South Korea reverses a two-decade policy, allowing Google to export detailed map data under strict security conditions, challenging local giants Naver and Kakao.
SEOUL: South Korea has reversed a two-decade policy to approve the export of detailed map data for services like Google Maps. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport granted approval on the condition that strict security requirements are met.
These conditions include blurring images of military and sensitive security facilities. Restrictions will also be placed on the precise longitude and latitude coordinates for South Korean territory on products like Google Maps and Google Earth.
The decision is expected to challenge local internet giants Naver and Kakao, which dominate the country’s digital map services market. It also addresses long-standing US complaints about discrimination against its tech firms in South Korea.
Google Vice President Cris Turner welcomed the decision in a statement. “We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with local officials to bring a fully functioning Google Maps to Korea,” Turner said.
South Korea, still technically at war with North Korea, had previously rejected Google’s bids in 2007 and 2016. It cited risks that information about sensitive military sites could be exposed.
The data in question is high-precision 1:5000 scale map data. Google has argued it needs to export this data to provide real-time global navigation, including for people researching South Korean destinations from overseas.
Approval conditions stipulate that Google must process map data on locally based servers. It is only allowed to export data for pre-approved navigation and direction services.
The government also reserves the right to request map revisions. Google must establish a security incident prevention framework to respond to emergency issues.
Geography professor Choi Jin-mu from Kyung Hee University raised concerns about market control and national security. “Google can now come in, slash usage fees, and take the market,” Choi said.
“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 become dependent, and in the long run, even government GIS systems could end up dependent on Google or Apple.”
Naver’s stock fell 2.3% following the decision on Friday, while Kakao’s shares gained 1.5%. The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) welcomed the move.
AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said it “sends a positive signal about Korea’s commitment to innovation, open markets, and ensuring a level playing field for global companies operating in Korea.”
