A new study warns of severe risk to South Korea’s economic sovereignty. Specifically, the research projects massive losses from exporting detailed map data. Consequently, this issue centers on a critical pending regulatory decision. South Korea may lose up to 197 trillion won over ten years. Therefore, the potential damage underscores a profound threat to national economic sovereignty. Currently, the government must decide on Google and Apple’s data requests. These firms seek granular 1:5,000 scale base map information. This data includes precise building outlines and road networks. Accordingly, releasing it could reshape the domestic digital ecosystem.
Professor Jung Jin-do presented these findings in Seoul on Tuesday. He teaches urban policy at the Korea National University of Education. Furthermore, his analysis models increased reliance on foreign mapping platforms. The projected losses span from 2026 through 2035. They range between 150.7 and 197.4 trillion won. Importantly, the scale depends on foreign service market penetration. Additionally, these figures account for extensive ripple effects across industries. Transportation, construction, and retail sectors face particular vulnerability. The core issue involves annual royalty payment outflows. For instance, such payments could reach 14.25 trillion won yearly in a worst-case scenario.
Currently, the government tightly regulates cross-border data transfers. Officials cite clear national security and economic policy concerns. Domestically, companies already utilize this detailed map data. However, global platforms like Google cannot access it for exports. Google states it needs this data for full navigation services. Specifically, walking and driving directions in Korea remain unavailable. Meanwhile, the National Geographic Information Institute leads the regulatory review. It recently requested more documentation from both tech companies. Moreover, Korean officials also visited US headquarters for discussions. They focused on security protocols and data handling practices.
Professor Jung explicitly warns of growing structural dependency. He states reversing this reliance becomes harder over time. Without enforceable rules, Korean firms risk permanent lock-in. Consequently, he urges the government to set clear policy conditions first. These should mandate standardized APIs for user choice. Competition rules must also ensure platform fairness. This approach could protect long-term economic sovereignty for the nation. Ultimately, the decision carries weight for domestic tech innovation and control. Furthermore, it sets a precedent for managing other sensitive digital assets.
The broader implications touch national strategic autonomy. Letting foreign entities control foundational data poses risks. It could hinder local startups and software developers. Similarly, reliance on external APIs might stifle homegrown alternatives. The ongoing review will likely conclude in the coming months. Its outcome will signal South Korea’s digital policy direction. In conclusion, safeguarding economic sovereignty requires careful balancing. The nation must weigh innovation benefits against potential dependency costs. Finally, this decision will resonate across the global geopolitics of technology.
