Countries That Don’t Use Google

South Korea

Although South Korea boasts the fastest internet in the world, people don’t utilize it to access Google. Instead, they use Naver, also known as the “Korean Google” by the media. Naver has maintained a firm grip on the South Korean search engine market since its introduction in 1999.

This is a result of its continued international expansion and years of developing the best content specifically for South Koreans. Naver’s initiatives even include the historic $600 million purchase of Wattpad, a platform for creative writing, in early 2021.

Opponents had stated that having Google Maps could make it simpler for tourists to navigate the area, potentially increasing the likelihood that outsiders would visit the nation. However, the South Korean government was worried that Google Maps would give access to sensitive data about military locations to other countries, particularly North Korea.

Along with successfully stifling Google, Naver has also prevented Yahoo! from expanding in South Korea. In addition to Naver, there is the local web browser Daum.