal user base and remains a key service provided by the platform.
Messaging and Social Networking
In 2014, Daum merged with Kakao Talk, a leading messaging app in South Korea, to form Kakao Corporation. This integration allowed Daum to tap into Kakao Talk’s massive user base and offer seamless messaging services along with other social networking features.
Online Services
Daum offers a variety of online services, including:
- News Aggregation: Providing users with up-to-date news from various sources.
- Online Shopping: Allowing users to shop online through integrated e-commerce platforms.
- Webtoons: A service offering digital comics, which is highly popular in South Korea.
- Cloud Storage: Daum Cloud provides users with cloud storage solutions.
- Map Services: Daum Maps offers navigation and mapping services.
- Blogging: Tistory, a blogging platform developed by Daum, allows users to create and manage their own blogs.
Additional Services
Other notable services include:
- Daum Dictionary: A mobile app providing dictionary services.
- Daum Comics: A platform for digital comics.
- PotPlayer: A freeware media player developed and distributed by Daum.
Personalization and Innovation
Daum continues to innovate by investing in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics. This enables the platform to provide personalized recommendations and enhance user experiences across its various services.
In summary, Daum is a robust internet portal that offers a diverse array of services, from search and email to messaging, online shopping, news, and entertainment, making it an integral part of daily life for many users in South Korea.