New test for Nintendo? North Korea an obstacle for South Korean Pokemon hunters

Huge market: South Korea is the world's fourth-biggest gaming market after China, the US and Japan.

SEOUL: Nintendo's smash hit Pokemon Go is likely to face hurdles in South Korea, where Google mapping functions are restricted due to security issues with North Korea – though some fans are already trekking out to one remote area where it can be played.

South Korea is the world's fourth-biggest gaming market after China, the United States and Japan, according to Amsterdam-based research firm Newzoo, potentially representing a big opportunity loss for Nintendo and game publisher Niantic if it can't be officially rolled out.