Seoul’s urban landscape recently welcomed new technology as National Assembly member Lee So-young took Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system for a drive through the city’s varied routes. With increasing public attention on autonomous vehicles, the firsthand account by a government official brought additional scrutiny to the latest deployment of Tesla’s FSD Version 14.1.4. Lee’s journey covered a notable path from parliamentary grounds to busy market districts and back, capturing the interest of both policymakers and ordinary citizens. Observers point to her trial run as an important step in how advanced driver-assistance technology is received within South Korea’s regulatory and cultural frameworks.
Earlier international launches of Tesla Full Self-Driving primarily took place in places like the United States, China, and Australia, where gradual rollouts sometimes prompted debate over readiness and regulatory acceptance. Compared with past responses that were mixed or cautious in tone, Lee So-young’s public reaction offers a contrast. The approach in South Korea seems to favor firsthand experience from political figures, contrasting with the regulatory hesitancy seen in other markets. Internationally, Tesla’s rollout strategies have sometimes been shaped by region-specific technical adjustments, yet Lee’s account suggests a smooth operational entry in Seoul relative to past locations.
How Did Tesla FSD Perform in Seoul’s Traffic?
According to Lee So-young, Tesla’s FSD operated capably on the streets of Seoul, navigating diverse urban terrain without notable difficulty. She compared the system’s driving proficiency to the skill level of an average person, describing it as “already feeling like a completed technology.” Such feedback could influence how local residents and authorities perceive the practicality of deploying autonomous features in densely populated areas.
What Impressed the National Assembly Member?
Lee emphasized the sense of reliability she experienced during the test drive. While she acknowledged her previous exposure to robotaxi technology dampened any initial surprise, she expressed confidence in the FSD system’s capabilities.
“It drives just as well as most people do,”
she commented. The lawmaker further observed a shift in her own perspective regarding manual driving, saying,
“Even I, with my license gathering dust in a drawer, don’t see much reason to learn to drive a manual anymore.”
Her statements hint at how fully autonomous driving might impact future transportation habits.
Could This Influence Local Adoption of Autonomous Vehicles?
Positive feedback from a prominent policymaker could encourage broader discussions about integrating self-driving technologies into South Korea’s mobility infrastructure. The fact that Tesla FSD is the seventh deployment after other major markets signals the brand’s commitment to expanding globally, taking local sensitivities into account. Public demonstrations and political endorsements may help to overcome skepticism and prompt consideration of necessary legislative updates as adoption increases.
South Korea’s entrance as a launch market for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite comes at a time of heightened debate about the role of artificial intelligence in everyday life. The country’s rapid technological development and interest in sustainable solutions create an environment receptive to innovations, yet balancing safety, infrastructure, and regulatory standards remains paramount. Lee’s comments, grounded in personal experience on familiar city routes and presented without technical jargon, bridge the gap between complex technology and relatable daily life. For readers considering self-driving vehicles, Lee’s trial highlights how direct experience can shape policy, guide regulation, and influence public attitudes. As global brands push developments in autonomous driving, user perceptions and official reviews will continue to play a significant role in steering the conversation around safety, practicality, and readiness for everyday use. Policymaker endorsements may make regulatory paths smoother, but thorough local trials and transparent reporting are fundamentals that should guide broader implementation.
