Riding a self-driving vehicle, once only seen in movies, was an exhilarating experience. It offered a comfortable and unique journey that felt like a glimpse into the future.
On a sunny afternoon at the Mobility Hub Center in Seongnam Sports Complex, a diverse group of Seongnam residents, from elementary school children to adults, gathered eagerly to test-drive a sleek white autonomous shuttle. As the vehicle’s doors slid open, the interior layout resembled a conventional shuttle bus, but the large rectangular monitors mounted in the driver’s area and at the rear immediately caught everyone’s attention.
Upon boarding, the front monitor came to life, displaying a real-time feed of nearby vehicles and pedestrians, along with the planned route. After the safety manager guided the vehicle out of its parking spot, a notification flashed on the screen: “Switching to autonomous mode.” Within seconds, the shuttle began to move with remarkable smoothness. The acceleration was gentle, with barely perceptible initial movement. The steering wheel adjusted effortlessly, keeping the vehicle centered in its lane without human intervention.
Approaching the first intersection, the shuttle automatically decelerated, recognized the traffic signal, and came to a stop. When the light changed, its camera detected the green signal, and the vehicle executed a flawless left turn. Throughout the journey, the shuttle maintained a safe following distance, automatically slowing when traffic ahead condensed. In the bustling Moran Market area, where vehicles and pedestrians created a challenging environment, the shuttle’s sensors remained hyper-vigilant, ensuring stable progress through the crowded streets.
At designated stops, the shuttle approached slowly and precisely, coming to rest at the exact spot required. The consistency of its stopping position surpassed that of human-driven buses. The vehicle also demonstrated quick reflexes, instantly braking when pedestrians unexpectedly stepped into the road.
Passengers onboard were visibly impressed, with many commenting on the shuttle’s stability and how natural the ride felt despite the absence of a human driver. Some enthusiasts were seen capturing photos of the sensor recognition screens, eager to document their experience with this cutting-edge technology. While the 20-minute journey included a few sudden stops due to unexpected traffic movements, the overall ride remained remarkably smooth and stable.
Kim Dae-hyun, a 20-year-old Sujeong-gu resident who participated in the test ride, shared his thoughts: “I was amazed at how well the vehicle navigated complex intersections in the old part of town, recognizing and responding to signals independently. There’s room for improvement, like reducing the frequency of sudden stops, but I’m excited to use this service regularly as the technology advances. Seeing the shuttle operate so naturally in traffic, even with an empty driver’s seat, really brings home the reality that unmanned public transportation is just around the corner.”
Seongnam City officially unveiled its autonomous vehicle pilot program to the public with a test ride event at the Mobility Hub Center in Seongnam Sports Complex. The ceremony was attended by Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin, along with local dignitaries, citizens, and representatives from partnering organizations. The event included a vehicle dedication ceremony, photo opportunities, site tours, and test rides for attendees.
The inaugural route covered a 6-kilometer round trip between Seongnam Comprehensive Sports Center and Seongnam City Hall, with citizens of all ages invited to experience the autonomous bus. This pilot program aims to enhance connectivity between Seongnam’s newer developments and its historic center, while also improving access to the city’s cultural and tourist attractions.
City officials envision the autonomous shuttle as a key component in Seongnam’s daily transportation network, seamlessly connecting transit hubs with commercial and industrial zones to enhance mobility for residents. The implementation of a stop-based boarding system is designed to maximize accessibility and convenience for users.
The autonomous shuttle service will deploy one vehicle on each of two routes, both originating from the Mobility Hub Center situated in the outdoor parking area of Seongnam Sports Complex near Moran Station. The SN01 route covers a 16.2-kilometer round trip, linking the Mobility Hub Center to Pangyo Techno Valley via Moran Station and Seongnam-dong. The SN02 route is a 12.1-kilometer circular path connecting the Mobility Hub Center to Moran Station and Seongnam Hi-Tech Valley.
The shuttle service is set to launch on the 26th, offering free rides to citizens during its two-year pilot phase. Operating hours are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with four daily trips. Each vehicle can accommodate up to 14 passengers.
To ensure safety, each shuttle will be staffed with a safety manager responsible for pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and prepared to handle any unexpected situations during transit. While the shuttles are designed to operate autonomously along their entire routes, manual intervention may occur in high-congestion areas if deemed necessary for safety.
This pilot program marks a significant milestone as the first deployment of autonomous vehicles in protected zones such as school and senior citizen areas, where safety concerns previously limited operation to manual driving only. The city has integrated advanced 3D mapping technology to enable automatic recognition of child protection zones. Additionally, LiDAR-based infrastructure and comprehensive control systems have been installed in two protected areas, enhancing the vehicles’ ability to accurately assess their surroundings and respond swiftly to unforeseen circumstances.
Mayor Shin Sang-jin emphasized the immediacy of autonomous driving technology, stating, “This isn’t a far-off concept anymore; it’s a present-day shift in how our citizens navigate daily life. Our goal is to progressively expand this service, establishing it as a safe and convenient transportation option that residents can rely on—not just a technological showcase, but a practical solution for everyday mobility.”
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