• Starting on August 20 (Thu), the self-driving taxi fleet will expand to 19 vehicles, reducing wait times and improving accessibility.
  • Since its launch in September 2024, the self-driving taxi has served 15,140 rides. After it transitioned to a paid service in April 2026, 6,176 rides have been recorded.
  • The self-driving taxi will now operate in school zones within Gangnam. In November, a Level-Four self-driving taxi will operate in Sangam.
  • Any further expansion of the service will involve full consultation with the taxi industry to ensure mutual benefit and gradual implementation.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, August 20, 2026 – The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) announced that the late-night driverless taxi service, the first and only public service of its kind in the nation, will expand from 7 to 19 vehicles, starting at 10 PM on August 20 (Thu), reflecting steady demand.
With the expanded fleet, taxi assignments will improve, and more citizens will be able to enjoy the mobility service at late hours.

Along with the fleet expansion, self-driving technology will be upgraded one step further. The service will undergo approval by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) to operate in school zones, as well as in previously operated areas in Gangnam.

The SMG expects that expanding the service will reduce taxi assignment wait times and improve assignment rates, thereby enhancing overall convenience for passengers. The service is also planned to be gradually expanded, including daytime operations, following a thorough review of operational
performance and safety.

The late-night self-driving taxi in Gangnam Program officially started in September 2024 and recorded 15,140 successful rides from September 26, 2024, to July 31, 2026. The service transitioned to a paid service in April this year and has recorded 6,176 rides to date, indicating constant demand
and a positive response from late-night passengers.

How to use this taxi remains the same. Passengers can hail and ride the self-driving taxi late at night through the mobile application “Kakao T” only in the Gangnam district. The fare is the same as that of a traditional taxi, but subject to a late-night surcharge.

The late-night self-driving taxi in Gangnam Program is a government-funded project that was selected under the “Autonomous Vehicle Demonstration Zone Service Support Program” by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). The SMG received government funding to operate autonomous
taxis in an urban setting as a means of transportation. It has been verifying the technology and driving safety, laying the foundation for commercialization.

While focusing on advancing self-driving technology, the SMG will also continue to pursue mutual prosperity with the taxi industry. The city government has been discussing major decisions regarding the self-driving taxis with the taxi industry, including fleet expansion and passenger fares. Any
further expansion and detailed decisions will be made in close consultation with the taxi industry and implemented gradually.

Yeo Jang-kwon, Deputy Minister of the Transportation Office of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, “I’m looking forward to more citizens being able to use the late-night self-driving taxis conveniently, and the service will also contribute to the city’s nighttime economy. We will continue
to advance the autonomous driving service to make the future of transportation in the city a reality, benefiting citizens.”