
Exploring the Absence of Google Maps in South Korea
Opinion | 9/5/2025
Despite being a tech-savvy tourist destination attracting millions of visitors annually, Google Maps remains conspicuously absent in South Korea. The popular navigation platform’s absence in the country raises questions among users and industry analysts about the reasons behind this anomaly.
South Korea’s vibrant tourism industry and advanced technological infrastructure make it a prime location for services like Google Maps. However, the app’s limited functionality within the country has left both locals and tourists reliant on alternative mapping services to navigate effectively.
The absence of Google Maps in South Korea has sparked speculation regarding the underlying factors contributing to this situation. While the exact reasons for the service’s non-availability remain undisclosed, industry experts suggest that regulatory restrictions or competition from local mapping services may play a role in Google Maps’ absence.
A unnamed tech industry insider commented, “The absence of Google Maps in South Korea raises questions about the regulatory environment and market dynamics that may be influencing the situation.” This sentiment reflects the curiosity and concern surrounding the popular mapping service’s unavailability in a country known for its technological advancements.
As visitors continue to grapple with the absence of Google Maps in South Korea, the issue underscores the complexities of global technology markets and the challenges faced by multinational tech companies operating in diverse regulatory landscapes. The impact of this situation extends beyond mere convenience, highlighting broader considerations regarding market access and competition dynamics in the digital mapping sector.