Google Gains Conditional Approval for High-Precision Maps in South Korea

In a landmark decision, Google has obtained conditional approval from South Korea to offer high-precision mapping services after nearly two decades of disputes. This move is seen as a balancing act between national security concerns and the desire to enhance the country's tech sector. The approval allows Google to export detailed map data, which is expected to improve navigation accuracy and expand location-based services. With strict security measures in place, this development reflects a shift in policy under the current administration, aiming to position South Korea as a global leader in digital technology. The decision is also expected to ease tensions in trade relations with the United States.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 18:03 IST

Significant Development in Mapping Technology

After nearly twenty years of negotiations, Google has received conditional authorization from South Korea to offer high-precision mapping services. This decision represents a pivotal change as the South Korean government navigates national security issues while aiming to bolster its technology sector. Historically, Google Maps has functioned with limited capabilities in South Korea due to stringent regulations on the export of detailed geographic data, which were implemented due to security concerns. Recently, these restrictions have also become a contentious point in broader trade discussions with the United States, which contends that such policies disadvantage American tech companies.

In a significant policy update announced on Friday, the South Korean government stated it would allow Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., to export high-resolution digital map data at a scale of 1:5,000. This change is anticipated to improve navigation precision and broaden location-based services, while still allowing authorities to maintain control over sensitive data. The government emphasized that the approval comes with strict security measures to prevent detailed mapping of military sites and other sensitive locations.

Google welcomed this decision as a "major advancement" and expressed its commitment to collaborating with the government to develop comprehensive plans for launching the service. Cris Turner, the company’s vice president of government affairs and public policy, stated, "We appreciate today’s decision and look forward to our continued partnership with local officials to deliver a fully operational Google Maps in Korea." This decision reflects a shift in policy under President Lee Jae Myung’s administration, which is striving to balance security concerns with the goal of positioning South Korea as a global leader in digital technology and artificial intelligence. The nation is also home to two of the world’s top chip manufacturers, Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc.

The mapping issue has been a point of contention for almost two decades. Google initially submitted a formal request in 2007, but South Korea has consistently denied it, citing national security issues. The country remains technically at war with North Korea, as the Korean War (1950–53) concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

Currently, foreign firms are required to store detailed mapping data on servers located within South Korea. This policy has hindered Google Maps’ accuracy compared to local competitors like Naver Corp. and Kakao Corp., which can provide more precise navigation services under domestic regulations. Following the announcement, Naver's shares fell by 2.1%, while Kakao's shares rose by 1.5% in Seoul's trading on Friday.

James Kim, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Seoul, remarked, "Resolving this long-standing digital trade issue sends a positive message about Korea’s dedication to innovation, open markets, and ensuring fair competition for global companies operating in Korea." South Korea had been involved in protracted negotiations regarding trade and investment with the previous U.S. administration, ultimately reaching an agreement late last year. Relations have faced additional challenges following South Korea’s investigation into a significant data breach at Coupang Inc., a U.S.-listed company, which U.S. officials have characterized as an attack on the American tech sector.

By transitioning from outright rejection to permitting security-based exceptions for Google’s mapping data, South Korea seems to be adopting a more pragmatic approach, attempting to balance the interests of international trade partners with those of domestic competitors, as reported by Bloomberg. Austin Chang, head of the Institute for International Trade at the Korea International Trade Association, noted, "Following the Supreme Court ruling, the U.S. has increasingly indicated its readiness to invoke Section 301, an area where South Korea is particularly vulnerable. No nation wants to be highlighted in U.S. reports identifying perceived trade barriers in this environment. Today’s decision is likely to alleviate U.S. pressure on these matters," Chang added.