Google Maps will finally be usable in South Korea

Source: Engadget

Background

Google will finally be able to provide real‑time driving and walking directions in South Korea, according to The New York Times. The company has received permission from the nation’s Transport Ministry to export geographic data out of the country, which will allow it to offer GPS services as well as detailed listings for restaurants and other businesses.

Approval Details

• Google’s senior executive Cris Turner said, “We welcome today’s decision and look forward to our ongoing collaboration with local officials to bring a fully functioning Google Maps to Korea.”
• The approval is contingent on the condition that strict security requirements are met, a spokesperson from the Transport Ministry said. These conditions reportedly restrict Google from displaying sensitive military sites and from showing longitude and latitude coordinates.

South Korea has generally restricted the export of 1/5000‑scale map data over national security concerns, as it remains technically at war with North Korea. Google has not been able to provide mapping directions or business details since it entered the market, despite applying for permission in 2007 and 2016.

Trade and Market Implications

The lack of data sharing has been a point of contention in trade talks with the United States. Google argues that the restrictions unfairly handicap it while allowing local apps such as Naver to thrive.

Criticism

Critics worry that Google could dominate the market once the restrictions are lifted. Geography professor Choi Jin‑mu told Reuters:

“If Naver and Kakao are weakened or pushed out and Google later raises prices, that becomes a monopoly. Then, even companies that rely on map services — logistics firms, for example — become dependent on Google.”