Seoul's late-night autonomous taxi pilot program in Gangnam will transition to paid service starting January 6. The service, which has operated free of charge for approximately 17 months since its September 2024 launch, marks South Korea's first commercialization of autonomous taxis as an official transportation mode.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 15th, fares will consist only of base rates within the Gangnam operating zone (approximately 20.4 square kilometers), with no additional charges based on distance or time traveled. Base fares vary by time slot: 4,800 won for 4-5 a.m., 5,800 won for 10-11 p.m. and 2-4 a.m., and 6,700 won for the peak hours of 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The autonomous taxis operate on weekdays from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning. Users can book rides through the Kakao T app and must register a payment card in advance.
Coinciding with the paid service launch, Seoul will expand its fleet from three to seven vehicles. Existing operator SWM will add two vehicles, while newly selected operator Kakao Mobility will also deploy two. The city stated all vehicles have passed external expert verification for security and safety.
The city views autonomous taxis favorably as a viable official transportation mode. From September 26, 2024 through February 28 this year, the Gangnam late-night autonomous taxi service recorded 7,754 cumulative rides, averaging approximately 24 rides per operating day. Not a single accident attributable to autonomous driving technology was reported during this period.
Seoul plans to accelerate testing and commercialization of autonomous driving technology following this transition to paid service, with phased expansion including more vehicles and daytime operations.
"The autonomous taxis that have operated successfully in Gangnam are taking their first step toward becoming an official transportation mode," said Yeo Jang-kwon, Director of Transportation at Seoul Metropolitan Government. "We will work with industry partners to support the technology's seamless integration into the existing transportation system."