Google Maps Gets OK from South Korea, But Still Struggling

South Korea's complex relationship with Google Maps has been resolved after nearly two decades of disputes over map data exports. The country's national-security law restricts the export of detailed map data without government approval, citing concerns that precise data could expose sensitive infrastructure and military sites.

The government initially denied Google's requests for an exception to this rule, but in February 2026, they agreed to allow the company to take detailed 1:5,000-scale map data out of the country under strict conditions. These include processing raw data on domestic servers operated by a local partner and removing coordinates for South Korean territory from global map products.

However, despite this agreement, Google still needs to build the necessary infrastructure and partnerships to provide turn-by-turn driving and walking directions in South Korea. Geospatial analyst Choi Bo-kyung notes that the current map data is insufficient for a full-functioning service.