Google has received conditional approval from South Korea to provide high-precision maps, ending nearly two decades of restrictions and signaling Seoul’s willingness to balance national security with its tech ambitions.

Previously, Google Maps’ functionality in South Korea was limited due to rules on exporting detailed geographic data, rooted in security concerns.

The restrictions have also become a point of tension in trade discussions with Washington, which has accused South Korea of disadvantaging US tech firms.

In a landmark move Friday, the South Korean government announced it will allow Alphabet Inc.’s Google to export 1:5,000-scale digital map data, enabling enhanced navigation and location-based services while keeping sensitive information under strict oversight.

Seoul said the approval comes with tight security conditions, particularly around military bases and other critical sites.

Google called the decision a “significant step forward” and pledged to collaborate with the government on detailed plans for rolling out the services.

“We welcome today’s decision and look forward to our ongoing collaboration with local officials to bring a fully functioning Google Maps to Korea,” said, Cris Turner, the company’s vice president of government affairs and public policy, knowledge and information products.

The decision reflects a shift under President Lee Jae Myung’s administration, which is aiming to balance national security with ambitions to make South Korea a hub for digital innovation and artificial intelligence.

The country also hosts two of the world’s leading chipmakers, Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc..