After numerous appeals, Google has at last obtained conditional permission to export high-precision geographic data from South Korea, a decision that paves the way for the company to offer comprehensive Google Maps services in the nation, including walking and real-time driving directions.

This decision overturns a long-standing policy on data restrictions that had rendered both Google Maps and Apple Maps virtually unusable in the region. Google has, until now, provided mapping services in South Korea using high-resolution, 1:5,000 scale map data, but without the facility to export that data to its own servers, the company was unable to provide functionalities such as turn-by-turn navigation or detailed business listings.

Since 2011, South Korea has resisted Google’s requests, contending that the company’s precise satellite maps could jeopardize national security by revealing sensitive military locations when combined with commercial imagery and online information. Given that South Korea remains technically engaged in conflict with North Korea, the government is understandably cautious about revealing such sites and had previously insisted that Google establish a data center within the country and obfuscate sensitive locations.

The approval comes with rigorous guidelines intended to safeguard sensitive military and infrastructure areas. The South Korean authorities will ensure compliance before any data departs the country; all images of South Korean territory included in Google Maps and Google Earth must adhere to national security protocols; and historical imagery in Google Earth and Street View must conceal sensitive military locations. Additionally, Google is mandated to either eliminate or restrict coordinate data for locations in South Korea, permitting only essential navigation and routing data to be exported.

The government also stipulates that all data processing must occur on servers managed by Google’s local partners. Sensitive topographic and military information remain prohibited, and any updates concerning military or security sites must be executed swiftly on domestic servers at the behest of the government.

Google has not yet responded to a request for comment.

This development will undoubtedly create ripples in Korea’s domestic mapping market, which has seen local navigation applications like Naver Map, T Map, and Kakao Map prosper in the relative absence of major providers such as Google or Apple.

In its statement, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport noted that the decision was motivated by a desire to enhance tourism in the country — as Google Maps has thus far been somewhat ineffective in South Korea, tourists have had to depend on local apps, regardless of their English language capabilities.

The ministry added that the initiative also aims to bolster the nation’s geospatial sector by fostering the development of high-precision, 3D infrastructure and geo AI technologies. The government is encouraging Google to assist in expanding South Korea’s geospatial industry so that the export of data benefits not just the tech giant, but also local innovation and economic advancement.

Google has not confirmed whether it plans to establish a data center in South Korea. The company operates a network of data centers across Asia, including locations in Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.

The government has also introduced new protocols to address potential security issues related to the export of high-resolution maps. The ministry stated it would collaborate with Google to create a “security incident prevention and response framework” to manage potential risks before any data exits the country. For scenarios involving immediate threats to national security, a technical “red button” mechanism will be implemented, enabling swift emergency response.

Additionally, South Korea will mandate the presence of a local officer to maintain ongoing communication with the government and ensure the effective management of any security incidents.