Does Google Maps Work in Korea in 2026? — Korea How Now guide

Does Google Maps Work in Korea in 2026?

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Last checked: October 6, 2026 · Sources: Korean government (MOLIT) announcement, Google’s Korea blog, NAVER press releases, and our own test on Google Maps, linked below.

Partly. Google Maps in Korea shows the map, place search and public transit directions, but walking, driving and cycling directions still don’t work. When we tested Seoul Station → Myeong-dong Station on google.com/maps on October 4, 2026, transit gave a route; walking, driving and biking all returned “Sorry, your search appears to be outside our current coverage area.” The government conditionally approved Google’s request to export detailed map data on February 27, 2026, but data can only leave Korea after the government checks that Google has met the security conditions. No launch date has been announced. For now, use Naver Map (English version) as your main app.

What works today

Walking directions from Seoul Station on Google Maps
Walking directions from Seoul Station on Google Maps, captured October 6, 2026. (1) Walking mode selected. (2) The message Google shows instead of a walking route.
Feature Google Maps in Korea (Oct 4, 2026)
Map and place search Works
Reviews, photos, opening hours Works (coverage thinner than Korean apps)
Public transit directions (subway, bus) Works
Walking directions Not available (“outside our current coverage area”)
Driving directions / turn-by-turn navigation Not available
Cycling directions Not available (“outside our current coverage area for biking”)

Google itself wrote in August 2025 that Korea is the only country where its directions feature isn’t offered, and said it was in close talks with the Korean government. It gave no date then and has not published one since.

Why Google Maps is limited in Korea

Korea restricts sending detailed national map data abroad for security reasons. Google asked for permission to export the government’s 1:5,000-scale base map to its overseas data centers; Korea had refused earlier requests. Korean apps such as Naver Map and Kakao Map use the data on servers inside Korea, so they can offer full walking and driving directions.

What changed on February 27, 2026

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) said a government council that reviews map-data exports approved Google’s request for 1:5,000 map data on condition of strict security measures. According to the government’s announcement, Google must:

  1. Blur military and security facilities in Google Maps, Google Earth (including historical imagery) and Street View.
  2. Process the data on servers inside Korea and have it checked before export.
  3. Export only the minimum information needed for navigation and directions. Sensitive layers such as contour lines are excluded.
  4. Correct the data immediately when facilities change.
  5. Set up a system to prevent security incidents.
  6. Keep a dedicated map officer in Korea to work with the government.
  7. Provide an emergency technical measure (a “red button”) for national-security threats.

The government says it will check compliance itself before allowing the data to leave Korea, and can suspend or revoke the permission for continued non-compliance or serious violations.

So when will walking and driving directions arrive?

Nobody official has said. The approval is conditional, and the conditions have to be met and checked first. Media reports have floated timelines, but neither MOLIT nor Google has announced a date, so we won’t guess one.

What this means for a trip in the next few months: plan on Google Maps not walking you to your hotel. We will update this page when Google or the government announces a change.

Timeline so far

Date What happened Source
Aug 5, 2025 Google says its directions feature is unavailable only in Korea and that it is in close talks with the government Google Korea blog
Feb 27, 2026 Government council conditionally approves export of 1:5,000 map data, with security conditions MOLIT / korea.kr
After Feb 27, 2026 Government to check Google’s compliance before any data leaves Korea MOLIT / korea.kr
Oct 4, 2026 Our test: transit works; walking, driving and biking still “outside our current coverage area” Our test on google.com/maps
Oct 6, 2026 Re-check: walking still shows the same message (screenshot above) Our test on google.com/maps
Next step Google launch of walking/driving directions No date announced

Using Google Maps transit in Korea: what to expect

Transit directions from Seoul Station to Gyeongbokgung on Google Maps
Transit directions from Seoul Station to Gyeongbokgung on Google Maps, captured October 6, 2026. (1) Transit: works in Korea. (2) Walking. (3) Driving. (4) Suggested transit route with times.

Transit is the one routing mode that works, so it’s worth knowing how it behaves:

  • It picks up night buses. In our late-night test, Google suggested Seoul’s N16 night bus from Seoul Station, with its frequency. Good to know if you land on a late flight.
  • It doesn’t walk you to the stop. Because walking directions are switched off, the short walk from your door to the station or bus stop isn’t drawn turn by turn. Check that part in Naver Map.
  • Station names are in English, but exits matter in Korea. Large stations have many numbered exits, and the walk from the wrong one can be long. Look up the exit nearest your destination before you arrive, and use Naver Map’s alerts for when to get on and off.
  • Use it to compare, not to navigate. A quick look at Google’s transit time is fine. Then follow the trip in Naver Map, which shows live bus arrivals and where to get off.

What to use instead

App Walking Driving Transit English Good for
Naver Map Yes Yes Yes, real-time arrivals Yes (also Chinese, Japanese) Main app for most visitors
Kakao Map Yes Yes Yes English listed on the App Store; Korean-first Backup if you read some Korean
Google Maps No No Yes Yes Saved lists from home, rough planning

Naver Map supports Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Its foreign-language version covers place search, translated visitor reviews, place filters, transit directions with real-time arrival information, subway maps and guidance on where to get on and off. Since June 4, 2026, foreign visitors can also verify with an overseas passport to book, order and pay through Naver Map without a Korean phone number. See our guide to Naver Map in English and passport sign-up.

More apps that do or don’t need a Korean number: which Korean apps work without a Korean phone number.

A simple setup that works

  1. Before you fly: keep your Google Maps lists, but also install Naver Map and switch it to English.
  2. Copy key places across. Save your hotel, your first-day sights and the airport train station in Naver Map too.
  3. On the ground: use Naver Map for anything that involves walking or a bus stop. Use Google Maps for a quick transit check if you prefer its layout.
  4. Taxis: show the driver the destination in Korean (copy it from Naver Map), or use a taxi app.
  5. Paying for rides: for busy Seoul days, see our guide to the Seoul Climate Card short-term pass (1 to 7 days of unlimited subway and bus).
  6. Data: both apps need mobile data. Compare the options in our guide to Korea eSIM vs USIM vs pocket Wi-Fi.

When the maps let you down

Google Maps says my walk is outside the coverage area.

That is the current Korea limit, not a bug or a problem with your phone. Switch to Naver Map or Kakao Map for that leg.

Google gave me a transit route but the bus didn’t come.

Google’s transit data in Korea doesn’t always show real-time arrivals. Naver Map shows live arrival times at most stops.

My Google Maps saved list is useless now.

Open each saved place, copy the Korean name or address, and search it in Naver Map. Korean names give the best results.

Can I drive a rental car with Google Maps?

No. Driving directions are not available. Use the rental car’s built-in navigation or Naver Map / Kakao Map.

I read that Google Maps now works fully in Korea.

The February 2026 decision is a conditional approval of data export. As of October 4, 2026, walking and driving directions still did not work in our test. Check the date on any article that says otherwise.

Need a taxi instead of transit? See taxi apps for tourists (k.ride, Uber, Kakao T).

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