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 they will hold a signing ceremony for the ‘Navigation Advancement for the Prevention of Road and Underpass Flooding Accidents (vehicle navigation service including map apps)’ with related companies and institutions* at the Han River Flood Control Office (located in Seocho-gu, Seoul) on the afternoon of July 10. The aim is to prevent damage to people’s lives and properties caused by summer floods.

* Kakao Mobility, TMAP Mobility, Naver, Hyundai·Kia, Mappers, iNavi Systems, National Information Society Agency (NIA)

The government announced that, as part of proactive administration and to prevent the recurring public harm caused by road and underground passage flooding during the summer flood season each year, it would sequentially launch a real-time flood risk notification (including flood warnings and dam discharge information) service through navigation systems in cooperation with private navigation companies starting from July 1.

* Navigation System Release Schedule (Plan) Kakao Navi (July 1), Hyundai·Kia Navigation (July 4), Atlan (July 5), TMAP (mid-July, dam discharge information by August), Naver Map (mid-July), iNavi Air (late July)

This is the result of close cooperation between the government and private companies that began in July of last year. In particular, in January of this year, the MSIT and the ME launched a ‘Public-Private Joint Task Force for Navigation Advancement to Prevent Road and Underpass Flooding Accidents’ under their supervision. Through this task force, systematic efforts such as data relay and simulation tests were conducted, allowing the timely release of services in line with this year’s rainy season.

At the signing ceremony, the Ministers of the MSIT and the ME, along with representatives from related companies and institutions, will jointly enter into an agreement. This is to further solidify public-private cooperation with the aim of continuously enhancing navigation systems to not only prevent flooding accidents but also respond to various disaster situations.

In particular, the signing ceremony will include presentations on the background of the task force’s initiatives and the achievements in enhancing navigation systems. It will also serve as a meaningful occasion for the government and private companies to pledge continued proactive cooperation for the safety of the public.

Minister Lee Jong Ho stated, “Today is a meaningful day as we sign a cooperation agreement with companies that have worked tirelessly for public safety.” He added, “Based on this agreement, we will continue to actively pursue public-private cooperation to minimize national damage and enhance crisis response capabilities in the face of rapid climate change, ensuring that digital technology can contribute effectively.”

Minister Han Wha-jin stated, “The ability to provide flood information through navigation systems is a significant achievement made possible by the cooperation between the government and private companies to protect the lives and properties of the public from floods.” She added, “With today’s agreement, we will strive to further integrate flood forecasting policies utilizing digital technology with advanced private sector technologies to ensure the safety of the public from floods.” 

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

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