Skip to main content

Seoul adds autonomous bus to city's public transportation network

Following 11-month pilot, it will run on a 2.6km route in Korean capital
By Adam Hill July 9, 2024 Read time: 1 min
The Cheongwadae AV has five stops on a 15-minute route (image: Seoul Metropolitan Government)

Autonomous buses have been integrated into the city of Seoul's public transport system following an 11-month trial.

It costs the same as standard buses on the network, and runs at five locations every 15 minutes on a 2.6km route around some of the South Korean capital's key tourist spots between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheongwadae and the Gyeongbokgung Station.

Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) says the bus offers free transfer to passengers with transportation cards and unlimited access for Climate Card users.

Operating Monday to Friday, it stops at Gyeongbukgung Station (Hyoja-ro Entrance), National Palace Museum of Korea (Yeongchumun Gate), Cheongwadae, Chunchumun Gate and Gyeongbokgung Palace/National Folk Museum of Korea.

The Cheongwadae AV began its pilot operation in December 2022, and SMG reported "a large number of users and a high satisfaction rate, with a total of 45,621 local and international passengers". Operation closed last November to prepare for the paid service.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Big data bonus for Dublin’s buses
    August 19, 2014
    Dublin’s smart research partnership speeds buses More than 50% of people travelling into and across the Irish capital rely on public transport, and four out of 10 these use buses meaning Dublin Bus carries some 120 million passengers a year.
  • Unmanned AV set to run on Korean roads
    June 25, 2024
    Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has permitted 'temporary operation'
  • London's shared bikes go electric
    September 12, 2022
    TfL's Santander Cycles scheme adds 500 e-bikes in UK capital and changes fare structure
  • Seoul to unveil electric car rental service
    July 16, 2012
    In October 2012, an electric car rental service will be unveiled by Seoul City in South Korea to promote eco-friendly transportation. A total of 200 electric cars will be provided by the city for the car sharing service programme that will be unveiled in collaboration with two firms, with a target to ease traffic congestion, cut air pollution and save energy. The two companies that will join the programme are Korea Car Sharing and LG CNS, under a deal sealed with the city.