Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean government on Friday announced it will permit Google to export detailed map data to servers abroad, a move ending years of restrictions that frustrated foreign travelers and hampered the functionality of Google Maps within the country. The decision, made after a review involving government officials and private sector experts, allows for the export of high-precision maps at a scale of 1:5,000, but with significant security stipulations.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated that Google must implement security safeguards, limiting data transfers to only what is necessary for navigation services. Critically, the export will exclude contour lines and other sensitive geographical information. Google will initially process the data on domestic servers and require government authorization before any data leaves the country, according to the ministry.
For years, South Korea has resisted requests from Google and Apple to transfer detailed map data overseas, citing national security concerns. Officials have repeatedly expressed fears that sensitive geographic data could be exploited by North Korea. The restrictions have made South Korea one of the few nations globally where Google Maps operates with limited functionality, forcing residents to rely primarily on domestic mapping services like Naver and Kakao.
Beyond security, concerns have as well been raised about the potential impact on domestic businesses. Some experts have argued that control over national mapping data is a matter of “sovereignty,” essential for supporting emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, and smart cities. However, critics countered that the restrictions hindered innovation and negatively impacted tourism, pointing to complaints from visitors unfamiliar with local alternatives.
According to a statement emailed by Google, Cris Turner, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, said the company “welcomes the decision and looks forward to continued collaboration with local authorities to bring a fully functional Google Maps to Korea.”
The government also stipulated that Google must appoint a compliance officer in South Korea to oversee map export-related matters. The authorization to export data can be suspended or revoked if Google fails to adhere to the outlined conditions. Google will be required to remove coordinates of South Korean territory and blur satellite and aerial imagery of military installations and other sensitive locations in time-series services like Google Earth and Street View.
The decision follows years of pressure from international business groups and travelers who found navigating South Korea challenging without the full features of Google Maps. A report from the Associated Press in February 2026 noted the growing frustration, particularly as neighboring countries readily offered full Google Maps functionality. The change comes as South Korea seeks to attract more foreign investment and tourism.
