Ministry of Land Designates Mokpo as Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Zone
Mokpo Station to Sanjeong Agro-Industrial Complex... Connecting Urban, Tourism, and Industrial Hubs
Jeollanam-do Province announced on December 15 that the 'Mokpo Smart Circular Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Operation Zone' has been newly designated through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's public contest for autonomous vehicle pilot operation zones, thereby expanding the foundation for the commercialization of autonomous driving.
The Mokpo Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Operation Zone is a 24-kilometer circular route starting from Mokpo Station and connecting major sites such as the Korea Maritime and Ocean University, the Marine Cable Car, the Cotton Experience Center, and the Sanjeong Agro-Industrial Complex. This route is intended to demonstrate autonomous driving services that link the urban area, tourist attractions, and local industries, and to establish a foundation for commercialization.
Mokpo City plans to build an autonomous driving service model that connects key hubs-including the Sanjeong Agro-Industrial Complex, which has limited accessibility; Mokpo Station, which has steady demand; and the Marine Cable Car, which attracts many tourists-into a single circular route, thereby providing convenient mobility for both residents and visitors.
With the designation of the Mokpo zone, Jeollanam-do Province will now operate autonomous vehicle pilot zones in three cities and counties-Suncheon (since 2022), Haenam (since 2023), and Mokpo. The province expects this will enable a variety of autonomous driving demonstrations tailored to local characteristics, such as supporting mobility in transportation-vulnerable areas, establishing circular routes for tourist attractions, and linking regional industrial hubs.
In Jeollanam-do Province last year, over 2,000 people used autonomous shuttle services operating between Suncheon Station and Suncheonman National Garden. In Haenam, starting in 2026, the province plans to officially launch public transportation and tourism-linked services using autonomous shuttles that circulate between Sani Garden and Solaseado Country Club.
Kim Byungseong, Director of the Space New Industry Division at Jeollanam-do Province, stated, "The Mokpo pilot operation zone, which connects the city center, tourist destinations, and industrial complexes, will serve as an excellent model for demonstrating autonomous driving services. Moving forward, we will continue to develop differentiated autonomous driving models that reflect local characteristics to enhance transportation convenience for residents and accelerate the growth of the future mobility industry."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
