ITS News in Korea 2026 💌 – Vol. 2 Korea–Canada Dialogue on Autonomous Driving Policy and Practices |
On 28–29 January, Korea and Canada held a bilateral exchange bringing together government agencies, cities, and industry experts to discuss the current state and future of autonomous driving. The discussions focused on how policies, real-road living labs, and data-driven safety frameworks are being translated into practical services and urban mobility solutions.
• Delegates from Korea shared experiences from large-scale autonomous driving living labs operating in real traffic, introduced pilot services such as autonomous DRT and buses, and outlined phased pathways toward commercialization.
• Canadian participants presented national and municipal policies and regulatory approaches, highlighting city-led deployment experiences and the use of data and Edge AI to improve safety and operational reliability.
Both sides emphasized the importance of collaboration across governments, cities, and industry to scale autonomous mobility safely and inclusively, and explored opportunities for continued Korea–Canada cooperation through knowledge exchange and joint initiatives, including the upcoming Gangneung ITS World Congress. |
Abu Dhabi ITC Explores Korea’s Autonomous Driving Ecosystem |
A delegation from Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) visited Korea to review real-world autonomous driving deployments, V2X infrastructure, and smart traffic operations. The visit included site tours of K-City autonomous driving testbed, Seoul TOPIS, and leading Korean autonomous driving companies, along with discussions on joint pilots, cybersecurity, and MaaS integration. Both sides also explored high-level cooperation and Abu Dhabi’s participation in the upcoming ITS World Congress in Gangneung.
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Korea–UAE Accelerate “AI and Digital Future Alliance” from Sovereign AI to Smart Ports
Korea and the UAE are fast-tracking their AI and digital cooperation, spanning sovereign AI, public-sector AI transformation, smart ports, and space collaboration. Senior officials confirmed joint initiatives including reciprocal AI investment delegations, public AX cooperation, and smart logistics projects during high-level meetings in Abu Dhabi. The partnership aims to translate strategic diplomacy into concrete industrial and policy outcomes on a global scale.
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Studio G Selected as Top 3 Mobility & Tourism Innovator by EIT Urban Mobility
Studio Galilei has been selected as one of the Top 3 companies in the EU EIT Urban Mobility Mobility & Tourism Innovation Program, following a competitive review of 123 global applicants. As the only non-European company chosen, we will pilot our solutions at major EU events starting with Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. This milestone marks a significant step toward shaping the future of mobility and tourism across Europe.
[READ MORE]
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Kakao Mobility’s Shift to Physical AI and Autonomous Driving
Kakao Mobility has won the Mobility Innovation Award at the 2026 Green Mobility Awards, recognizing its leadership in autonomous driving and physical AI technologies. Expanding beyond ride-hailing, the company is advancing full-stack autonomous driving and MaaS services through real-world deployments across major Korean cities. This marks Kakao Mobility’s transformation into a next-generation mobility platform provider.
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Saesol Tech Targets Global RUC Market with ISO 21177 Breakthrough
Saesol Tech, a mobility cybersecurity specialist, is the world’s first to commercialize ISO 21177 core security technology under the SAE J3217 standard for Road User Charging (RUC) systems. The technology ensures secure, private, and reliable data exchange in next-gen tolling services. With ongoing deployments and participation in U.S. DOT projects, Saesol Tech is positioning itself as a global leader in mobility security.
[READ MORE] |
Hyundai Launches Connected Car Services Across 5 Middle Eastern Countries
Hyundai Motor Group has partnered with Vodafone to roll out connected car services in five Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The initiative supports Hyundai’s Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) strategy, offering customers advanced in-car connectivity and personalized mobility services. The move is further strengthened by Hyundai’s upcoming Saudi production facility, set to begin operations later this year.
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LG Electronics Teams with China’s MOGOX to Advance V2X & Autonomous Mobility
LG Electronics has formed a strategic partnership with Chinese autonomous driving startup MOGOX to accelerate global expansion in V2X, autonomous driving, and smart city solutions. Combining LG’s cloud-based Soft V2X with MOGOX’s L4 autonomous driving expertise, the collaboration aims to enhance traffic safety and create new B2B opportunities, reinforcing LG’s leadership in next-gen mobility and intelligent urban systems.
[READ MORE] |
Ettifos, Autocrypt, and Qualcomm Showcase V2X Tolling at U.S. 5GAA
Ettifos and Autocrypt, in collaboration with Qualcomm, jointly demonstrated a V2X-based tolling service at the 36th 5GAA General Meeting in California. The end-to-end demonstration showcased real-time, automated toll payments using V2I communication under real-road conditions. The pilot highlights the commercial readiness of V2X technology beyond safety, expanding into payment and mobility services.
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RideFlux Moves Closer to Fully Driverless Level 4 Autonomous Driving
RideFlux has applied for government approval to conduct fully unmanned Level 4 autonomous driving tests in Seoul, marking a major step toward complete driverless operation. After logging more than 2,600 accident-free hours with onboard safety managers, the company is now seeking permission to remove human operators entirely. If approved, RideFlux would become the first company in Korea to demonstrate fully unmanned Level 4 driving on public roads.
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Gangneung City and Hyundai Motor Partner on Autonomous DRT Pilot
Gangneung City has signed an agreement with Hyundai Motor Company to pilot an autonomous Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service in transportation-underserved areas. The project aims to improve mobility access for residents and visitors while validating autonomous driving technologies in real-world road environments. The initiative supports Gangneung’s vision to become a sustainable smart mobility city beyond the ITS World Congress.
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Korean ITS Workshop - Innovative Solutions @ Intertraffic Amsterdam |
💡 Korean ITS Workshop @ Intertraffic 2026
📅 Day 1 March 11, (Wed) 14:00-15:20 | Day 2 March 12, (Thu) 10:00-11:20
📍 2nd Floor, Hall 1 & Hall 2, RAI Convention Center, Amsterdam
We are pleased to host “Korean ITS Workshop - Innovative Solutions" alongside Intertraffic 2026 this March at the RAI Convention Center. The session will spotlight leading Korean ITS companies and their globally deployable technologies, while creating a space for open dialogue, Q&A, and networking with international transport and mobility stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming participants interested in innovative ITS solutions, cross-border collaboration, and new partnership opportunities.
Please visit the official website for upcoming updates.
[Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026] |
📢 Call for Webinar & Knowledge-Sharing Partners
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We are planning a series of regular online meetups and knowledge-sharing sessions focused on ITS, smart mobility, and emerging transport technologies. These sessions aim to bring together public authorities, cities, and industry experts to share practical experiences, discuss current challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
We are seeking partner organizations interested in co-hosting future sessions - working together on themes, speakers, and formats, and connecting global networks through open and meaningful exchange.
If your organization is interested in joining us, please reach out to us;
• Ms. Olivia, Senior Manager (doyeon11@itskorea.kr)
• Ms. Nuri, Manager (kim.nuri@itskorea.kr)
We look forward to collaborating with partners who value continuous dialogue and long-term cooperation within the international ITS community. |
ITS International Business Assistance Center
[14057] #812, Daerung Technotown 15, Simin-daero 401, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
+82-31-478-0457 / kim.nuri@itskorea.kr
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