ITS News in Korea 2026 💌 – Vol. 4
2026 ITS Policy & Project Briefing Strengthens Public–Private Collaboration
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in collaboration with ITS Korea, hosted the 2026 ITS Policy and Project Briefing in Seoul, bringing together around 130 stakeholders from government, public agencies, and industry. The event served as a platform to share national ITS strategies and project plans while gathering industry feedback to enhance policy effectiveness and continuity. Key agencies presented their 2026 initiatives, highlighting infrastructure expansion, data-driven transport systems, and stronger public-private collaboration.
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Korea–EU Advance Transport and Mobility Cooperation
On March 26, Minister Kim Yoon-deok met EU Ambassador Ugo Astuto to expand cooperation in transport, R&D, and green mobility. Both sides highlighted the Korea–EU High-Level Transport Meeting in Seoul as a key platform to advance collaboration on sustainable and future mobility.
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Hyundai Mobis Expands Investment in Mexico to Strengthen North American EV Strategy
Hyundai Mobis is increasing investment in Nuevo León, Mexico, to strengthen its North American EV strategy. The expansion targets EV components, safety systems, and automotive electronics, while supporting supply chains linked to Kia and other global automakers.
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Saesol Tech Secures U.S. OmniAir Certification for V2X Security Testing Equipment
Saesol Tech has obtained OQTE certification from the OmniAir Consortium for its V2X security testing equipment. The certification validates compliance with global standards for secure vehicle communication, supporting entry into the North American C-ITS market.
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Autocrypt Validates Standard-Based V2X Tolling in U.S. Real-World Trials
Autocrypt demonstrated its standard-based V2X tolling solution in real-world trials in North Carolina during a workshop hosted by the OmniAir Consortium. The trial confirmed secure vehicle-to-infrastructure communication and reliable payment processing using interoperable V2X standards.
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Pintel’s AI Traffic Enforcement System Selected as Korea Police Innovation Product
Pintel has been selected by the Korean National Police Agency for its AI-based traffic enforcement system. Using a single camera, the solution detects multiple violations in real time, improving efficiency while reducing infrastructure costs and enabling broader nationwide deployment.
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Hyundai Motors Ties with Geotab to Launch Hardware-Free Connected Car Services in Europe
Hyundai Motor Company has teamed with Geotab to launch a hardware-free telematics service across Europe. The solution enables fleet operators to access real-time vehicle and EV data without additional devices, supporting more efficient, data-driven operations across 40+ markets.
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Korail and Kakao Mobility Partner on AI-Driven Rail Services and Integrated Mobility
KORAIL and Kakao Mobility have partnered to develop AI-driven rail services by integrating ticketing and transport data. The collaboration will enable seamless door-to-door journey planning and improve efficiency through AI-based demand forecasting and service optimization.
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Ciel Mobility's AI-Powered DRT Bus Gains Traction as Core Local Transport in Seoul
Ciel Mobility’s AI-based “Dongjak CALL Bus” is gaining traction as a key local transport option in Seoul’s Dongjak district. The demand-responsive service uses real-time routing via app-based requests to improve access in underserved areas, showing strong uptake and user satisfaction.
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Hyundai Launches Pilot for Eco-Friendly Smart Waste Collection Vehicles in Seoul
Hyundai Motor Company is piloting eco-friendly smart waste collection vehicles in Seoul’s Seongbuk district using its ST1 electric platform. The project features automated loading and wearable robotics to improve safety and efficiency, with a six-month trial aimed at reducing emissions and noise.
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Hanwha Systems Expands Defense Footprint with Philippine Naval Combat System Deal
Hanwha Systems is supplying combat management systems for new Philippine Navy frigates, strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia. The deal supports the Philippines’ naval modernization and positions the company to expand across regional defense and maritime security sectors.
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From Energy Shock to Mobility Shift: Global Mobility Trends
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Rising fuel prices and supply instability are disrupting transport systems worldwide, increasing costs and uncertainty across mobility networks. Governments and industries are responding through policy shifts, logistics adjustments, and accelerated electrification, while mobility becomes more closely linked to energy security.
- Public Transport More congestion control; expanded subsidized transit
- Logistics Routes shifting amid cost and geopolitical pressures
- EV Transition Faster adoption driven by fuel price gaps
- Energy & Security Mobility tied to national resilience
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Korea Urges Local Governments to Respond to High Fuel Prices Amid Middle East Tensions
The Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport urged local governments to strengthen coordination in response to prolonged high fuel prices. Discussions focused on subsidies and measures to ease cost burdens on transport and logistics sectors while promoting public transport use and energy-saving initiatives.
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Public Transportation 🇰🇷 Launches Task Force to Tackle Commuter Crowding
South Korea has launched a cross-government task force to reduce commuter congestion and improve public transport efficiency amid rising fuel costs. Proposed measures include flexible working hours, staggered commuting, and off-peak incentives to smooth peak demand.
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Logistics War Risk Economics Reshape Global Air Cargo Pricing
Air cargo rates are rising as Middle East disruptions force rerouting, increasing fuel use, insurance costs, and delays. Carriers are adding war-risk surcharges, making pricing more volatile and prompting longer routes and logistics adjustments.
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EV Transition High Fuel Prices Drive Faster EV Adoption, Payback Nears One Year
Rising fuel prices are accelerating EV demand in Korea, with lower ownership costs and shorter payback periods boosting the shift from combustion vehicles. The trend signals a faster shift toward electrification in the mobility sector.
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Energy & Security Secures 273 Million Barrels in Middle East Supply Push
South Korea has secured crude oil and naphtha supplies through agreements with key Middle Eastern partners to strengthen energy security amid geopolitical uncertainty. The initiative also focuses on diversifying routes and improving logistics resilience.
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Advancing Global ITS Cooperation Across Policy, Industry, Defense, and Academia
A series of international engagements in March–April 2026 highlighted growing collaboration in the ITS sector across policy, industry, defense, and academia. Discussions focused on ITS deployment and investment opportunities, participation in global ITS forums and interoperability testing, and the expansion of links between ITS and defense applications. Academic cooperation was also strengthened through research exchange and joint program development.
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Engaged TNO on ITS World Congress Cooperation
On April 1, TNO and ITS Korea discussed knowledge sharing, B2B matching, and more collaborations linked to the ITS World Congress. As a leading applied research organization, TNO’s expertise is expected to support industry engagement, and innovation-driven partnerships. |
Discussed with 5GAA on Gangneung ITS World Congress Participation
On April 8, 2026, ITS Korea held discussions with the 5G Automotive Association on potential participation in the upcoming ITS World Congress. The exchange focused on onsite sessions and technical demonstrations, including interoperability testing and collaborative C-ITS use cases.
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Bridging ITS and Defense: MoU with Defense Diplomacy Association
On April 14, 2026, ITS Korea signed an MoU with the Korea Defense Diplomacy Association to strengthen collaboration across transport, defense, and security sectors. The partnership focuses on smart infrastructure, disaster response, and global projects, supporting international expansion through advanced technologies.
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Strengthening Academic Collaboration with South Carolina State University
On April 21, 2026, ITS Korea held an online meeting with the University Transportation Center at South Carolina State University. Discussions focused on academic exchange, knowledge sharing, and potential industry–academia collaboration, including joint research and capacity-building initiatives.
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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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