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 the Digital Platform Government (DPG, Chairman Koh Jean) announced that as of July 22, updates for real-time flood risk notifications have been completed by all six participating companies* related to the project ‘Navigation Advancement for the Prevention of Road and Underpass Flooding Accidents (vehicle navigation service including map apps)’ that has been pursued to prevent damage to the lives and property of citizens caused by heavy summer rains.

* Following Kakao Navi (July 1), Hyundai·Kia (July 4), and Atlan (July 5), services will also be launched on TMAP (July 10), Naver Maps (July 11), and iNavi Air (July 22).

Now, drivers are able to receive real-time flood risk information, such as flood warnings and dam releases, through the navigation screens or voice guidance they are using, allowing for the avoidance of danger areas or increased attention while driving.

※ 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.

To receive flood risk information on some navigation systems, users need to update the application to the latest version, and it is necessary to check the version of the navigation system they are using.

※ For detailed information and update methods provided by each company’s navigation system, please refer to the attached doc.ument.

At the navigation advancement agreement ceremony held on July 10 at the Han River Flood Control Office (located in Seocho-gu, Seoul), the Ministers of the MSIT and the ME, along with representatives from related companies and institutions, signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen public-private cooperation in responding to not only flooding incidents but also various disaster situations through continuous navigation advancement.

Based on the achievements of the navigation advancement for the prevention of road and underpass flooding accidents, the MSIT plans to further collaborate with relevant ministries and agencies to incorporate additional information on various disasters and emergencies, such as detours for certain road sections during civil defense training against aerial attacks involving public participation (scheduled for the Ulchi Freedom Shield week in August), as well as information on large fires and landslides. 

Eom Yeol, Director General of ICT Policy Bureau at MSIT, stated, “Providing flood warning information through navigation systems is a great example of utilizing digital technology to protect the safety of citizens and solve social issues based on public-private cooperation.” He added, “In the future, we will actively seek out ways to utilize digital technology that citizens can practically use and will do our best to harness the capabilities of both the government and private enterprises.”

Kim Gu-beom, Director General of Water Resources Policy Bureau at ME, stated, “As of July, there have already been 32 flood warnings and 28 dam release notifications issued nationwide during the monsoon season, which have been communicated to the public through the navigation systems of three companies, helping to ensure citizens’ safety.” He added, “The Ministry will continue to strive to communicate flood situations in an easily understandable manner for the public, including verifying flood-prone areas using smartphones and providing flood information through navigation systems.”

Lee Seung-hyun, Director General of Platform and Data Innovation Bureau at DPG, stated, “The ‘Navigation Advancement Project for Flood Risk Al.erts’ is one of the successful examples of the ‘Public-Private Collaboration Platform (DPGcollab)’ that we have been promoting, where the government and private sector actively cooperate to solve various social issues.” He added, “We hope that successful additional al.ert services will be linked in the future to enhance the safety of citizens against various disasters and emergencies.”

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