Controversy is growing as the locations and interiors of buildings at Cheong Wa Dae, a class-1 national security facility, are exposed as-is on Google and Apple map services. The government said it will soon take steps to mask the images after consultations with relevant ministries.
According to Cheong Wa Dae on the 11th, regarding the situation in which the locations and internal layouts of major buildings, including the main building and the state guesthouse, can be seen without masking through Google and Apple Maps satellite photos, it said, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is discussing ways to mask security facilities," and added, "We will take immediate action as soon as consultations are concluded."
The current Framework Act on National Spatial Information restricts the disclosure of spatial information that includes national security facilities or military facilities. Nevertheless, Google Maps labels building names such as the Cheong Wa Dae main building, the state guesthouse, and the security office, and in Apple Maps' satellite mode, one can view in high resolution the three wings of the Cheong Wa Dae main building as well as the Hannam-dong official residence, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the prime minister's official residence.
In particular, using Google's "Street View," one can even see the inside of the main building and the residence, which appears to be because images taken when Cheong Wa Dae was previously open to the public still remain.
Earlier, Naver and Kakao blocked search results for Cheong Wa Dae and masked graphic and satellite images in their map services to coincide with the transfer of the president's office. The government is said to have responded on the judgment that the same level of security measures is needed for overseas map services.