An autonomous shuttle bus circulates through the Bomun Tourist Complex. [Gyeongju City]
An autonomous shuttle bus circulates through the Bomun Tourist Complex. [Gyeongju City]

Gyeongju, in North Gyeongsang Province, has resumed autonomous shuttle bus service in the Bomun Tourist Complex.

The city said Thursday the project is part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's autonomous driving pilot zone support program.

After trial runs last year and this year, the city launched full service Thursday that will run through Feb. 20 next year.

The service covers a 9.7-kilometer loop around the Bomun Tourist Complex. Two shuttle buses operate on separate lines departing from HICO and Donggunwon, circulating through major tourist destinations including Gyeongju World and Rawon.

Alongside the shuttle service, the city is also expanding tourism experience offerings.

On Fridays and weekends, an immersive Gyeongju tourism VR zone in the HICO parking lot will offer virtual reality experience programs for preschool children and tourists.

Last year, the city spent 1.2 billion won ($781,000) operating autonomous shuttle buses on three routes within the complex.

A total of 3,774 passengers rode the buses, with cumulative mileage reaching 19,574 kilometers.

The city also operated the autonomous shuttles during the 2025 APEC Summit, showcasing South Korea's and Gyeongju's advanced smart transportation services to domestic and international audiences.

"The autonomous shuttle bus is a future-oriented transportation service that enhances Gyeongju's image as a smart tourism city," Mayor Ju Nak-young said. "Building on the urban competitiveness established through the 2025 APEC Summit, we will expand smart mobility services to improve tourist convenience and elevate the city's brand value."


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com