Amid the mountains of challenges, South Korea is set to introduce a Level 3 autonomous vehicle this year, with plans to activate self-driving public transport by 2025. However, concerns remain about the obstacles that still need to be surmounted.
The Korea Automobile Journalists Association held a symposium titled “How to Prepare for the Commercialization of Autonomous Vehicles?” on the 27th at the Daegu International Electric Vehicle Expo.
Shin Hyun-seong, an official from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Advanced Automobile Division, explained that “the complete establishment of legal systems, mobility services, and infrastructure for the commercialization of self-driving cars is underway.”
In conjunction with these advancements, Hyundai Motors plans to apply Level 3 autonomous driving functionality to the Genesis premium sedan G90 by the end of this year. Currently, most premium brands feature Level 2 driving assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping functions. Level 3 takes a step further by allowing the autonomous driving system to intervene on designated automobile-only roads.
In relation to this, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to establish an insurance system for autonomous vehicles and a security framework for self-driving cars by 2024. By 2025, the introduction of autonomous shuttles and ride-hailing services is anticipated as part of a broader public transport initiative.
However, there are many hurdles to introducing autonomous public transport. Conflicts may arise with existing bus and taxi services. Without negotiations with current bus and taxi associations, the program cannot launch. Mr. Shin noted that “the autonomous public transport service is set to launch first in suburban areas where public transport is insufficient, as well as in rural regions where access is challenging,” aiming to prevent conflicts with existing transportation service providers.
The initiative for autonomous public transport will be grounded in supporting underserved regions. With only two years remaining until the launch, the selection of transportation companies responsible for passenger services remains unresolved.
The autonomous public transport service will be linked to mobility services, allowing users to summon vehicles via smartphone. However, a challenge remains in devising ways for elderly residents in rural areas, who may struggle with technology, to utilize these services effectively.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport aims to invest a total of 1 trillion KRW by 2027 to achieve Level 4 autonomous driving and develop communication systems between vehicles and objects, as well as mobility services for vulnerable populations.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr