Google Expands Maps in South Korea with Turn-by-Turn Directions

Google has confirmed plans to expand its Google Maps service in South Korea by launching full-functioning capabilities, including turn-by-turn directions.

The company is recruiting a senior partnerships manager to work with private companies, public entities, and technology partners as part of the effort.

The move follows South Korea's conditional approval on February 27th for Google to export 1:5,000-scale high-precision map data, which was previously rejected in 2007 and 2016 over national security concerns.

Google currently offers extensive place listings, reviews, and public transit directions in Korea but does not provide turn-by-turn driving or walking navigation.

The Seoul-based Strategic Partnerships Development Manager will join Google's Global Product Partnerships team to negotiate agreements with Korean companies and build relationships with local entities.