Haha, do you guys like the edit I made? I think pikachu is pretty excited for the Korea Pokemon-Go Release! So along with my video, I wanted to go in more detail about it. So current, Korea does not have Pokemon-Go. If you are confused on some of this background information, I suggest you take a look at my video, which covers some of the main points. Along with that, let's get into detail.
So in the video, I mention how Google isn't allowed to use GPS in Korea unless authorized to, right? This also goes hand-in-hand with the reason all your foreigner friends say, "USE NAVER!! IT'S BETTER!!!!" as if I would still betray my beloved Google maps.. I'm going to use this image below to help show you all the restrictions clearly, since it's a bit confusing..
If you have been to Korea, this explains a lot, right? Well this is because the South Korean government does not want North Korea having access to maps from South Korea. The GPS signal from Google to South Korea would be an easy target for any North Korean intelligence agencies to get their hands on, which would be a big issue. Even Naver and Kakao maps use those given by the Korean government which actually blurs out sensitive locations, just to be safe.
Now, look back up at the chart. For South Korea, driving directions are not allowed on Google maps. However, according to some news sites, North Korea allows Google maps to work on driving directions. I tried to go onto their website to get more information, but was only greeted by a big "WARNING" sign and a ton of information in Korean... so... to avoid having the FBI knocking on my door, I decided to stay clear of the site, but I thought I would put it out there that even North Korea is allowing limited access to the Google Maps services, while the South is trying at all costs to not only avoid, but double check on what should be allowed or not.
With this, North Korea has already been pushing the limits of GPS in the South. I went over it quickly, but there are news reports of North Korea using GPS jamming systems. It was said that radio signals were blocking the GPS signals in Seoul and Incheon, those radio waves were coming from over the border. Aircraft flying into Incheon had issues with their signals, but luckily were able to continue normally. With this information, I believe it would be fair for South Korea to be worried, as there are very few ways to possibly protect GPS signals for a cellphone game. If you guys know anything about radio waves, GPS, etc, or even just common knowledge, it's fairly easy to interrupt those signals as it will not take much to disrupt them from space.
So, what will Pokemon Go mean for Korea? Honestly, like mentioned in the video, the most worrisome part of the entire thing would be people along the DMZ. I believe that this might cause some issues with tourists there behaving irresponsible. Why is this an issue? Not only could you be killed going in for a Porygon, but if a tourist is killed along the DMZ, not only would it hurt tourism for Korea, but could create the spark many are avoiding with confrontation with the North. Is this a bit of a reach? Sure. Maybe the next world war won't be caused over Pokemon, but I wouldn't consider it outside the realm of possibility. Countless people in Pokemon-Go friendly countries have claimed to be attacked, mugged, or in some way hurt over the distraction of Pokemon. So, let's just be careful and catch them all while being smart about it.
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