Google posted before and after samples maps of Pyongyang, showing the contrast in details. In previous versions of Google Maps, North Korea's capital is desolate and lacking of any detail.

South Korea previously rejected requests from Google, whose parent is Alphabet, for permission to use map data on servers outside the country, in 2016 and 2007, citing security concerns.

South Korea, a global tech leader, is deciding whether to enhance the functionality of Google Maps for better navigation in its urban areas.

These companies provide comprehensive map, search, and payment services, but all mapping data is stored on domestic servers. In South Korea, Google Maps lacks walking directions (left).

Google pushes again for map exports as Korea weighs security risks Published : Aug. 5, 2025 - 14:28:59 Updated : Aug. 5, 2025 - 14:47:38 ...

The Slatest North Korea’s Not-So-Secret Nuclear Test Site, as Seen on Google Maps By Josh Voorhees Feb 12, 201310:23 AM ...

You’re in luck — for the first time, Google Maps allows users to calculate driving and walking directions throughout one of the world’s most isolated countries. [fragment number=0] ...

Offer comes ahead of government panel meeting expected to decide whether to approve Google’s request to export South Korea’s 1:5,000-scale high-precision map data abroad - Anadolu Ajansı ...

Asia-Pacific’s leading current affairs magazine.Few realize that South Korea bars foreign companies from exporting the mapping data necessary for digital map services. That may soon change.

Seoul said the locations of sensitive sites could be revealed if map data leaves the country. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.