South Korea has officially designated Gwangju Metropolitan City as the country’s first full-scale test ground for autonomous vehicles. This initiative opens the entire road network of Gwangju for trials involving approximately 200 self-driving cars. The South Korean government, through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, will invest KRW 61 billion (approximately USD 42 million) in this project, with vehicle deployment anticipated to begin around August 2024 following the selection of participating companies in April.
The government plans to allocate test vehicles among up to three firms based on their technological capabilities. More advanced operators will receive larger fleets to conduct trials across various environments, including regular roads, residential areas, and rural regions, operating around the clock. Initially, the testing will include safety drivers, transitioning to fully driverless operations pending government approval. The plan is to start testing on the outskirts of the city before moving into more central areas once consistent safety is achieved.
Race for Autonomous Driving Leadership
Officials acknowledge that South Korea is currently lagging in the quest for leadership in autonomous driving technology, with the United States and China as the leading countries in this sector. Land Minister Kim Yun-duk expressed the urgency of the initiative, stating, “if the U.S. and China are adults in this industry, Korea is like an elementary school student.” This sentiment underscores the competitive landscape as South Korea seeks to enhance its position on the global stage.
The approach taken in Gwangju mirrors successful testing programs in cities like San Francisco and Wuhan, with plans to base the regulatory framework on proven methodologies from these regions. Kim described the initiative as “our last chance to close the gap and become one of the world’s top players” in autonomous vehicle technology.
The project is part of the administration’s broader economic growth strategy, positioning Gwangju and the surrounding southwestern region as a national hub for the autonomous vehicle industry. Data generated from these trials will be processed at the National AI Data Center in Gwangju, which will utilize 200 graphics processing units (GPUs) to support artificial intelligence development for participating companies.
Selection Criteria and Future Implications
Gwangju was chosen as the testing ground based on several criteria, including its population of over one million and the mix of urban and rural environments that are suitable for diverse testing scenarios. The Korea Transportation Safety Authority’s Automotive Safety Research Institute will oversee the testing operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and technological standards.
Major Korean automakers, including Hyundai, are expected to participate in this initiative. The objective is to generate sufficient data to position South Korea among the top three nations in autonomous driving technology. The United States and China are widely recognized as the leading countries, leaving the third spot open for competition from nations like Japan, which has launched various autonomous driving pilots focusing on commercial vehicles and public transit. The United Arab Emirates is also striving to establish itself as a hub for autonomous driving innovation, relying on partnerships with international companies for local testing and deployment.
As South Korea embarks on this ambitious journey, the outcome of the Gwangju initiative will play a crucial role in shaping the future of autonomous driving technology in the region and beyond. The success of this project may ultimately influence South Korea’s standing in a rapidly evolving global market.
