South Korea has taken a significant step toward the future of transportation with the launch of its first night-time self-driving taxis in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
The city’s Metropolitan Government confirmed the introduction of the autonomous electric SUVs, marking a key milestone in the nation’s drive toward autonomous mobility.
The vehicles, Korando e-Motion electric SUVs from KG Mobility (formerly known as SsangYong), will operate across a 4.5 square mile area in Gangnam and Seocho districts from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.
While the vehicles will primarily drive themselves on major roads, they will also feature human safety monitors who will take control on narrower, residential streets.
Yoon Jong-jang, head of Seoul’s Transportation Bureau, hailed the move as a significant advancement for the city, stating, “As a result of the fully-fledged drive and demonstration results, we are on the verge of establishing autonomous mobility as a bona fide transport service.”
The service, free during the initial phase, can be accessed via the Kakao T app, and future plans include expanding coverage and introducing fares in 2025.
