Why did South Korea reject Google's map data requests for two decades?

South Korea rejected Google's map data requests for two decades due to national security concerns, fearing that detailed maps could expose sensitive military facilities.

When did South Korea approve Google's request for map data?

South Korea approved Google's request for map data on February 27, 2026.

What market impact will Google's access to South Korean map data have?

Google's access to South Korean map data will allow its services to function properly and enter a market previously dominated by local applications.

Home / Technology / South Korea Maps Go Global: Google Wins Data Access

South Korea Maps Go Global: Google Wins Data Access

27 Feb

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Summary

Google secured access to high-precision map data from South Korea.
The decision reverses a two-decade rejection on national security grounds.
This move opens the South Korean market, previously dominated by local apps.

South Korea Maps Go Global: Google Wins Data Access

South Korea has reversed its long-standing policy, approving Google's request to export high-precision map data. This decision, made on February 27, 2026, concludes a two-decade period of rejection that cited national security concerns. Previous bids in 2007 and 2016 were denied due to worries that detailed maps could expose sensitive military installations in a country technically at war with North Korea.

The approval signals a significant shift in South Korea's stance on foreign tech companies accessing sensitive data. It allows Google to properly launch its mapping services in a market where they have historically been limited, a situation that had led to dominance by local applications. The move also occurs amid diplomatic pressure from the United States, urging South Korea to address what it views as discriminatory practices against American technology firms.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.