The Future of Google Maps in South Korea: Enhancing Travel or Protecting Local Interests?

Published on August 8, 2025

For many travellers to South Korea, finding their way around the frenetic urban centres seldom unfolds as smoothly as it does elsewhere, and the reason is simple: Google Maps, the global standard, routinely stumbles here. The limitation has reignited an old discussion about the availability of precise mapping records, especially now that regulators are poised to rule on whether the search giant may start exporting this key data beyond its borders.

The ruling, expected on August 11, promises to enhance the visitor experience by finally unleashing Google Maps in full—offering turn-by-turn directions, traffic prognostics, and refined routing. Yet the matter is about far more than tourism; it has grown into a broad interrogation of how open democracies reconcile national digital sovereignty with a globalised tech infrastructure that demands ever more data.

The Historical Context of South Korea’s Mapping Restrictions

South Korea has long maintained stringent regulations concerning the use and export of its detailed mapping data. The country’s mapping data is considered sensitive, as it contains detailed information about its infrastructure, including military sites, which has led to security concerns over international access. As a result, South Korea remains one of the few countries—along with China and North Korea—where Google Maps does not function as it does in most of the world. Instead, local competitors Naver and Kakao dominate the digital landscape, with both platforms offering comprehensive mapping services but only within the boundaries of South Korea.

These local giants have built vast digital ecosystems that go far beyond mapping services, encompassing everything from news to messaging and even financial services. Their stronghold in the country has made it difficult for foreign tech companies like Google to make headway, despite the company’s global dominance in other areas of technology.

Google’s Request to Access Mapping Data

Google, seeking to enhance its mapping services, has requested permission from the South Korean government to export the country’s detailed mapping data to overseas servers. Google argues that distributing and processing this data through its global server network is essential to offer accurate and real-time navigation for billions of users, including tourists who want to explore South Korea. The company has offered assurances that sensitive information, such as military sites, would be blurred or removed to meet national security standards.

However, the government has consistently rejected Google’s request on the grounds of security risks. Local industry groups, such as the Korean Association of Spatial Information, Surveying, and Mapping (Kasm), which represents over 2,600 companies, have voiced strong opposition, fearing that the approval of Google’s request could lead to market domination by the tech giant. They argue that the data being processed by Google could create a significant imbalance, undermining the position of local businesses.

The Potential Benefits for Tourism

One of the most significant areas where this decision could have an impact is tourism. South Korea’s tourism sector has witnessed impressive growth in recent years, with millions of international visitors flocking to the country for its vibrant culture, rich history, and modern attractions. However, tourists often face navigational challenges when trying to find their way around urban areas, particularly when using Google Maps.

The absence of real-time navigation on Google Maps has led to an increase in complaints, with many tourists frustrated by the need to switch to local apps like Naver Maps for accurate walking directions. Data from the Korea Tourism Organisation revealed that complaints related to navigation apps increased by 71% last year, with Google Maps accounting for 30% of all app-related grievances.

Tourists, especially those visiting from countries where Google Maps is the standard, are often surprised by the app’s limited functionality in South Korea. Many find it difficult to search for restaurants or points of interest on Google Maps, only to realise that they need to use a local service for walking directions, which can be a cumbersome process for travellers unfamiliar with the local apps.

If Google’s request is approved, the functionality of Google Maps would be significantly enhanced, potentially streamlining the travel experience for foreign visitors. The ability to use one universal platform for both directions and points of interest would improve the convenience of travelling around South Korea, making it more accessible and attractive to international tourists.

Security Concerns and Local Industry Opposition

Despite the potential benefits for tourism, South Korea’s government has expressed concerns about national security and the potential for foreign companies, particularly from China, to gain access to sensitive information. Critics of Google’s request argue that granting access to mapping data could set a dangerous precedent, opening the door for other foreign tech firms to claim similar access to valuable local data.

In response, the government has proposed an alternative solution. They have suggested that Google could establish local data centres in South Korea, as Naver and Kakao do. However, this would still not fully resolve the issue of processing data on Google’s global servers. Additionally, the fire at Kakao’s data centre in 2022 highlighted the risks of relying on overseas data processing, especially when dealing with vital services like messaging, mapping, and ride-hailing.

The Future of Digital Sovereignty in South Korea

The Google Maps issue is part of a larger debate in South Korea about digital sovereignty. Local tech companies, supported by the government, have been able to resist foreign dominance in the digital space, creating a unique ecosystem that prioritises domestic control over global competition. While this has undoubtedly protected local businesses, it has also stifled the ability of international companies like Google to compete on an equal footing.

The decision on Google’s request is not just about mapping data—it’s about how South Korea defines its digital sovereignty in the context of global economic openness. Allowing Google to process mapping data on its servers could mark a shift toward greater openness, fostering innovation and enhancing the tourism experience for millions of visitors. However, it could also spark greater resistance from local industries and raise concerns about the balance between security and competition.

A Pivotal Moment for South Korea’s Tourism and Tech Landscape

As decision day approaches, South Korea’s top brass are weighing consequences that stretch well beyond the corridors of the ministries. A green light for Google might translate into sharper navigation maps that help tourists breeze through cities and boost the entire hospitality chain. Refusing the request, however, would underscore Seoul’s dedication to nurturing homegrown firms, yet the collateral might be slower user-friendly services and a shrinking posture on the world digital stage.

In quiet meeting rooms and busy cafés alike, the chatter is of balancing ground-up innovation with the appetite for global scale. The choice now, arriving clearer by the hour, will colour how future travellers experience the country and how future start-ups compete within it.

Image Credit: Google Maps Official Website