Autonomous Shuttle Powered by Korean Technology to Operate at APEC

An autonomous shuttle equipped with software developed by a Korean company and installed in domestically produced vehicles will transport attendees during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) event period.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority announced on the 22nd that the shuttle will operate for official attendees of the APEC summit, including delegates, from the 26th of this month to the 1st of next month. Previously, two routes-one circulating around Bomun Tourist Complex and another around the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center-began official operation for citizens on September 10. However, during the APEC period, access to the Bomun Tourist Complex will be restricted, so only event attendees will be able to board.

The autonomous shuttle is a model that combines hardware from leading domestic automakers such as Kia and KG Mobility with software from Autonomous a2z, a Korean autonomous driving specialist. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport expects this to be an opportunity to showcase technology with a localization rate of over 90% on the global stage. Type A, which circulates around the Bomun Tourist Complex, can carry up to 20 people at a time, while Type B, which mainly serves the convention center, can accommodate up to 9 people.

Autonomous shuttle bus that began operation last month in Gyeongju. It is scheduled to operate only for attendees of events during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation period. Provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

In preparation for this operation, the government preemptively inspected potential hazards along the routes. It established a joint emergency response system with related agencies such as the Autonomous Vehicle Accident Investigation Committee and the National Police Agency. Emergency response manuals were distributed to shuttle manufacturers, and the operational status of the vehicles was checked. To ensure immediate response in the event of an accident, thorough safety measures-including on-site standby during the event-will be implemented.

Lim Wolsi, Director of the Autonomous Driving Policy Division at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, "Operating autonomous shuttles during this APEC period will serve as an opportunity to showcase Korea's autonomous driving technology and industrial competitiveness to the international community."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.