Google Maps in South Korea: Why It's Not Working and What to Do (2025)

Planning a trip to South Korea in 2025? You might be wondering, "Can I use Google Maps in Korea?" The short answer is: yes, but with major limitations. If you've found Google Maps not working for navigation in Korea, you're not alone. Here's why, and what you should use instead.

Why is Google Maps so limited in Korea?

The primary reason behind Google Maps' limited functionality in South Korea stems from government restrictions. South Korean law prohibits the export of precise 1:5000 mapping data for national security reasons. Google claims they cannot offer essential features like walking and driving directions without exportation of this mapping data. The result is a poor Google Maps experience in Korea - you can look up places, but you can't get navigation directions, making Google Maps Korea a frustrating experience for tourists.

Meet Naver Map: Your Best Friend in Korea

So, what do locals use? Naver Map. It's the most popular and comprehensive map service in Korea, offering precise navigation, real-time traffic, and detailed information on public transit. The only catch for tourists? It can be tricky to use if you don't speak Korean, and searching for places in English can be hit-or-miss.

The Solution: CoMap - Bridge the Gap Between Google and Naver

This is where CoMap comes in. It's a brilliant tool that lets you find places on Google Maps (which has a better English search) and then seamlessly open them in Naver Map for navigation. It solves the "Google Maps not working" problem by letting you use the best features of both apps.

How to Use CoMap

Find your destination on Google Maps, tap "Share", and copy the link.
Go to the CoMap website.
Paste the Google Maps link and click convert.
Click "View on Naver Map" to open the location directly in the Naver Map app.

Pro Tip: Make sure you're copying a Google Maps link, not a Google Search link!

Don't let map troubles spoil your South Korean adventure. With CoMap, you get the best of both worlds: Google Maps for easy searching and Naver Map for accurate navigation. Add it to your travel toolkit before you go!