South Korea May Be Set to Allow Google Maps Finally to Operate

For tourists visiting South Korea, one of the world's most technologically advanced nations, navigating the country's urban areas can prove surprisingly frustrating for one simple reason: Google Maps just does not work effectively.

- Raphael Rashid

But on Monday that could change, as South Korean authorities are to decide whether to grant Google's request to export the country's detailed mapping data to overseas servers. Such a move would open up functionality that allows the app to give detailed directions and show users the best routes to travel.

It is a debate spanning nearly two decades that has evolved into a broader test of how democracies balance digital sovereignty with economic openness.

Industry groups are warning of market domination by foreign companies, while those who back Google's request argue restrictions harm tourism and innovation.

South Korea is one of only a handful of countries - along with China and North Korea - in which Google Maps fails to function properly.

While Google dominates online services in most of the world, the country's digital landscape is controlled by the South Korean conglomerates Naver and Kakao.