Research and Innovation background
Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Basic Plan 2030 (2021–2030): National plan for deployment of connected vehicle infrastructure, AI-based traffic management, road safety automation and multimodal transport data integration across South Korea. The strategy focuses on safer/cleaner and more continuous transport services, smart airports and connected services, within others.
4th National Railway Network Construction Plan (2021–2030): Medium- to long-term national rail development and modernisation plan focusing on high-speed rail expansion, regional rail connectivity, digital signalling, and integration of freight and passenger rail systems.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Institutional framework of transport research
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT): Lead ministry for national transport policy and major transport-system strategies including infrastructure planning, intelligent transport systems, rail, road, aviation systems and pilot programmes.
KOTI (Korea Transport Institute): Government research institute providing transport policy research and technical innovation support such as modelling, forecasting, mobility system analysis and policy evaluation for all transport modes.
KAIA (Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement): Central research and development funding and programme management body for transport and infrastructure innovation including smart mobility, road and rail technologies and pilot demonstrations.
Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI):National rail-focused research and development institute covering high-speed rail, hydrogen rail systems, smart signalling, rail safety automation and digital rail infrastructure.
- Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH): Applied automotive research and development institute supporting autonomous driving, connected vehicles, EV platforms, battery systems and mobility electronics.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
- National Research Foundation of Korea: Korea’s leading institution for research management. It covers all academic disciplines, including key technologies to support advanced, high-value industry.
- KAIA National Transport Infrastructure Technology R&D Programme:Core national funding programme for applied transport research in smart roads, rail innovation, intelligent transport systems and autonomous vehicles.
National Smart City Demonstration Programme (transport components): Large-scale national research in the cities of Sejong and Busan Eco Delta City, supporting autonomous shuttles, MaaS platforms, smart traffic systems and integrated mobility data environments
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)