S. Korea to operate test zone for flying taxis on Jeju

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday that the government will designate Jeju Island as a test operation zone for urban air mobility (UAM) to support the integration of flying taxis with the island's tourism industry.

Yoon outlined the plan to foster Jeju Island as a hub for tourism and green energy during a policy debate session held on Jeju Island.

"The government will designate Jeju Island as a test operation zone for UAM, so-called flying taxis, to actively support its commercialization for tourism purposes," Yoon said during the debate held at Jeju Free International City Development Center.

UAM is a transportation system that uses electric vertical takeoff and landing technology to transport people and cargo in urban areas. Jeju Island, with its elevated tourist attractions such as Mount Halla and Seongsan Ilchulbong, is seen as an ideal location for integrating UAM into tourism.

Yoon also committed to working with the self-governing province to build a new port on the island to make it a hub for maritime logistics and cruises and a new airport on the island.

During the debate, the government announced plans to invest 56 billion won ($41 million) by 2026 for green hydrogen projects, and to launch pilot projects to recycle used electric vehicle batteries in agriculture equipment and energy storage systems.

Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydropower, through a process called electrolysis.

He also promised to improve health care services on the island, including designating major hospitals to meet the rising demand for high-quality medical care and expanding infrastructure to better handle patients with serious conditions and infectious diseases.

ejkim@yna.co.kr
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