Pokémon Go finally launched in South Korea today, almost six months after the popular game's initial launch.

Developers Niantic had to overcome some unique challenges to bring Pokémons to the hugely lucrative gaming market because of the way the game relies on Google Maps to work.

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Those functions are limited by the government for national security reasons, because the country is technically at war with North Korea, so Niantic had to use publicly available data sources to fill in the gaps.

Last year, some fans of the augmented reality title travelled to Sokcho, close to the border with North Korea, because the city is not classified as South Korean territory in Google Maps, which allowed the game to be played there.

According to The Associate Press, dedicated tour and travel packages were created for gamers to stay in Sokcho, where local businesses and restaurants embraced Pokémon to appeal to gamers, whose annual average gaming spend is said to be the highest in the world.

Top Rated Comments

Rian Gray Avatar
111 months ago
And how many of them visit an American tech news website about Apple, a company that is very, very unpopular in South Korea?
Hello! A guy who lived in Korea here! I can tell you there are keen eyes set on MacRumors (mostly to catch new iPhone leaks and designs), at least that's how I first heard of MacRumors in the first place.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
garirry Avatar
111 months ago
Oh my. MacRumors just HAD to cash in on whatever tiny popularity is left of this game.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mcfmullen Avatar
111 months ago

Developers Niantic had to overcome some unique challenges to bring Pokémons to the hugely lucrative gaming market because of the way the game relies on Google Maps to work.
Pokémon is the plural of Pokémon, not Pokémons.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Telos101 Avatar
111 months ago
And how many of them visit an American tech news website about Apple, a company that is very, very unpopular in South Korea?
Don't be ridiculous. This is an online tech site. Welcome to the global village!

Besides, Apple isn't quite as disliked in South Korea as you make out: http://www.forbes.com/sites/elaineramirez/2016/10/21/apples-iphone-7-causes-frenzy-in-south-korea-is-samsungs-hold-over-its-home-turf-in-jeopardy/#69582a267a01
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sampple Avatar
111 months ago
Don't be ridiculous. This is an online tech site. Welcome to the global village!

Besides, Apple isn't quite as disliked in South Korea as you make out: http://www.forbes.com/sites/elaineramirez/2016/10/21/apples-iphone-7-causes-frenzy-in-south-korea-is-samsungs-hold-over-its-home-turf-in-jeopardy/#69582a267a01
YES!
Almost every Korean friend I have here in Seoul has iPhone, average ages run 25 to 45.
Most larger E-Marts have a mini Apple store.
The older 65+ crowd seems more into Samsung/LG.
On the bus I do see a lot of teens with mid ranger/entry level Samsung / LG devices.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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