Seoul expands late-night autonomous taxi fleet in Gangnam from 7 to 19 vehicles

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday it has expanded its Gangnam late-night autonomous taxi service from 7 to 19 vehicles, with the enlarged fleet beginning operations Thursday at 10 p.m. The city said the increase is intended to improve dispatch efficiency and give more residents a convenient late-night travel option.

Under the expansion, operator SWM increased its fleet from 5 to 13 vehicles, while Kakao Mobility raised its count from 2 to 6, bringing the combined total to 19 autonomous taxis.

The booking method remains unchanged. Passengers can hail a ride through the Kakao T app within the designated Gangnam service zone. The taxis operate on weekdays from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, covering areas around Gangnam Station, Apgujeong Station, Seonjeongneung Station, Bongeunsa Station, Daechi Station, Gaepo-dong Station and Yangjae Station.

Fares consist of the base rate plus applicable late-night surcharges, matching standard taxi pricing. Rides between 4 and 5 a.m. carry no surcharge and cost 4,800 won, while fares are 5,800 won from 10 to 11 p.m. and from 2 to 4 a.m., and 6,700 won from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The Gangnam late-night autonomous taxi service is a nationally funded project selected under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's autonomous vehicle pilot zone service support program. Building on that funding, Seoul has been operating autonomous taxis as a formal mode of urban transport to verify the technology and safety and to lay the groundwork for full commercialization.

Since its launch in September 2024, the service has logged 15,140 rides through the end of last month. Even after transitioning to a paid model in April, it recorded 6,176 rides, reflecting steady public demand for autonomous taxis during late-night hours.

To advance the service further, the city plans to launch a Level 4 autonomous taxi — one with no human driver in the front seat — in the Sangam area in November.

Alongside the technological upgrades, Seoul said it will continue to pursue a cooperative relationship with the existing taxi industry. The city has consulted with taxi operators and their associations on key decisions, including fleet size and fare-setting. Any future expansion in scope or scale will also be decided in consultation with the industry.

"We expect more residents to conveniently use autonomous taxis late at night, and for the service to contribute to revitalizing Seoul's nighttime economy," said Yeo Jang-gwon, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's transportation bureau.