Google vs. Apple: South Korea Faces Map Export Dilemma Between Security and Business Interests

 Staff Reporter | PNN:

South Korea is approaching a decision on applications from Google and Apple, which are seeking permission to export high-resolution map data from the country. The maps are created at a 1:5,000 scale, offering much greater detail than current maps, capable of depicting roads, buildings, and alleyways. However, approval faces several regulatory and security hurdles.

Earlier this week, South Korea’s National Assembly Defense Committee conducted a parliamentary audit of Google Korea. Lawmakers expressed concerns about national security and digital sovereignty when Google applied for local map data. A few months after the session, Seoul temporarily suspended Google’s application but decided to continue reviewing it the following month.

A policy expert warned that if Google’s satellite maps are combined with commercial mapping and online data, it could pose a national security risk, potentially exposing military installations. South Korea remains technically in conflict with North Korea, so the government is extra cautious about security.

The Seoul government is expected to make a final decision on Google’s map export permission by November, or possibly earlier. Last month, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport extended the review period by 60 days.

Google applied in February 2024 to use 1:5,000 scale map data and export it to servers outside South Korea. Currently, Google uses 1:25,000 scale maps, which depict only select locations. In contrast, local navigation apps such as Naver Map, T Map, and Kakao Map already provide 1:5,000 scale data, giving them a significant competitive advantage.

Meanwhile, Apple has also applied to export South Korean map data. Although they first applied in 2023, they requested permission again in June 2025. Apple uses local servers, allowing the government to address security concerns quickly, while Google stores its servers outside the country, raising additional concerns.

Apple may also be more flexible in complying with government restrictions, such as blurring sensitive sites or reducing resolution, compared to Google. Apple plans to use T Map as its primary map source.

Both Google and Apple are updating their maps to provide more detailed information about buildings, alleyways, and roads, which can support advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles and drone delivery. Exporting high-resolution map data could benefit tourism, local businesses, and smart city initiatives, but critics warn it may primarily benefit U.S. tech companies with limited advantages for local users.

Under South Korea’s Geospatial Information Management Act (Geo Law), cabinet approval is required for exporting government maps and satellite data abroad. Enforced in 2014, the law provides a robust framework for controlling the country’s geospatial data.

Google and Apple are both awaiting the decision, and the South Korean government may take additional time. This could, however, mark a critical moment for the technology industry.