eSAFETY GUIDE
KakaoTalk logo

KakaoTalk

14+
Minimum age according to KakaoTalk (younger users can join with parental permission)
14+ Minimum age according to KakaoTalk (younger users can join with parental permission)

What is KakaoTalk?

KakaoTalk (commonly referred to as KaTalk) is a free messaging, video calling, and online services app owned by Kakao Corp. It is the main messaging app in South Korea, but it’s also used in many other countries around the world. You can chat one-on-one or in group chats, and it works on both phones and computers. Messages are sent over the internet rather than via your mobile network, meaning you don’t need a SIM card to use it.

KakaoTalk started as a messaging app but has since added other online services. These include shopping, email, games, calendar and reminders, a digital wallet, banking tools, and a ‘Plus Friends’ feature that allows users to follow brands, celebrities and media companies. KakaoTalk is also known for its cute characters called ‘Kakao Friends’, which you can use in stickers and emojis. However, many of these features – including games and shopping – are only available if you sign up with a Korean phone number. If you use an Australian number, you’ll get a simpler version of the app.

While many of these services are built into the KakaoTalk app, Kakao also has separate apps like KakaoMap, KakaoPay and KakaoStory. All these apps are connected through a single Kakao ID, which is what you create when signing up. You can then use that same ID to log into other Kakao services. However, like many of the in-built services of the original app, many of these other Kakao-branded apps are only available in Korea.

KakaoTalk has a minimum age of 14 years, but it is accessible to users under 14 years of age if they have parental consent.

Website: KakaoTalk

Apps: Android app, Apple iOS app

How do people use KakaoTalk?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use messaging apps like KakaoTalk.

KakaoTalk is used for: messaging/online chat, anonymous communication, gaming, in-app purchasing, photo/video sharing,  online relationships, screen capture and video calling.

How can you report inappropriate behaviour or block someone?

These links are provided by KakaoTalk:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by KakaoTalk:

  • Manage personal information
    See what personal information you’ve shared with KakaoTalk and manage it in the app’s settings.
  • Personal Data Protection Principles
    Information about KakaoTalk’s approach to handling personal data, including its principles around collection, use and user rights.
  • Privacy policy
    Outlines KakaoTalk’s privacy and cookie policy including the information they collect and how they use your data.
  • Phishing
    Learn how to avoid phishing scams and what to do if you receive suspicious messages.

Key safety links

These links are provided by KakaoTalk:

  • Customer Service Centre
    Search for help by category, report issues by email, and get support for problems with Kakao services.
  • Operational policy
    The principles and standards that KakaoTalk uses to handle, safety, privacy, and user behaviour.
  • Privacy
    Tools and information to help you manage your personal data on KakaoTalk.
  • Terms of service
    Information about the rules for using KakaoTalk and what you agree to when you sign up.

Social media changes are coming

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.

Find out more at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub.

About The eSafety Guide

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.