Vice Minister Kim Eetak of MOLIT Meets with Google VP Turner to Discuss Cooperation on AI Spatial Information

by Lee Sungmin

Published 24 Apr.2026 17:32(KST)

"Strengthening Cooperation Following Map Export Approval"

Kim Eetak, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, met with Chris Turner, Vice President of External Relations at Google, on the 24th at the Land Development Exhibition Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, to discuss cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI)-based spatial information, urban development, and transportation.

This meeting was arranged at Google's request to discuss strengthening cooperation between Korea and Google based on maps and data, following the government's decision in February to grant approval for the export of maps to Google. Departments responsible for spatial information, urban development, and transportation attended the discussion, reviewing potential collaboration on AI map services, mobility optimization and traffic safety improvement based on public data, and smart city infrastructure.

Lee Itak, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (left), and Chris Turner, Vice President of External Relations at Google, are taking a commemorative photo on the 24th at the Land Development Exhibition Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Vice President Turner stated, "Following the government's decision in February to approve the export of maps, we now have an opportunity for constructive cooperation with Korea. Google will continue to contribute to the advancement of Korea's smart infrastructure and the optimization of transportation by leveraging our data, AI technology, and map services."

Vice Minister Kim said, "This meeting will serve as a stepping stone to building a forward-looking partnership with Google and driving the growth of Korean companies. We will establish an ongoing cooperative network so that Google and Korean industries can swiftly develop and implement concrete measures for mutual growth, such as technological collaboration, overseas market expansion support, and increased investment."