The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has announced plans to launch a pilot program for a new “smart toll” system on the nation’s highways. (Image courtesy of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport)
SEOUL, May 27 (Korea Bizwire) – The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has announced plans to launch a pilot program for a new “smart toll” system on the nation’s highways, an initiative launched in collaboration with the Korea Expressway Corporation.
The trial, slated to commence on May 28 for a one-year period, aims to enhance efficiency in highway operations by introducing a license plate recognition method that eliminates the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas.
Current toll payment options – either using a Hi-Pass transponder or on-site cash payments – require drivers to decelerate or change lanes, causing traffic bottlenecks. The process also inconveniences motorists without Hi-Pass devices who may unexpectedly find themselves without cash or their wallets, forcing them to visit toll stations or receive delayed payment notices.
To address these issues, the smart toll pilot will run on sections of the Gyeongbu Expressway between Yangjae and Daewang Pangyo, as well as part of the Namhae Expressway from Yeongam to Suncheon, encompassing a total of nine toll plazas.
Under this new system, vehicles without Hi-Pass transponders can simply drive through designated lanes without stopping. Toll fees can then be settled via two methods – by pre-registering a credit card linked to the vehicle’s license plate, or through self-payment within 15 days after travel.
Motorists can pre-register their credit cards and vehicle information through the Korea Expressway Corporation’s website or mobile app to enable automatic toll deductions. The self-payment option allows drivers to settle charges manually within a two-week window via the website, app, call center or in-person at toll stations nationwide.
Any unpaid tolls after the 15-day grace period will result in payment notices being mailed or sent via text message.
For drivers eligible for toll discounts, such as national merit holders or those with disabilities, the current system of using dedicated cash lanes or equipping their vehicles with hi-pass devices will remain in place to verify their qualifications.
However, the ministry states it plans to explore extending the license plate recognition lane access to eligible discount groups during the pilot phase.
“Throughout this trial, we will closely analyze user feedback and the stability of the video processing systems, continuously making improvements,” said Kim Sang-min, head of the ministry’s digital road team.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
