Naver Maps API
Nov 5,2025

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Introduction

Naver Maps API is a mapping service development interface provided by South Korea's NAVER Corporation. It supports integration across multiple platforms, including JavaScript, Android, and iOS, and provides features such as map rendering, route planning, coordinate conversion, and 3D viewing. The API utilizes a modular design, including submodules such as Street View and Heatmap, and is optimized for mobile performance, making it suitable for developing localized map applications in South Korea and surrounding areas. The latest version supports the React Native framework's New Architecture, enhancing the interactive map experience.

File Structure

The Naver Maps API's file structure consists of the following core components:

Core Module: Contains core functionality for basic map rendering, interactive controls, and view management, supporting multi-platform integration with JavaScript, Android, and iOS.
Submodule System: Utilizes a modular design to expand functionality, including visualization modules such as street view/bird's-eye view, coordinate conversion, and heatmaps, as well as a graphical interface module for adding custom markers and shapes.
Mobile SDKs: Provide Android and iOS-specific libraries to optimize mobile performance, support 3D views, and localized map services, as described in the GitHub repository.
React Native Integration Package: A self-contained, new architecture support package (Fabric) for React Native apps, including components such as camera control and location markers.
Dependencies and Configuration Files: Includes version management files (such as build.gradle.kts and package.json) and authorization configuration to ensure the correct loading of API keys and module dependencies.

Pros

High-Precision Localization Data: Built based on local Korean data, it offers precise positioning, particularly excelling at navigating complex urban roads and alleyways, and supports 3D street view and 360-degree rotational navigation.
Modular Functionality: It offers a sub-module system (such as street view/bird's-eye view, coordinate conversion, heatmaps, etc.) that allows developers to integrate as needed, offering high flexibility.
Multi-Platform Optimization: Performance is optimized for mobile (Android/iOS) and desktop, and it supports the new React Native architecture (Fabric) to adapt to modern development needs.

Cons

Insufficient internationalization support: The interface and search function are not user-friendly for non-Korean users, some content remains in Korean, and the translation accuracy of POI names is low.
Reliance on local data: Its strengths are concentrated in South Korea and surrounding areas, and its overseas map coverage and functionality may be limited. Compared with other global APIs (such as Google Maps), its versatility is less than that of other global APIs.
Commercial API cost issues: As a commercial API, some advanced features may require payment, and developers must rely on official updates and cannot independently modify the underlying code.

Application Scenario

The Naver Maps API is primarily used for the development of localized services in South Korea, such as real-time navigation, parking information (such as displaying fee details and distance), and route optimization for logistics and delivery. Its 3D street view and coordinate conversion features are also commonly used in travel apps, helping users quickly locate attractions or plan routes. Furthermore, its support for React Native integration makes it suitable for cross-platform mobile app development, such as travel tools that combine location markers and dynamic map displays.