Paju-si To Promote Introduction of Autonomous Vehicles in Second Half of 2026

Institutional Framework Established Following Designation as Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Operation Zone

Paju-si in Gyeonggi Province announced on February 12 that it has enacted the “Ordinance on the Operation and Support of Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Operation Zones” to promote the commercialization of autonomous vehicles.

Paju City has enacted the "Ordinance on the Operation and Support of Pilot Autonomous Vehicle Operation Zones to Promote Commercialization of Autonomous Vehicles." The photo shows the exterior of Paju City Hall. Photo provided by Paju City.

The purpose of this ordinance is to establish an institutional foundation to promote the commercialization of autonomous vehicles and support related services by stipulating matters necessary for the systematic operation of autonomous vehicle pilot operation zones and the management of related facilities.

The main contents of the ordinance include: installation and management of autonomous driving facilities; establishment and operation of a transportation system; provision of a legal basis for supporting pilot operations; and establishment of a system for sharing implementation outcomes with citizens.

Paju-si was newly designated in December 2025 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as an autonomous vehicle pilot operation zone, and plans to operate day-and-night autonomous bus routes centered on Unjeongjungang Station on the Great Train Express (GTX)-A line in the Seoul metropolitan area starting in the second half of this year. Through this, the city aims to supplement mobility rights during time periods with weak public transportation service and to enhance inter-regional accessibility.

The city enacted this ordinance to ensure the stable and efficient operation of the pilot operation zone, and it plans to actively secure related budgets and swiftly introduce and operate autonomous driving services in order to alleviate citizens' transportation inconveniences and to build an autonomous transportation system as a future means of mobility.

Cho Chundong, Director of the Road and Transportation Bureau, said, “The enactment of this ordinance is an important institutional foundation for the stable operation and commercialization of autonomous driving services,” adding, “We will focus on resolving transportation problems and enhancing urban competitiveness by establishing citizen-oriented transportation services that leverage autonomous driving technology.”

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