Korea's first driverless shuttle to begin operation along Cheonggye Stream as early as next month

A driverless shuttle is seen during a trial operation along Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul in this photo released on Sunday. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul city government will begin operations of Korea's first driverless shuttles as early as next month, city officials said on Sunday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government conducted a trial run of the shuttles on Friday along Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul. If confirmed to be safe and reliable over the next four weeks, the public will be allowed to use the services by the end of September.

Developed by Korean firm Autonomous AtoZ, the vehicle can accommodate 11 passengers. It is also equipped with a wheelchair lift and a large display screen showing driving data and system status.

The shuttle will operate along a 4.8-kilometer route from Cheonggye Plaza to Gwangjang Market, traveling under 30 kilometers per hour.

The city government plans to start with two vehicles running on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but not on weekends or holidays.

Rides will be free during the monthlong trial period. The city aims to expand the service to include nighttime operations and longer routes in the near future.

A safety worker will ride onboard, as required under current automobile regulations. The staff will not intervene in normal driving, but if necessary will take control using an emergency joystick and brake. In case of accidents, the vehicles will be covered by specialized insurance.

“The city government will prioritize safety while enhancing the service of the nation’s first driverless shuttle developed with domestic technology,” a city official said. “We will do our best to advance the technology so that Seoul’s autonomous shuttle does not remain merely a local attraction along Cheonggye Stream, but also become an example of world-leading autonomous driving service.”