# South Korean autonomous bus service expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-autonomous-bus-service-expansion
> Updated: 2026-10-20T02:30:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

South Korean metropolitan governments are expanding autonomous public transportation services, specifically targeting nighttime mobility.

Incheon Metropolitan City announced plans to introduce AI-based autonomous buses starting in 2027. The initiative involves a 5 billion KRW investment through 2030 to deploy autonomous buses on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes and autonomous shuttles in pilot zones such as Yeongjong and Songdo to assist commuters and tourists.

Concurrently, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has launched the ‘Cheonggye A01’ service, marking the country’s first regular nighttime operation of a driverless bus. Operating along a 4.8 km route through major commercial districts, the service aims to boost the local night economy. Following a period of testing, the service will initially be free of charge before transitioning to a permanent, fare-based fixture of the public transportation network.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Seoul launches South Korea’s first regular night autonomous bus service

Seoul is launching the ‘Cheonggye A01’, South Korea’s first regular nighttime autonomous bus service, connecting major tourist and commercial districts via a 4.8 km route.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seoul-launches-south-koreas-first-regular-night-autonomous-bus-service

### 2026-10-13: Incheon to introduce AI-based autonomous buses by 2027

Incheon City will launch AI-powered autonomous buses and shuttles starting in 2027, targeting late-night BRT routes and specialized shuttle services in the Yeongjong and Songdo districts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/incheon-to-introduce-ai-based-autonomous-buses-by-2027

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Cite as: South Korean autonomous bus service expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-autonomous-bus-service-expansion