Washington — The Computer & Communications Industry Association welcomes the Korean government’s February 26 decision to approve the export of precise geographic data needed to provide online map services in Korea for at least one US company. Absent implementing obstacles, this step could pave the way for U.S. suppliers, like Google, to be able to offer location-based services on a cross-border basis, comparable to those offered by their Korean competitors. This decision marks a first step toward addressing a market access barrier that has persisted for over a decade.
Since approval was conditional on meeting Korea-unique requirements, and currently only applies to one company, continued vigilance to ensure that products and services can be offered on a timely and non-discriminatory basis is warranted, consistent with obligations in the Korea-U.S. Trade Agreement (KORUS), and Korea’s commitments under the July 2025 U.S.–Korea Joint Fact Sheet.
The following can be attributed to CCIA’s Vice President of Digital Trade, Jonathan McHale:
”Although implementing details still need to be worked out, U.S. firms, tourists, and business travelers may finally be able to enjoy the online map services offered by U.S. firms that they have come to rely on globally. Getting to this point required the sustained engagement of Korean officials, their U.S. counterparts, and the affected U.S. companies in working through the difficult process of opening up Korea’s location-based services market. We look forward to the Korean government expediting any further steps so that suppliers, consumers and businesses can benefit from enhanced mapping services without undue delay.”
