Introduction
Department of Highway and Transportation Research Research
The Department of Highway & Transportation Research is dedicated to the mission of "Leading Future Innovations for Smart and Sustainable Transport" In proactive response to evolving socio-economic paradigms, we leverage our elite human capital and specialized infrastructure to drive technological breakthroughs. Our efforts are focused on the digital transformation of infrastructure—integrating AI, Next-generation Mobility, and Big Data—while simultaneously addressing critical societal mandates such as disaster resilience and environmental sustainability.
Our comprehensive research portfolio encompasses △ the development of AI-powered mobility solutions, including autonomous driving, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) technologies. We are equally committed to △ advancing big data-driven digital transportation systems and △ pioneering eco-friendly infrastructure through carbon reduction and the circular utilization of waste resources. By integrating △ advanced materials into smart road systems, our research remains steadfastly aligned with national strategic requirements and produces tangible benefits that the public can experience firsthand.
Furthermore, we translate innovative research into action by spearheading projects tailored to local societal issues, thereby contributing to balanced national development. On the global stage, we expand the brand value of "K-Highway Technology" through International Development Cooperation (ODA), empowering developing nations to achieve technological self-reliance and sustainable growth. As the sole operator of the National Road Infrastructure Performance Testing Center—a premier facility equipped with weather-simulated test tracks, pavement and slope evaluation systems, and diverse specialized test beds—we ensure the rigorous validation of cutting-edge technologies. The Department of Highway & Transportation Research will continue to lead global standards through world-class excellence, ensuring that our proprietary technologies are widely disseminated for the public good and international progress.
Our comprehensive research portfolio encompasses △ the development of AI-powered mobility solutions, including autonomous driving, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) technologies. We are equally committed to △ advancing big data-driven digital transportation systems and △ pioneering eco-friendly infrastructure through carbon reduction and the circular utilization of waste resources. By integrating △ advanced materials into smart road systems, our research remains steadfastly aligned with national strategic requirements and produces tangible benefits that the public can experience firsthand.
Furthermore, we translate innovative research into action by spearheading projects tailored to local societal issues, thereby contributing to balanced national development. On the global stage, we expand the brand value of "K-Highway Technology" through International Development Cooperation (ODA), empowering developing nations to achieve technological self-reliance and sustainable growth. As the sole operator of the National Road Infrastructure Performance Testing Center—a premier facility equipped with weather-simulated test tracks, pavement and slope evaluation systems, and diverse specialized test beds—we ensure the rigorous validation of cutting-edge technologies. The Department of Highway & Transportation Research will continue to lead global standards through world-class excellence, ensuring that our proprietary technologies are widely disseminated for the public good and international progress.
Major Research Areas & Initiatives
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AI-Powered New Mobility (Autonomous Driving, UAM, SDV) Innovative Technology
- Autonomous driving support technology through infrastructure guidance
- Business model development through the operation of Autonomous Driving Living Lab verification environments and services
- Enhancement of mobility services based on Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) systems in island areas for regional revitalization
- Advancement of traffic object recognition and validation of solutions for adverse conditions to support Level 4 autonomous-cooperative driving
- Development of a Pacemaker System to improve traffic operational efficiency and driving safety in tunnel sections
- High-brightness road marking materials and application technologies to enhance driving safety and cognitive performance
- Autonomous public mobility service technology responsive to real-time demand
- Establishment of a Smart City Cooperation Center in Indonesia's new capital
- Support for the transition to electric vehicles in public institutions to realize green mobility in Kyrgyzstan
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Big Data-Based Smart Digital Road & Traffic Technology
- Research on data-driven road-traffic safety and operations technologies
- Future road design and verification technology for autonomous-cooperative driving
- Road facility technology to ensure the driving safety of autonomous vehicles
- Detection technology for high-risk and difficult-to- perceive objects based on autonomous mobility
- Climate change-responsive road traffic safety improvement technologies
- Advanced technologies for disaster and accident prevention in underground highways
- Technologies for advancing carbon-neutral transportation emission reduction strategies
- AI-based regional customized road traffic hazard environment improvement technology
- Support for the establishment and pilot operation of a road traffic database in Cambodia
- Technical support and capacity building for improving children’s traffic safety in ulaanbaatar, mongolia
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Carbon Reduction & Waste-to-Resource Eco-Friendly Road Infrastructure Technology
- Research on eco-friendly, low-carbon pavement materials and construction methods
- Technology to reduce road surface hazards that cause traffic accidents
- Surface treatment technology utilizing by-products from chemical plastic recycling
- Evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of special asphalt mixtures
- Road construction material mixing technology utilizing Molecular Dynamics and Materials Informatics
- Development of carbon-capturing permeable blocks utilizing ferronickel slag
- Verification and local commercialization of warm-mix modified asphalt technology using recycled aggregates for carbon reduction in Vietnam
- Expansion of support for road construction and management systems in Cambodia
- Support for improving ICT green mobility services in response to climate change in Rwanda
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Smart Road Infrastructure Technology Utilizing Advanced Materials
- Material and design technology for road infrastructure structures based on recycled plastics
- Research on the development of Emergency Arresting System for aircraft runway excursions
- Operation of advanced technology-based Pavement Management Systems (PMS)
- Research on road pavement quality control strategies for "Zero Potholes"
- Application technology for drainage and low-noise pavement in response to climate change
- Support for self-reliance in road construction and improvement of unpaved roads in Laos
- Advancement of digital road management based on smart road management systems in Mongolia
- Establishment of digital and green road pavement quality management systems in Indonesia
