Free Autonomous Buses Make It Easier for Tourists to Get Around the City of Seoul at Night

The Seoul Metropolitan Authority, South Korea has launched a new way for tourists to explore the city after dark. Starting Thursday, 22 October 2026, the driverless Autonomous Night Bus named Cheonggye A01 will operate routes serving various tourist attractions, culinary hubs, and Entertainment Districts in the city centre.

During the initial launch phase, this service will be available completely Free of Charge for visitors. Even though no fare is charged, all passengers are still required to tap their public transport card before boarding the bus. 

The rollout of Cheonggye A01 is part of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's initiative to integrate autonomous transport technology into daily urban life. 

This service is expected to improve mobility for both local residents and visitors across popular city areas, particularly during night hours.

Quoted from The Asia Business Daily, Head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Transportation Office Yeo Jang-kwon stated that this service was designed to connect tourist destinations while delivering a new Travel Experience.

"This Cheonggyecheon night autonomous bus gives the public a chance to directly experience future transportation technology as part of their everyday activities," Yeo remarked.

At launch, two buses will operate a 4.8 kilometre circular route with 11 designated stops. 

Schedule and Route for Autonomous Night Bus Cheonggye A01

As reported by The Korea Times , buses will depart every 30 minutes until 11:00 PM local time, with the final service departing from Cheonggye Plaza. 

Prior to opening for public passengers, Cheonggye A01 completed an extensive testing regime. The vehicle underwent full daytime testing for approximately one year, followed by dedicated night trial operations starting mid-August 2026. 

The Seoul Government also commissioned independent external experts to assess the operational safety standards of the service.

While the initial launch period is Free, city authorities plan to introduce fares gradually in order to fully integrate this bus with the wider Public Transport network.

The planned standard fare will be 1,400 Won, approximately 18,956 Indonesian Rupiah per trip.

Travellers wishing to use this service can check real time stop locations and estimated bus arrival times directly via Naver Map or KakaoMap. Simply search for the term "Cheonggye A01" to retrieve full travel information.

Exploring Seoul's Tourist Attractions and Culinary Hotspots

One of the main draws of Cheonggye A01 is its route that passes through multiple well-known central Seoul locations. The route connects Cheonggye Plaza, Cheonggye 3-ga near Sewoon Shopping Center, and Cheonggye 5-ga adjacent to Gwangjang Market.

From points along this route, visitors can easily access Gwanghwamun Square, Bosingak Pavilion, as well as the dining precincts of Jonggak and Gwancheol-dong. 

The Euljiro commercial district is also included on the route, perfect for visitors looking to experience Seoul's city atmosphere after sunset.

Travellers may begin their outing with a walk along Cheonggyecheon, the iconic urban stream Running through central Seoul and one of the city's most popular public spaces. 

After enjoying the surroundings, visitors can continue their journey using this bus to reach further dining locations or shopping areas.

For food enthusiasts, Gwangjang Market is a standout destination. This famous market is renowned for its wide selection of authentic South Korean street food, where visitors can sample multiple local dishes in one visit.

Meanwhile, the Jongno area offers a diverse range of dining options, while Euljiro provides a distinct atmosphere with its bustling commercial lanes and bars that come alive after nightfall.

The launch of this autonomous night bus provides travellers with a convenient alternative for moving between districts, without needing to rely solely on walking between locations.