Expansion of Autonomous Taxi Service in Gangnam District
Self-driving cabs are cruising through Seoul's buzzing Gangnam District, shaping the city's nighttime landscape [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT].
You Only Need to Know:These high-tech taxis are based on the Korando Emotion model, specially adapted for autonomous driving capabilities.
A sneak peek inside one of these cars reveals a state-of-the-art autonomous driving system in action.
In the heart of Seoul's Gangnam District [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT], self-driving taxis are making their mark with cutting-edge technology and strategic operations.
Additional Insights:These taxis are designed to operate late at night, specifically from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am on weekdays. This timing matches the pilot program's aim of providing safe late-night transportation. The taxis currently serve areas including Yeoksam-dong, Daechi-dong, Dogok-dong, Samseong-dong, and even major subway stations like Apgujeong, Sinsa, Nonhyeon, and Cheongdam [1][2].
Users can summon these autonomous taxis via the popular Kakao T app, just like a regular taxi. Each vehicle accommodates up to three passengers [1][2]. They autonomously drive on main roads with four or more lanes, but rely on human test drivers for control in residential side roads and children’s protection zones for safety purposes [2].
Thanks to this hybrid control approach, these taxis successfully navigate the intricate urban environment of Gangnam [2]. Since their inception in September 2024, they've completed about 4,200 rides without a single accident, showcasing impressive safety performance in a district infamous for its challenging road conditions [1][2]. The service was free during the pilot phase to encourage adoption and data collection [1][2]. With a strong start, Seoul's self-driving taxis are paving the way for a future filled with advanced autonomous vehicle technology [1][2].
The Seoul Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the industry, has leveraged advanced technology to make self-driving taxis a reality in Seoul's Gangnam District. These high-tech taxis, modeled on the Korando Emotion and adapted for autonomous driving, operate from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am on weekdays, providing a safe option for late-night transportation. In the near future, these autonomous vehicles promise to revolutionize finance, transportation, and the environment by reducing the number of accidents and traffic congestion.
