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Jeju Autonomous Driving Services Exceed 10,000 Passengers, Level 4 Introduction Considered

From Hankyoreh · (11h ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Jeju's autonomous driving services have surpassed 10,000 passengers since their phased launch in 2024.
  • The services, operating at Level 3 autonomy with safety personnel, achieved an 'A' grade in a national pilot program evaluation.
  • The province plans to expand into logistics with autonomous trucks and explore Level 4 technology in collaboration with RideFlux.

Jeju Island is solidifying its position as a leader in autonomous driving technology in South Korea, with its services now exceeding 10,000 passengers. The "Ilchulbong GO!" service, which navigates popular tourist spots like Seongsan Ilchulbong, has become a key attraction, demonstrating the practical application of self-driving technology in a tourism-centric environment.

The cumulative number of passengers who experienced the three autonomous driving services launched in phases in 2024 exceeded 10,840 as of last month.

— Jeju ProvinceAnnouncing the milestone of 10,000 passengers for autonomous driving services.

The success, highlighted by the "A" grade in a national pilot program, underscores Jeju's commitment to innovation. The island's unique geographical and tourism-focused landscape provides an ideal testing ground for these advanced mobility solutions. The data collected from these services is crucial for refining the technology and paving the way for future advancements.

Looking ahead, Jeju is not just focusing on passenger transport but is also set to revolutionize logistics with autonomous trucks. This expansion into freight services signifies a broader vision for smart infrastructure and efficient resource management on the island. The exploration of Level 4 autonomous driving, which promises fully driverless operation, signals Jeju's ambition to be at the forefront of the global autonomous vehicle revolution.

We received the highest grade, 'A', in the national evaluation for pilot operation districts organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport last year.

— Jeju ProvinceExplaining the reasons for the successful operation and data accumulation.

This development is particularly significant for South Korea, as it showcases the nation's growing capabilities in cutting-edge technology. While Western media might focus on the technological marvel, for Jeju, it represents a tangible step towards a more efficient, sustainable, and futuristic transportation ecosystem, enhancing both the resident experience and the island's appeal as a smart tourism destination.

We will carefully review the introduction of Level 4 services tailored to regional characteristics and the transition to a public transportation system.

— Kim Nam-jin, Head of Jeju Province's Innovation Business DivisionDiscussing future plans for autonomous driving services on the island.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.