South Korea Trials “Flying Taxis”: A Leap in Future Urban Transportation Model

Seoul, Korea, has unveiled plans to test the “flying taxi” model connecting the districts of Yeouido and Jamsil this year, marking a significant stride in the adoption of new transportation technology in urban environments. This initiative is part of a plan to commercialize novel vehicles for urban transport by 2025.

“Flying Taxis” – Urban Mobility Innovation

Referred to as “flying taxis” or Urban Air Mobility (UAM), these distinctive air vehicles are crafted to transport passengers or goods at low altitudes, especially suited for urban and suburban areas without relying on traditional runways. This promises flexibility and convenience, addressing the challenge of traffic congestion in urban areas.

Testing Plan – Close Collaboration

The Seoul city government has disclosed detailed plans for testing “flying taxis,” working closely with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of Korea. The project will unfold in two phases, kicking off in the latter half of this year. In the initial phase, the city will choose an operating company to execute the project efficiently.

Phase 2 – Comprehensive Inspection Focus

The second phase of the project will center on inspecting flight routes, vehicle safety regulations, flight network, noise pollution, and various other aspects. Selected routes for this testing phase include an 18 km route connecting Gimpo International Airport to the western Yeouido district, an 8 km route between the Jamsil and Suseo districts in Seoul, and two routes in Gyeonggi Province and Incheon City to the west of Seoul.

Looking to 2025 – “Flying Taxis” Officially Operational

Seoul is actively scouting suitable locations to build infrastructure for the takeoff and landing of UAM vehicles. Detailed plans for UAM development will be announced later this year, clearly outlining the city’s short-term and long-term goals in promoting UAM vehicles.

Korea aims to officially launch “flying taxis” in urban areas by 2025, ushering in a new era of smart and efficient urban transportation. This not only represents a significant step forward for Korea but also underscores its pioneering role in the field of Urban Air Mobility.