The South Korean government has approved Google's request to export high-precision maps, sparking interest in the potential implications for domestic consumers and the spatial industry. Tourists visiting South Korea will benefit from the familiar Google Maps service, but local spatial information providers are expected to face challenges as a result. The decision was made by a committee comprising relevant governmental bodies, which convened to address Google's national security concerns, stating that the company had alleviated the government's worries regarding sensitive data handling.

With the approval of this map export, it's anticipated that other global mapping service providers, such as Apple, will find it easier to operate in South Korea. The committee's decision sets a precedent for future approvals, indicating that the landscape for international mapping services may develop more favorably. Enhanced mapping services would enable visitors to use essential features such as navigation in a more familiar manner, which is critical considering that over 18.7 million international tourists visited South Korea last year. Google's mapping service, which caters to 2 billion users globally in over 80 languages, is likely to significantly enhance convenience for these tourists.

Moreover, the entry of overseas spatial information services based on Google Maps suggests potential growth in related new industries within South Korea, like mobility projects involving autonomous driving and location-based services such as restaurant reservations. Google expressed hope that close collaboration with the Korean government and local partners would support growth in Korea. However, the implementation of high-precision maps within Google services is expected to take at least six months due to the necessary technical adjustments to meet government requirements, with experts noting that an engineering period of about six months will be needed to satisfy the government's criteria effectively.