Google to Remove South Korean Defense Coordinates from Maps... Security Facilities to Be Obscured

Partial Acceptance of Government Demands
Expansion of Cooperation with Partners such as Tmap

Google has agreed to comply with the South Korean government's request to obscure security facilities in satellite images in connection with the overseas transfer of high-precision maps. The government plans to decide around November whether to provide Google with high-precision maps, and Google's decision to comply is expected to become a key variable in the discussion.

Chris Turner, Vice President of External Affairs Policy Knowledge and Information at Google, stated at a press conference held at the Google Startup Campus in Seoul on the 9th, "In addition to obscuring security facilities in satellite images, we will also comply with the South Korean government's request to ensure that coordinate information for the Korean territory is not visible to Google Maps users both domestically and internationally."

Chris Turner, Vice President of External Affairs Policy Knowledge and Information at Google, is presenting at a press conference held on the morning of the 9th at the Google Startup Campus in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Google Korea

Turner added, "Google will strengthen its cooperation with the South Korean government to address concerns that have been raised regarding the application for the export of map data."

Currently, the overseas transfer of domestic high-precision maps at a scale of 1:25,000 or higher is prohibited for military and security reasons. To export such maps, approval must be obtained through a consultative body consisting of relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Previously, Google requested the export of maps in 2011 and 2016. However, the government denied these requests, citing concerns that storing map data containing information on military bases and other security facilities on overseas servers could lead to information leaks. In February of this year, Google made a third request to export high-precision map data, and after two postponements, the government is scheduled to decide by November 11 whether to approve Google's request.

Turner emphasized that the issues raised regarding map services have been based on misunderstandings. He explained, "The map for which Google has applied for export is the national base map at a scale of 1:5,000 produced by the National Geographic Information Institute, and this data has already been provided by the South Korean government with sensitive military and security information excluded."

Regarding concerns that sensitive facilities such as military installations are exposed in satellite images on the Google Earth service, Turner stated, "The satellite images owned by Google are unrelated to the national base map subject to the export application," and explained that "these images are purchased from commercial image suppliers worldwide." He added, "To address the South Korean government's concerns, Google plans to implement additional security measures, such as obscuring sensitive facilities on both maps and Google Earth."

Turner also announced plans to strengthen cooperation with domestic partners such as Tmap Mobility. He said, "Google will continue to cooperate with the South Korean government and strengthen partnerships with domestic companies such as Tmap Mobility," adding, "If necessary, we are also considering purchasing and utilizing government-approved satellite images that have already been obscured from domestic partners."

He further argued that the export of map data is expected to generate economic benefits. According to a paper he cited, "The Impact of Digital Map Data Openness on Economic Growth in Advanced Industries," it was analyzed that allowing the export of map data could result in an additional cumulative revenue of approximately 18.46 trillion won from 2026 to 2030.

Turner concluded, "Google Maps will play an important role in this transformation, contributing to providing greater value to both Korean users and international tourists."