Seoul launches South Korea’s first regular night autonomous bus service

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced the launch of the ‘Cheonggye A01’ autonomous bus service, marking the first regular nighttime operation of a driverless bus in South Korea. Starting on the 22nd at 7:00 PM, the service will operate along a 4.8 km route connecting Cheonggye Plaza, Sewoon Sangga in Cheonggye 3-ga, and Gwangjang Market in Cheonggye 5-ga.

Two vehicles will circulate through 11 stops in both directions, running nine times daily at 30-minute intervals from Cheonggye Plaza. The final bus is scheduled to depart at 11:00 PM. The initiative aims to enhance nighttime mobility for citizens and tourists while boosting the local night economy by linking major commercial districts such as Gwanghwamun, Jongno, Euljiro, and Gwangjang Market.

Following a year of free testing and a recent safety inspection period, the service will initially be free of charge, though passengers must still tag their transportation cards upon boarding. The city plans to gradually introduce fares to establish the autonomous shuttle as a permanent fixture of the public transportation network. Daytime operations will cease as the service transitions to this nighttime schedule.