Nation’s First Level 4 Unmanned Robotaxi to Debut This Year... Oh Se-hoon: "Preparing for Future Transportation"

New Year Work Report from Transportation and Disaster and Safety Offices
Strengthening Urban Rail Network and Robotaxi Initiatives
Focus on Gangbuk Cross-City Underground Expressway Project

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is accelerating the overhaul of the city’s transportation system this year. It plans to establish an urban rail network focusing on Gangbuk, an area underserved by public transportation, and expand autonomous bus operations to four routes. Notably, as early as this year, Seoul will unveil the nation’s first Level 4 unmanned robotaxi. This will make Korea the third country in the world to do so, with plans to expand operations following a pilot launch.

On January 26, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon received the '2026 New Year Work Report' from the Transportation Office, Disaster and Safety Office, and Water Circulation and Safety Bureau. At the meeting, Mayor Oh emphasized, "Given the scale and long-term nature of many of these projects, conduct thorough and meticulous inspections throughout the entire process to prioritize citizen safety and ensure smooth implementation."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon inspecting maintenance sites in Seoul. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

The Transportation Office will push forward with expanding the rail network, focusing on areas underserved by public transportation, to realize the vision of "Gangbuk’s Renaissance." The city will improve the business feasibility of the Gangbuk Cross-City Line, a core transportation infrastructure project, and lay the groundwork for its relaunch. In addition, key light rail lines such as the Seobu Line and Myeonmok Line, which connect workplaces, residences, and leisure facilities, will link residential areas and downtown, thereby improving access to urban rail transit.

The city will also accelerate its efforts in future transportation projects, which are already among the most advanced nationwide. As early as the second half of this year, Seoul will introduce the nation’s first Level 4 unmanned robotaxi in the Sangam Autonomous Driving Zone (6.6 square kilometers), making Korea the third country in the world to do so. The service will begin with three pilot vehicles and expand to more than ten by 2027, covering both commercial and residential areas so citizens can experience autonomous driving services in their daily lives.

The 'Dawn Companion Autonomous Bus,' which supports early-morning commuters, will also expand from its current single route (Dobong to Yeongdeungpo, A160) to four routes, including Geumcheon to Sejong-ro, Sanggye to Express Bus Terminal, and Eunpyeong to Yangjae. This will complete a dawn transportation network connecting the city’s east, west, south, and north.

The Disaster and Safety Office plans to fully implement large-scale space reorganization projects, such as the six-lane Gangbuk Cross-City Underground Expressway (Sungsan IC to Sinnae IC), which was announced in December last year, to unlock the full potential of the Gangbuk area. The city will also begin improving road infrastructure to resolve chronic congestion and enhance accessibility on major arterial roads such as Gwacheon-daero and Dongjak-daero.

Seoul will also implement practical, citizen-focused policies to ensure daily safety. The number of city street cleanings during heatwaves will be increased to up to eight times per day, and 100 "Happy So" air dome-type mobile outdoor rest areas equipped with cooling facilities will be installed at festival venues, event sites, and parks.

The coverage of citizen safety insurance will also be expanded. The maximum payout for major categories such as fire, explosion, and collapse will be raised from 20 million won to 25 million won. Coverage for ground subsidence accidents will be newly established and strengthened, allowing for up to 45 million won in combined compensation when overlapping with social disaster coverage. The liability insurance limit per incident for bodily injury and property damage will be increased from 100 million won to 150 million won, and the annual compensation limit per route will be raised from 200 million won to 300 million won.

Additionally, the Construction Technology Policy Office will enhance the quality of the "Zero Defect Construction in Seoul" initiative. The "Construction Project Full-Process Video Record Management," introduced last year for the first time in Korea, will be upgraded in the first half of this year to "AI Smart Video Record Management," applying artificial intelligence (AI) CCTV to all construction sites. Mayor Oh stated, "A safe and convenient urban infrastructure is essential for citizens to continue their daily lives with peace of mind. We will meticulously inspect everything from everyday safety to the overall urban infrastructure to make Seoul an even more attractive and safe city."

The 'Late-Night Autonomous Taxi' operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Seoul Metropolitan Government