The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Lee Jong Ho), the Ministry of Environment (ME, Minister Han Wha-jin), and the Presidential Committee on Digital Platform Government (DPG, Chairman Koh Jean) announced that starting in July, navigation system updates will be fully implemented to al.ert drivers when their vehicles approach flood warning areas or dam discharge warning points during heavy rain. This initiative is part of the achievements of the ‘Navigation Advancement for the Prevention of Road and Underpass Flooding Accidents (vehicle navigation service including map apps),’ pursued in collaboration with relevant companies* and institutions to help prevent loss of life and property damage due to summer floods.

* Six companies: Kakao Mobility, TMAP Mobility, Naver, Hyundai Motor Group, Mappers, and iNavi Systems

Every summer flood season, there are repeated instances of significant and minor damage to the public due to road flooding. Particularly, flash floods and river overflows can rapidly inundate roads and underpasses. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to be able to access real-time flood risk information to prevent accidents. However, until now, there has been no easy way for drivers to check this information while driving.

In response, the government has been collaborating with companies since July last year to discuss ways to use navigation systems to al.ert drivers of flood warnings and other dangerous situations in real-time. This initiative is part of the DPG’s public-private collaboration platform for implementation (DPGcollab) and proactive administration, which aims to enhance public safety and daily life based on data. Since January this year, the MSIT and the ME have led a ‘Public-Private Joint Task Force for Navigation Advancement to Prevent Road and Underpass Flooding Accidents,’ working systematically to enhance the private navigation systems frequently used by the public.

The ME has provided real-time flood warnings and dam discharge data, while the MSIT has overseen the data relay to each navigation system and managed the task force. Companies have expedited service updates to align with the flood season. As a result of the combined efforts of the government and private sector over the past year, the real-time flood risk al.ert service (flood warnings and dam discharge information) via navigation systems will be progressively launched starting from Monday, July 1.

* (Navigation System Release Schedule (Plan) Kakao Navi (July 1, update completed), Hyundai-Kia navigation and Atlan (July 4), TMAP (mid-July, dam discharge information by early August), Naver Map (mid-July), iNavi Air (late July)

Now, drivers will be able to directly recognize hazardous situations through navigation screens and voice guidance when entering areas near flood warnings (radius over 1.5 km) or dam discharge al.erts (radius 1 km), even when it is difficult to check emergency disaster messages while driving. This allows them to reduce speed before entering underpasses and remain vigilant.

※ However, the navigation systems will inform drivers through screen displays and voice al.erts to be aware of nearby risks, emphasizing the need for cautious driving. They will not provide alternate routes for drivers to avoid these areas.

Meanwhile, the government plans to widely publicize the capability for citizens to receive flood warnings via navigation systems even while driving during the monsoon season. To further strengthen public-private cooperation and continuously enhance navigation systems for providing flood information and responding to various disaster situations, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) ceremony involving the MSIT and ME Ministers, the DPG chairman, representatives from six relevant companies, and the NIA President will be held on Wednesday, July 10.

Minister Lee Jong Ho stated, “As the summer monsoon season begins in earnest, the collaboration between the government and the private sector over the past year to relay government flood warning data through each company’s navigation services is a significant achievement aimed at safeguarding the precious lives and property of our citizens.” He added, “Moving forward, we will continue to actively support and strive towards creating a safe ‘Digital Republic of Korea.’”

Minister Han Wha-jin remarked, “The ability to provide flood information quickly and clearly to the public through navigation systems, in response to concentrated rainfall and floods caused by climate change, is a significant achievement.” She continued, “We will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies to enhance flood forecasting rapidly and comprehensively. We are committed to strengthening cooperation with relevant ministries and companies to provide flood information that citizens can perceive effectively.”

Chairman Koh Jean commented, “As sudden heavy rains become increasingly common in our daily lives, we are pleased that we can alleviate the worries of citizens even slightly by providing real-time flood warnings through navigation systems.” He added, “We will continue to do our utmost to support effective collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing various social issues.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com