It has now become much easier to search every virtual corner of Korea through an online map database.

The National Geographic Information Institute has launched its online map service, the “Baro e map.” Baro in Korean means direct or instantaneous. The online map provides helpful information required in day-to-day life. It shows hospitals that have extended hours, shoe repair shops and charging stations for electric vehicles. It has information about public facilities, places that offer help for children in need, wheelchair lifts, automated external defibrillators, underground shelters and more.

The government's new online map service, the 'Baro e map.'

The “Baro e map” can be found at http://emap.ngii.go.kr. A mobile version can be accessed at the same address, without downloading any additional app. The layout shifts to fit your screen.

With a few clicks on the screen, the distance between two points or the area within an enclosed area can be calculated and displayed within a few seconds. Maps can also be easily shared as an image, printed out or shared by clicking on the "direct link" button.

The “Baro e map” page has large font options for the elderly or for those who are sight impaired. It has yellow, green and blue colored maps for those who are color blind. It has Romanized writing for people who can't read Hangeul and it has blank white maps to be used as educational material.

The maps can feature enlarged labels.

There are maps specifically for those who are color blind.

There are maps with English place names.

Blank maps can be used for educational purposes.

The National Geographic Information Institute predicts that its free online map service will help both public and private organizations save money on the use and services of online maps, and allow more businesses to develop applied services. The institute plans to incorporate all public government data as quickly as possible, introduce Japanese and simplified Chinese versions and include hard-to-get services, like maps of North Korea, in the near future.

By Paik Hyun
Korea.net Staff Writer
cathy@korea.kr