Seoul: South Korea has postponed its decision on Google’s request to export high resolution map data, giving the company more time to meet the country’s security requirements. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said Google must submit additional documents within the next 60 business days, extending the review until early February 2026.

Google is seeking approval to transfer detailed 1 to 5000 scale map data to servers outside South Korea. The company says the move would allow it to offer full navigation and mapping services similar to those in other countries. At present, Google Maps in South Korea operates with limited functions because only lower resolution domestic data is permitted for export.

The ministry explained that Google’s latest application did not fully reflect earlier promises to comply with national security rules. These include safeguarding sensitive locations, hiding certain coordinates and blurring restricted areas. South Korea has refused similar requests from Google in the past due to concerns about military safety and infrastructure protection.

The issue has also attracted international interest. The United States has previously raised concerns that map data restrictions place foreign companies at a disadvantage compared to local providers, who are allowed to use detailed domestic mapping information.

Local services such as Naver and Kakao dominate the navigation market, partly because they can work with high quality mapping data stored within the country.

The ministry said it will review Google’s updated submission once it arrives and make a final decision after verifying security compliance. Until then, users in South Korea will continue to experience limited features on Google Maps while the government weighs the balance between innovation, public safety and international trade considerations.