Travel to Jeju by 'Air Taxi'... Government Supports UAM Tourism Pilot Project

29th Public Discussion Forum in Jeju
Smart Shared Logistics Center to be Completed in 2026

The government has designated Jeju Special Self-Governing Province as a pilot operation zone for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and will support tourism-oriented pilot projects. Additionally, the construction of the Jeju Smart Shared Logistics Center, currently underway, will begin by the end of the year and be completed in 2026.

An urban air mobility (UAM) vehicle exhibited by Korea Aerospace University is on display at the 'Smart Life Week' held at COEX in Seoul. / Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

On the 15th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced these plans at the 29th Public Discussion on Livelihood chaired by President Yoon Seok-yeol, held at the Jeju International Free City Development Center (JDC) in Jeju City.

UAM is a convergence of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and batteries. It is attracting global attention as a solution to complex urban traffic problems and as a future growth engine.

Accordingly, the government is accelerating commercialization by establishing reasonable systems through demonstration projects. The world’s first "Urban Air Mobility Act" was enacted and came into effect in April this year, and since August last year, companies from various sectors including aviation, construction, telecommunications, and platforms have been conducting large-scale demonstration projects (K-UAM Grand Challenge). The government plans to provide private companies with opportunities to verify technologies, while the state will introduce Korean-style private standards through safety verification.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport judged that Jeju, with its natural tourist attractions such as Hallasan Mountain and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, has optimal conditions for UAM tourism business. Jeju Province is also reportedly working with private companies toward commercialization.

The ministry plans to realize commercialization through various pilot projects in public services such as emergency medical care, tourism, and transportation, following safety verification of UAM through demonstrations. Jeju Province is expected to apply for designation as a pilot operation zone next year under current laws, a necessary procedure to proceed with pilot projects.

A ministry official said, "Jeju’s tourism-oriented pilot project is expected not only to revitalize local tourism but also to secure social acceptance of new mobility, contributing to the initial market growth of UAM in Korea."

In addition, the government will build a smart shared logistics center near Jeju Port in Ara 2-dong, which small and medium-sized enterprises can use at affordable rental rates. This measure takes into account the higher logistics costs in Jeju compared to the mainland.

The Jeju Smart Shared Logistics Center will be constructed with a total floor area of 7,800㎡, consisting of one basement floor and two above-ground floors, with a total project cost of 25.8 billion KRW (9.2 billion KRW from the national budget). Since the establishment of the basic plan in December 2021, procedures such as land compensation, surveying, and ground investigation have been completed. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to complete the ongoing design service and start construction by the end of this year. Once completed in early 2026, it will be offered to small and medium-sized enterprises at affordable rental rates.

The center will be equipped with smart facilities such as high-efficiency operational equipment including freezers and a fulfillment facility operation system. It will also be linked with the Jeju shared logistics platform "Modang," which is currently operating as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s digital logistics demonstration project initiated in 2021, to operate joint delivery services.

A ministry official stated, "The Jeju Smart Shared Logistics Center is expected to reduce excessive logistics cost burdens and streamline the logistics system by aggregating small-volume, high-frequency cargo. Furthermore, it will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of Jeju’s industries."