Naver Map Expands 3D Flying View to Entire Seoul City

Seoul, South Korea - Naver Map has expanded its "Flying View 3D" feature to cover all of Seoul, allowing users to view the city's spaces in 3D, the company announced Friday.

The update allows users to navigate Seoul's major landmarks, including Yeouido 63 Square, Jamsil Sports Complex, and the National Assembly Building, using image markers within the Naver Map application.

The city-wide 3D visualization draws on "S-MAP" data developed through Naver Labs' digital twin technology "ALIKE" in a 2019 collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, combined with high-resolution drone imagery. 

Naver Map said it upgraded its proprietary 3D map engine to support the expanded coverage and maintain application stability.

The company first launched the Flying View 3D service last October for 10 locations across South Korea, including COEX in Seoul, Jeonju Hanok Village, and BEXCO in Busan. 

Naver said usage of the feature rose 120% during the APEC summit compared with its post-launch average.

Naver Map plans to extend the 3D service to additional landmarks, including Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju, Wolmido in Incheon, and the Yeosu Expo site. 

The company also intends to integrate the aerial 3D view with its ground-level "Street View 3D" function to allow continuous navigation between viewpoints.