Driverless shuttle to be launched with route along Seoul's Cheonggye Stream
Electric shuttles with neither a steering wheel nor a driver's seat will begin offering free night rides along Seoul's historic Cheonggye Stream this week.
Beginning at 7 p.m. on Oct. 22, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is launching the Cheonggye A01, South Korea's first driverless night shuttle, per The Korea Times. It will follow a 4.8-kilometer loop, which hits establishments that keep Seoul's night life alive, including restaurants and cultural landmarks.
Cheonggye A01 will run with two pod-like glass-heavy vehicles. Each nine-seater bus makes 11 stops every 30 minutes from 7 to 11 p.m. The route connects Cheonggye Plaza with commercial districts, such as Jongno's food alleys as well as the bars in Euljiro and Gwangjang Market, which is best known for its street food.
Aside from giving locals and international tourists a modern, new way of enjoying Seoul's night life, the night shuttle also gives night-shift workers and late-night shoppers free transit around the major entertainment hubs in the city.
"The night operation of the Cheonggye Stream autonomous bus goes beyond letting citizens experience futuristic mobility technology in their daily lives," said Yeo Jang-kwon, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Transportation Bureau. "It connects Cheonggye Stream's night view with surrounding areas like Jonggak and Euljiro, offering a fresh way to enjoy Seoul at night."
Initially, the shuttle rides will be free; passengers need only to tap a standard transit card when they enter the vehicle. Eventually, however, the city government plans to charge 1,400 won (about P66) per ride. Once the night shuttles become paid public transport vehicles, these will be formally melded into the municipal transit grid.
CONTINUE READING BELOW
The night shuttle went through a successful pilot program in August and one year of testing in the daytime.
WATCH: Save for retirement or enjoy life now? (Generations Ep. 21)
September 16, 2026