Jung-gu to roll out AI unmanned control network across 13 on-street public parking lots
Chosun Hotel lot goes unmanned first, with pilot operation running through February next year
Seoul's Jung-gu will build an AI-based unmanned control network across 13 on-street public parking lots in the district in phases.
As the first step, the district has introduced an unmanned system at the on-street public parking lot in front of the Chosun Hotel on Sogong-ro, launching a pilot operation that will run through February 2027.
The lot was opened free of charge in November 2024 after a pedestrian environment improvement project along Sogong-ro and Namdaemun-ro 7-gil reduced its capacity from 12 spaces to four. Turnover dropped sharply, however, as vehicles began occupying spots for extended periods. In response, the district applied a smart management system to improve utilization of downtown parking space, converting the lot to paid parking at 1,500 won per 30 minutes starting Sept. 2.
The unmanned initiative is part of a campaign pledge from the ninth elected-term administration to build an integrated smart parking information system. The district signed an MOU with parking platform company MDS Mobility Co. and secured fully private funding, allowing the advanced infrastructure to be built without any district budget expenditure.
Two AI cameras for license plate recognition and one motion-detection camera have been installed on site. The devices automatically detect unpaid parking and time overruns to block unauthorized use. The system is also designed for convenience: drivers park in an available space and prepay for their intended stay via the "Parking Friends" app or an on-site QR code.
A 24-hour call center and a standing equipment maintenance system will also operate to facilitate smooth vehicle entry and exit and minimize inconvenience for users. Following the pilot, the district plans to extend the AI control network to its remaining on-street public parking lots in sequence.
"This AI unmanned pilot will help ease the long-term parking problem at public lots and maximize space efficiency," Jung-gu District Mayor Kim Gil-sung said. "After a thorough performance review, we will build a smart parking environment that any resident can use with ease."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
