South Korea has again delayed a decision on Google’s request to transfer high-resolution mapping data depicting detailed geographic information to the company’s international servers.
Google submitted its application to the Korea National Geographic Information Institute in February, seeking approval to deploy detailed 1:5,000 scale maps within South Korea and to store the associated data overseas. According to a representative of South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the final decision, which was originally due by mid-May, has now been pushed back to August 11, as discussions surrounding the approval continue.
This marks Google’s third attempt at securing government authorization to export such detailed map data out of South Korea, following previous unsuccessful bids in 2011 and 2016. Currently, Google employs less detailed 1:25,000 scale maps in its local application, featuring satellite imagery and general points of interest. Higher precision 1:5,000 scale maps would provide significantly more detail, including smaller streets and thoroughfares.
Previous refusals by South Korean officials hinged on data security concerns, with authorities stipulating that Google must operate a local data center if it wishes to manage high-precision map details. Officials also requested in the past that sensitive facilities, including locations of national security importance, remain blurred to avoid compromising critical infrastructure.
To date, Google has not clarified whether it intends to establish a dedicated data center in South Korea. Worldwide, the company operates numerous facilities across the Asia-Pacific region, including in Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Data localization restrictions have impacted the functionality and accuracy of Google Maps and Apple Maps within South Korea. Due to limited available data and fewer supported languages, tourists and foreign residents frequently find navigation challenging on these international applications, leading them to adopt locally developed alternatives.
Applications such as Naver Maps, Kakao Maps, and TMaps dominate the local navigation app market, offering extensively detailed map coverage at the 1:5,000 scale. Monthly active users for these services currently number approximately 27 million for Naver Maps, around 24 million for TMaps, and approximately 11 million for Kakao Maps.
Google has not yet publicly responded regarding the latest developments.
