Google Maps is set to finally operate more fully in South Korea after Seoul agreed on Friday (Feb 27) to provide map data, though sensitive military sites will remain restricted.
For nearly two decades, South Korea, along with China and Russia, limited Google Maps’ functionality, citing national security concerns over revealing military locations that could threaten defences against North Korea.
Under the new arrangement, the land ministry will allow Google to access map data with strict security conditions. Street View and historical imagery on Google Earth must obscure military and security facilities. Coordinates will also be hidden, and access to certain parts of South Korean territory on Google Maps and Earth will be limited.
Google has long argued that these restrictions prevented it from offering complete services, including transit info, satellite maps, and driving directions.
Meanwhile, domestic search engine Naver remains a market leader, relying solely on government-approved maps that mask sensitive areas.
