Why Did Google Maps Lose Its Way in South Korea?

 When people in Seoul try to use Google Maps for navigation, many may wonder if their internet connection is faulty because the app doesn’t seem to work properly. The truth is, Google Maps has never fully functioned for navigation in South Korea. Aside from displaying low-resolution maps, it lacks turn-by-turn navigation capabilities. This is because the South Korean government has refused to provide Google with high-resolution geospatial data at a 1:5000 scale.

"Google Map doesn't work in Seoul, Korea."

Recently, under the Trump administration in the U.S., a range of trade-related pressures have emerged between South Korea and the United States. Seizing the opportunity, Google renewed its request to the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) for access to high-precision map data. Some have speculated that during upcoming high-level trade talks between Korean and American finance and commerce officials in Washington, D.C., there may be discussions about allowing the export of this sensitive geospatial data — which the Korean government has repeatedly denied until now.

Reportedly, at the upcoming “2+2” strategic dialogue, South Korea is considering using the release of high-precision mapping data as a bargaining chip to negotiate the reduction of 25% tariffs imposed on Korean exports like automobiles and steel. However, government officials have so far maintained a cautious stance, saying that "no final decision has been made."

The 1:5000 scale map that Google is requesting would allow a 50-meter distance to be displayed as 1 centimeter on the map, meaning even narrow alleyways could be clearly identified. Google had previously requested access to this data in 2007 and again in 2016. In its efforts to secure approval, Google launched its Korean-language map service in 2008and notably did not restrict Korean users from accessing overseas Google Maps services.

The South Korean government's refusal to share this data has consistently been grounded in national security concerns. Additional conditions have included requiring Google to establish local data centers in South Korea and to blur military installations on the maps.

But beyond national security concerns, there’s another layer to the issue.

South Korea already has homegrown navigation companies like Naver, T Map, and AirNavi, which offer detailed turn-by-turn directions — including coverage of narrow alleyways and complex urban layouts. Protecting these domestic “map tech” industries has been another implicit reason for resisting Google’s requests.

In fact, map-based services are no longer just about driving navigation. Korean automakers like Hyundai Motor Group have publicly announced initiatives in urban air mobility (UAM) and autonomous driving technologies. Because UAM involves 3D spatial data beyond traditional 2D mapping, there’s speculation that Hyundai and others may be working on proprietary next-generation mapping platforms. Granting Google early access to detailed geographic data could mean ceding leadership in UAM or autonomous navigation maps, which the government may want to avoid.

Meanwhile, Korean consumers increasingly favor a variety of mapping options. As more Koreans travel abroad and use Google Maps overseas, preference for Google Maps has grown domestically as well. Still, many users believe that Korean-made apps offer superior graphics and richer local information, making them more effective overall. Yet the idea that foreign map services like Google’s are not inherently harmful — and may even be beneficial — is gaining traction.

“If geographic data exports are allowed, and Google Maps provides multilingual support and offline access, it could attract up to 6.8 million more foreign tourists and generate $2.26 billion in tourism revenue by 2027,”

one estimate claims.

However, for South Korea’s National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) to authorize such exports, it must follow a legal review process under the “Act on the Establishment, Management, etc. of Spatial Information.” This includes convening a deliberation body for overseas export of surveying results, made up of representatives from both government agencies and private-sector experts.

And since the panel’s decision must be made by unanimous agreement, it’s likely that the final outcome will depend heavily on shifts in national policy.