Government Postpones Decision on "Google Map Export"... Conclusion to Be Reached After South Korea-U.S. Summit

Consultation Body on Map Data Export
Extends Processing Deadline by Additional 60 Days

The government has decided to reach a conclusion on whether to allow Google to export high-precision domestic map data after the South Korea-U.S. summit scheduled for August 25, 2025.

The National Geographic Information Institute of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on August 8 that it would postpone its decision on Google's application to export high-precision national base maps during a meeting of the "Survey Results Export Consultation Body."

Previously, at a meeting on May 14, the consultation body determined that further discussion was needed regarding national security and the impact on domestic industries, and extended the processing deadline by 60 days. This time, they have decided on an additional 60-day extension.

The "Survey Results Export Consultation Body" is the entity that reviews and decides whether to allow the overseas export of map information that may affect national security. It includes the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Unification, the National Intelligence Service, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport explained, "Google requested an extension of the deadline in order to review measures that could address security concerns related to the overseas export of high-precision maps."

However, it is interpreted that the decision was made with consideration that reaching a conclusion before the summit could affect other agenda items.

Prior to the consultation body meeting, Google stated that it would obscure major security facilities in satellite images to address the Korean government's security concerns. However, Google has not yet agreed to the government's request to install servers in Korea. Installing domestic servers could raise tax issues and would subject Google to government oversight and supervision.

Google also requested the export of map data in 2011 and 2016, but the government denied the requests, citing concerns that storing map data containing information on military bases and other security facilities on overseas servers could lead to information leaks.