The government has approved Google’s request to transfer high-precision map data of South Korea to its overseas facilities. This decision follows a meeting involving officials from various ministries to address security concerns. Google’s request, made in February 2025, includes the transfer of 1:5,000-scale map data.
The U.S. tech giant submitted supplementary materials earlier this month, meeting most of the government’s conditions. These measures aim to safeguard sensitive security facilities and limit the exposure of precise coordinates. While Google provided technical explanations on data processing, there are no plans for a data center in South Korea.
Currently, Google offers map services in South Korea using publicly available 1:25,000-scale map data along with aerial and satellite images. This move marks a shift from previous rejections in 2007 and 2016 due to national security concerns. The company had to revise documents to align with South Korea’s security requirements, including the removal of coordinate data for the country.
