Google Maps to Offer Car and Walking Directions in South Korea

At a glance

Google has completed the security steps required by the Korean government to move detailed map data overseas. As a result, car and walking directions in Google Maps in Korea are expected to become available.

Key points

• Google hid military and security sites and removed regional coordinate markings.
• The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport confirmed the security conditions were met, and only the data needed for route guidance will be exported.
• Military and security site imagery will be processed by the National Geographic Information Institute and supplied to Google through TMAP Mobility.
• Google has not yet announced a specific launch date.

Why it matters

Foreign tourists visiting Korea will find it easier to get car and walking directions in Google Maps, and competition with Naver Map and KakaoMap will intensify.

Other coverage

• 뉴시스 · 20년 끈 韓 정밀지도 반출 논의에 마침표…구글, 정부 요구안 모두 수용
• 동아일보 · 정부, 구글 고정밀지도 반출 보안이행 확인…위반 시 허가 회수
• KBC광주방송 · [속보]구글 맵 '고정밀 지도' 숙원 깼다…국내 지도·모빌리티 지각변동 예고
• 연합뉴스 · 정부 "구글, 고정밀지도 좌표제거·영상 보안처리 이행"(종합)
• 경향신문 · Google Maps to strengthen services in Korea as early as next year···Naver·Kakao and others ‘on edge’
• SBS 뉴스 · 지도 확보한 구글 "경로 안내를 시작합니다"

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