Socar Launches Autonomous Shuttle Service for the First Time in Jeju

Free Operation for Visitors at Socar Station Jeju

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-gyu Lee] Socar has introduced an autonomous driving shuttle service for the first time in Jeju in collaboration with the autonomous driving technology startup 'RideFlux.'

Starting from the 18th, the two companies will begin a pilot autonomous shuttle service operating between Jeju Airport and Socar Station Jeju. This is the first passenger demand-responsive autonomous driving pilot service led by the private sector in Korea.

Unlike existing short-term autonomous driving pilot services conducted under traffic control, this service operates on roads with heavy traffic, targeting passengers with actual travel demand.

The autonomous shuttle will be operated free of charge daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for visitors to Socar Station Jeju. The round-trip distance between Jeju Airport and Socar Station Jeju is approximately 5 km.

Applications can be made by accessing the QR code located at the Socar shuttle bus boarding area in the Jeju Airport rental car house and the parking area next to the Socar Station shuttle bus. The maximum number of passengers is two, and a professionally trained safety driver will be on board for safety.

RideFlux conducted test drives for about six months starting in November last year, completing verification of technology completeness and safety. During the test period, more than 1,600 runs and over 8,000 minutes of pilot driving were conducted within the pilot service operation section.

Park Jung-hee, CEO of RideFlux, said, "Our goal is to create innovation in safer and more comfortable transportation through fully autonomous driving," adding, "Based on the experience of operating the pilot service and our research and development capabilities, we plan to expand the operating area to major roads throughout Jeju within this year."

Wi Hyun-jong, Head of Strategy at Socar, said, "It is highly meaningful that we have created an opportunity to take a step closer to the future mobility industry, where the convergence of autonomous driving technology and mobility platforms is key in Korea," and added, "We will continue to collaborate with technology companies to provide safe and smart mobility services."