South Korea proposes APEC cooperation on AI and smart mobility

South Korea has proposed expanding cooperation among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies regarding AI and autonomous-driving-based smart mobility. During the 12th APEC Transport Ministers' Meeting held in Beijing, a South Korean delegation led by Park Jae-soon, Director General of the Transport and Logistics Bureau, presented various domestic digital transportation policy cases.

Key examples shared included city-wide autonomous driving demonstrations in Gwangju, which utilize 200 vehicles to accumulate driving data and train AI, and the integration of autonomous vehicles with Demand Responsive Transport (DRT). The delegation also highlighted the nation's Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Hi-pass technology, and AI-driven smart logistics.

To support this digital transition, South Korea emphasized the need for institutional cooperation in areas such as data protection, cybersecurity, and the alignment of technical standards and safety regulations. The delegation also suggested utilizing the ‘APEC Smart Mobility Forum’ to share policy and technical expertise. Additionally, the delegation visited the Yizhuang autonomous driving demonstration zone in Beijing to observe unmanned robotaxis and autonomous buses to inform domestic policy development.