[E-Daily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] Foreign tourists visiting South Korea, who previously had to install alternative map apps because they couldn’t use driving or walking directions, are expected to face fewer inconveniences. With the government confirming that Google has complied with the security conditions for exporting its high-precision maps overseas, the way has been paved for key navigation features to be introduced to Google Maps in South Korea.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 13th that a consultative body composed of relevant government agencies and private-sector experts had reviewed and verified Google’s compliance with the security conditions for exporting its 1:5,000-scale maps overseas. This follows Google’s submission of a final report on the 4th of this month, after receiving conditional approval on February 27. However, this verification does not mean that the route-finding service will begin immediately. Google can only begin developing the route-finding feature after it has actually exported the map data overseas.

The tug-of-war between Google and the government over the export of high-precision maps began in 2007. At that time, Google requested permission to export high-precision maps at a 1:5,000 scale, but the government rejected the request on national security grounds. The following year, the Korean version of Google Maps launched, but driving and walking directions have remained restricted within the country to this day. A second request for export in 2016 also fell through, and even after the third application last year, negotiations continued regarding issues such as the blurring of security facilities and the exposure of coordinates. It has taken a full 19 years to reach this point—from the conditional approval to the verification of compliance.

Over the past 19 years, the South Korean tourism market has also changed significantly. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the number of foreign tourists visiting South Korea this year is estimated to have surpassed 20 million for the first time ever on the 12th. Tourism spending from January through September totaled 15.9416 trillion won, a 47.7% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of arrivals at non-capital region airports also rose by 37.4% to 3.24 million. As K-content—such as “K-Pop Demon Hunters” (K-Demon Hunters)—spark greater interest in travel to Korea, the need to improve transportation convenience for the growing number of tourists has also become more pressing.

◇Switching Apps Every Time You Travel… Hopes for Easing Navigation in Side Streets

Google Maps also provides location searches and public transportation route guidance in Korea. However, since it does not support the car and walking directions commonly used overseas, foreign tourists often have to install separate apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps even just to walk from their accommodations to a nearby restaurant. There is also the hassle of having to search for locations saved in Google Maps before departure using a different app.

With the addition of walking and driving directions, tourists will be able to search for hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions using the apps they normally use and check their actual routes. This will be particularly convenient in areas where it’s easy to get lost if you’re unfamiliar with the local geography—such as the final stretch from public transportation to your accommodation or restaurants tucked away in narrow alleys. It is also expected to help expand tourist itineraries beyond famous landmarks to include traditional markets and small regional towns.

The government’s requirement for security conditions stems from its need to balance the expansion of map services with national security concerns. Google has removed or restricted the display of latitude and longitude coordinates for South Korean territory in its global Map and Earth services. For imagery of military and security facilities, Google is required to replace existing images with data that has been security-processed domestically. Rather than providing Google with a complete list and names of security facilities directly, the government supplies processed imagery through domestic partner companies.

The scope of data to be exported is also limited to basic base maps and road traffic information necessary for route guidance. Under this structure, domestic partner companies process the original data on domestic servers and supply it only after government verification; Google is not permitted to arbitrarily alter topographic features. Google has removed Street View imagery from inside security facilities and within a 50-meter perimeter around them, and has established a dedicated domestic map manager and a security incident response system. The government plans to continuously monitor compliance with these conditions and suspend or revoke the license in the event of a serious violation.

◇ Overseas, Users Can Get Directions While Chatting with Gemini… Even Placing Orders

Google Maps overseas has already advanced to the stage of combining turn-by-turn navigation with generative AI. In January of this year, Google expanded the use of its AI, “Gemini,” to walking and cycling directions, following its initial implementation for driving. While walking, if you ask, “What neighborhood am I in right now?” or “Where are the highly-rated restaurants along my route?”, it provides information about the surrounding area tailored to your route. Cyclists can check their estimated time of arrival or request to send a message without taking their hands off the handlebars.

“Ask Maps,” a Gemini-powered conversational map, goes beyond simply searching for locations to assist with travel. If you enter complex criteria—such as “a restaurant where we can have a quiet conversation” or “a campground with showers and parking”—it recommends suitable places. It provides real-time public transit delay information and can pick up where previous conversations left off. If users consent to linking their Gmail accounts, it suggests nearby itineraries and airport transfers based on their flight and hotel reservations. Google announced in August that it would expand the English-language service for Ask Maps to more than 150 countries and regions.

In the U.S., it has also introduced features that allow users to find restaurants along their route and add food to their shopping cart, as well as check real-time hotel prices, availability, and information on nearby events. However, these international AI features will not be available simultaneously with the launch of the navigation service in South Korea. The scope and schedule for domestic implementation have not yet been confirmed, and the immediate priority is to implement driving and walking directions.

Google’s development of the navigation service can only proceed after the necessary engineering work is completed following the export of authorized map data. It is reported that the domestic navigation service is slated for release sometime next year. A Google spokesperson stated, “We thank the South Korean government for recognizing the value that Google Maps provides to residents, visitors, and local authorities,” adding, “Since we have met the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s requirements, we look forward to launching the (upgraded) Google Maps in South Korea.”