The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of South Korea has announced the opening of the ‘AI Autonomous Driving Hub’ in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. This policy initiative is designed to create a real-world testing ground for autonomous driving technologies, focusing on essential public services. The hub will serve as a demonstration center for eight types of autonomous public service vehicles, including those supporting mobility for vulnerable groups, emergency transport, and urban management. The project highlights the government’s commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technology and integrating it into daily life.
The new hub directly impacts residents of Hwaseong, especially those in transportation-vulnerable or isolated areas. Key stakeholders include the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Police Agency, Hwaseong City, Korea Transportation Safety Authority, Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement, SK Telecom, Lotte Innovate Consortium, and local research institutions. Over 100 local residents are expected to participate in the opening event, where eight autonomous public service vehicles will be showcased. These vehicles cover services such as demand-responsive public transport, shared cars, urban environment management, road infrastructure monitoring, emergency patient transport, village buses, and patrol vehicles or robots.
The AI Autonomous Driving Hub will officially open on June 20, 2024, with a ceremony attended by key government officials and stakeholders. The hub is equipped to safely test autonomous vehicles on real roads, including narrow alleys and unstructured roads in transportation-isolated areas, using technology developed by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute. The project also supports startups, universities, and research institutions by providing opportunities for technology demonstration and service operation. In the second half of the year, a similar autonomous driving demonstration city will be launched in Gwangju to further accumulate data and enhance AI infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions include: What services will be tested at the hub? The hub will test eight types of autonomous public services, such as mobility support for vulnerable groups, emergency transport, and urban management. Who can benefit from these services? Residents of transportation-vulnerable and isolated areas, as well as local authorities and technology developers, will benefit from improved mobility and urban management solutions. How will the hub support industry growth? The hub will connect with the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute’s business incubation programs to actively support the growth of autonomous driving companies.
The AI Autonomous Driving Hub in Hwaseong demonstrates Korea’s strategic commitment to integrating autonomous vehicles into public services. By focusing on real-world testing and supporting vulnerable groups, the policy addresses both technological and social challenges. The collaboration with startups and research institutions is likely to foster innovation and industry growth. This initiative sets a strong foundation for the future expansion of autonomous driving services across the country.