On July 22 and 23, 2026, the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul is abuzz with the sound of international collaboration, as Korea hosts the 16th Korea-ASEAN Transport Cooperation Forum. This annual event, first launched in 2010, has become a cornerstone for sharing transport policies and technologies between Korea and the diverse nations of ASEAN—this year, with a special focus on the future of mobility powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
For the first time, Timor-Leste, ASEAN’s newest member, is at the table, joining representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—making a total of 11 ASEAN countries. Senior officials from their respective transport ministries have converged in Seoul, accompanied by Korean institutions such as the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND), the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI), and a host of academic and research experts. According to Newsis, the forum is designed not only to introduce Korea’s latest transport innovations but also to support domestic companies in their overseas expansion efforts.
The theme for this year’s gathering—“Moving Together with AI toward the Future of Transportation”—could hardly be more timely. As cities across Asia grapple with congestion, pollution, and the ever-growing need for efficient logistics, the promise of AI-driven solutions looms large. The first day of the forum is packed with official sessions where Korea’s AI-based future transport policies and national strategies take center stage. Attendees are treated to real-world cases of how AI is already optimizing traffic signals, supporting autonomous driving demonstration cities, and streamlining urban logistics.
“AI is a key to solving transport challenges and enhancing convenience and efficiency in mobility and logistics,” Deputy Minister Hong Ji-sun of Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport declared on July 21, 2026, as reported by Financial News. “Korea will cooperate as a trusted partner with ASEAN for mutual growth and prosperity in future transportation.”
But it’s not just about showcasing Korea’s achievements. ASEAN countries are also sharing their own experiences with AI in transportation and exploring how cross-border collaboration can accelerate progress for all. On the agenda: joint projects, future cooperation plans, and even discussions about public development aid (ODA) to support the region’s ambitious mobility goals. According to Electronic Times, the sessions delve into the nuts and bolts of autonomous driving demonstration city progress, the implementation of K-AI City, and practical examples of AI-powered traffic signal optimization.
The second day shifts gears from policy to practice. Delegates from ASEAN and representatives of Korean companies sit down for business meetings, hunting for fresh opportunities in the AI and mobility sectors. These face-to-face exchanges are about more than just handshakes—they’re about matching ASEAN’s rapidly evolving needs with Korea’s cutting-edge solutions. As Newspim notes, the forum is carefully structured to help ASEAN nations identify the technologies and business models that will drive their own transport revolutions, while opening doors for Korean firms looking to expand into Southeast Asia’s dynamic markets.
Perhaps the most anticipated part of the program is the field visit to K-City in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. This autonomous driving testbed is a marvel in itself, designed to replicate real road environments down to the smallest detail. Here, participants don’t just talk about the future—they get to experience it firsthand. Riding in autonomous vehicles along the demonstration zones of Hwaseong, they witness how AI-powered systems handle traffic, navigate obstacles, and adapt to the unpredictable flow of city life. According to Financial News, these demonstrations are more than a show of technical prowess; they’re a tangible sign of how close we are to a new era of mobility.
Deputy Minister Hong Ji-sun’s message, echoed across multiple media outlets, is both practical and optimistic: “AI is the core technology to solve transport challenges and improve mobility and logistics. Korea is committed to being ASEAN’s reliable partner, so that together we can grow and prosper in the field of future transportation.” The inclusion of Timor-Leste this year underscores the forum’s expanding reach and the growing appetite for regional integration. As Newsis points out, Timor-Leste’s debut signals ASEAN’s openness to new voices and the importance of ensuring no one is left behind as the region embarks on its digital transformation journey.
At the heart of the forum is a spirit of mutual learning. Korea, with its advanced urban infrastructure and ambitious smart city projects, offers a wealth of experience. But ASEAN’s diverse urban landscapes—from the megacities of Jakarta and Manila to the rapidly modernizing capitals of Laos and Cambodia—pose unique challenges and opportunities. As Newspim explains in a Q&A, the forum is a chance for both sides to compare notes, swap success stories, and brainstorm solutions that can be adapted across borders.
What makes this year’s event particularly significant is the hands-on approach. It’s one thing to hear about AI traffic optimization or autonomous vehicles in a conference room; it’s quite another to see these technologies in action, riding through a simulated cityscape where algorithms make split-second decisions that could one day save lives and cut commutes. According to Electronic Times, the experience at K-City is designed to leave a lasting impression on ASEAN delegates, many of whom are eager to bring similar testbeds and pilot projects to their own countries.
While the forum is steeped in optimism, there’s a clear-eyed recognition of the hurdles ahead. Integrating AI into national transport systems is no small feat. It requires not just technology, but robust policy frameworks, cross-border regulatory alignment, and a willingness to invest in new skills and infrastructure. The forum’s open discussions on ODA and joint research projects reflect a pragmatic understanding that progress will be uneven—and that sharing both successes and setbacks is essential for collective advancement.
As the two-day event draws to a close, the consensus is clear: the future of transportation in Asia—and perhaps the world—will be shaped by partnerships as much as by algorithms. With Korea positioning itself as a trusted ally and ASEAN countries eager to leapfrog into the AI age, the 16th Korea-ASEAN Transport Cooperation Forum stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations move forward together.