Other

Naver Maps

Naver Maps is the mapping platform from South Korean company Naver, embedded through a JavaScript API that sends visitor IP and location data to servers in South Korea.

Overview

What does Naver Maps do?

What Naver Maps is

Naver Maps is the mapping and location service operated by Naver, the largest internet company in South Korea. It is embedded through a JavaScript API and is commonly used on sites that target Korean audiences or display locations in Korea. Like other embedded maps, loading it causes the visitor browser to contact Naver servers directly.

Cookies and data it collects

When a Naver map loads, the browser sends the visitor IP address, the requested coordinates and technical details to Naver, and Naver may set cookies tied to its services. This data can identify or single out a visitor, so it is personal data under the GDPR.

GDPR and ePrivacy implications

Embedding Naver Maps places third party requests and possibly cookies on your page, which brings it within both the GDPR and the ePrivacy consent rule. You remain the controller for the decision to load the map, and Naver acts as a separate controller or processor for the data it receives.

Consent requirements

Because the map sends personal data to a third party and may set cookies, you should obtain prior consent before it loads, typically through a click to load placeholder. Document the purpose clearly so visitors understand that a Korean provider will receive their request.

Data transfers

Naver processes the data in South Korea, which is outside the EEA. Importantly, South Korea benefits from a European Commission adequacy decision adopted in December 2021, so transfers to Naver in Korea are lawful without extra tools such as Standard Contractual Clauses, provided you still inform users and have a valid basis for the map itself.

Practical compliance steps

Load Naver Maps behind consent, document the South Korea transfer and the adequacy decision in your privacy notice, and list any Naver cookies in your cookie policy. Where a Korea specific map is not essential, a European or self hosted map can simplify your compliance.

Compliance

Naver Maps and the GDPR

Naver Maps is classified as “Preferences”. On a site that targets European visitors, it must only load after the visitor consents, and it must be listed in your cookie policy.

Legal basis
Consent under Article 6(1)(a) GDPR for loading the third party map
Risk level
medium
Applicable regulations
GDPR, ePrivacy Directive

Impact assessment (DPIA)

A DPIA is advisable if Naver Maps is used for tracking user locations rather than a static display. The South Korea adequacy decision lowers the transfer risk, but you should still assess cookies, data minimisation and the necessity of the map.

Sample text for your banner

We use Naver Maps to show locations. Loading the map sends your IP address and request to Naver in South Korea. The map loads only after you accept.
Cookies and trackers

What Naver Maps sets and contacts

Tracking method
JavaScript maps API with server requests
Server location
South Korea
Data transferred outside the EU
Naver Maps loads from Naver infrastructure in South Korea, so the visitor IP address and map requests are transferred there. South Korea benefits from a European Commission adequacy decision adopted in December 2021, which means transfers to Naver in Korea are permitted without additional safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

Cookies set (2)

NameTypeDurationPurpose
NNBAnalyticsAbout 1 yearIdentifies the browser across Naver services and supports usage statistics.
NID_SESFunctionalSessionMaintains the Naver session state while interacting with Naver services.

Third-party domains contacted (3)

  • maps.naver.com
  • oapi.map.naver.com
  • pstatic.net
Questions

Frequently asked questions about Naver Maps

Can't find your question? Write to us, we answer fast.

Does Naver Maps set cookies?

Yes, loading Naver Maps can set cookies associated with Naver services, in addition to sending the visitor IP address with each request. List any such cookies in your cookie policy.

Do I need consent for Naver Maps?

Yes, because the map sends personal data to a third party and may set cookies, you should obtain prior consent, usually through a click to load placeholder, before the map loads.

What is the legal basis for Naver Maps?

The most defensible basis is consent under Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR, combined with the ePrivacy consent requirement for any cookies. Legitimate interest is harder to justify for a non essential embedded map.

Does Naver Maps transfer data to a third country?

Yes, data goes to South Korea. South Korea has an EU adequacy decision from December 2021, so the transfer is lawful without Standard Contractual Clauses, but you must still inform users.

Do I need a DPIA for Naver Maps?

A static map rarely requires a DPIA, but tracking user positions or combining the map with profiling may. The Korean adequacy decision reduces the transfer risk in your assessment.

How do I implement Naver Maps compliantly?

Use a consent gate, disclose the South Korea transfer and adequacy decision, list the cookies and minimise the data you pass to the map. Provide a fallback for users who decline.

Are there alternatives to Naver Maps?

For non Korean audiences, European or self hosted maps such as Leaflet with OpenStreetMap, MapLibre or a European provider avoid the international transfer entirely. Naver remains the natural choice for Korea focused content.

How do I update my cookie policy for Naver Maps?

List the Naver cookies with their purpose and duration, state that the map loads only after consent and disclose the transfer to South Korea under the adequacy decision. Update it if Naver changes its cookies.

Smartling

Smartling is an analytics and measurement platform providing deep insights into digital ecosystem performance. It tracks user interactions, measures campaign effectiveness, and identifies optimization opportunities across web and mobile. Smartling offers customizable dashboards, automated alerts, and data export capabilities. By transforming raw data into actionable intelligence, Smartling empowers organizations to optimize strategy and maximize return on investment.

Marketing

Gravatar

Gravatar is a versatile web technology that supports digital platforms with specialized functionality and enhanced capabilities. It provides robust tools and services that integrate with modern websites and applications seamlessly. Gravatar is designed to improve operational efficiency, user experience, and digital performance. Trusted by developers and businesses alike, Gravatar offers reliable solutions that scale with organizational needs and evolving web standards.

Essential

Paessler

Paessler is a foundational web service that powers critical website functions and digital experiences. It provides reliable infrastructure, seamless integration capabilities, and consistent performance across all devices and browsers. Paessler supports modern development practices and scales with growing business needs. With a focus on stability and compatibility, Paessler ensures your website delivers a smooth, uninterrupted experience to every visitor and search engine crawler.

Other

iHomefinder IDX

iHomefinder IDX is a versatile web technology that supports digital platforms with specialized functionality and enhanced capabilities. It provides robust tools and services that integrate with modern websites and applications seamlessly. iHomefinder IDX is designed to improve operational efficiency, user experience, and digital performance. Trusted by developers and businesses alike, iHomefinder IDX offers reliable solutions that scale with organizational needs and evolving web standards.

Preferences

onlyfy Application Manager

onlyfy Application Manager is a foundational web service that powers critical website functions and digital experiences. It provides reliable infrastructure, seamless integration capabilities, and consistent performance across all devices and browsers. onlyfy Application Manager supports modern development practices and scales with growing business needs. With a focus on stability and compatibility, onlyfy Application Manager ensures your website delivers a smooth, uninterrupted experience to every.

Preferences

SpatialChat

SpatialChat is a live chat and customer messaging platform that enables businesses to engage with website visitors in real time. It provides instant messaging, chatbot automation, and team collaboration tools to deliver fast, personalized customer support. SpatialChat supports multi-channel communication, conversation routing, and canned responses to improve response times. With built-in analytics and CRM integration, SpatialChat helps convert visitors into customers.

Preferences

Make your site compliant today.

Free up to 25,000 sessions a month. No credit card, no commitment.