Google has once again requested approval from the South Korean government to transfer the country’s high-precision map data overseas, nine years after its last attempt was denied over security concerns. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the U.S. tech giant applied to the state-run National Geographic Information Institute on February 18, seeking permission to export 1:5,000 scale map data to its data centers abroad.
This latest request comes amid concerns that potential trade policies under the new Donald Trump administration could impose restrictions on non-tariff barriers, which may impact South Korean businesses. Seoul blocked Google’s previous attempts due to national security risks, but the company is making another push to gain access to detailed mapping data.
Google’s request involves exporting high-precision 1:5,000-scale map data, where every centimeter on the map represents 50 meters in reality. The National Geographic Information Institute, under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is responsible for managing this data. Currently, Google operates in South Korea with a lower-resolution 1:25,000-scale map, relying on aerial and satellite imagery. This disadvantages its service compared to domestic providers like Naver and Kakao, which offer more detailed mapping solutions.
The U.S. tech giant previously sought access to South Korea’s map data in 2007 and 2016 but was denied due to national security concerns. The government rejected the request due to concerns about revealing military bases and other sensitive locations. A similar request from Apple in 2023 was also denied. In 2016, South Korean authorities suggested that Google either obscure sensitive areas or store the data on domestic servers, but the company declined to meet these conditions.
This time, Google has indicated a willingness to blur security-sensitive locations and has also requested coordinate data for these sites. However, this additional request has raised concerns among South Korean security officials. The government will carefully review Google’s application, considering input from the defense ministry and the National Intelligence Service before making a decision.
Under existing regulations, authorities must respond to Google’s request within 60 days, with an option to extend the review period by another 60 days if necessary. Officials have emphasized that security considerations will be central to the deliberations, given past rejections and the potential risks involved in sharing high-precision mapping data.
This time, Google has reportedly agreed to comply with the government’s requirement to blur sensitive locations and has also proposed setting up a direct communication channel with authorities. According to a report by Chosun Ilbo on Friday, the company aims to address security concerns more proactively than in previous attempts.
The South Korean government is now set to conduct an internal review and begin deliberations on the request. Meanwhile, Google has been expanding its presence in the country, with Hyundai Motor Group announcing a partnership with the tech giant last December to enhance automotive software, including navigation and infotainment systems.
