Future AI Mobility Summit 2026: Setting Global Service Standards in Seoul

The highly anticipated launch ceremony for the Future AI Mobility Summit (FAMS) 2026 was successfully hosted by the Korea Future eco-Mobility Service Association (KFMSA) and Herald Media Group at the Seoul Transportation Center on Thursday. This significant event marked the official kickoff for what is poised to be Korea’s premier gathering for advanced mobility.

Setting the stage for the main summit on June 30 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, FAMS 2026 is proudly positioned as the nation’s largest AI mobility summit. Organized under the inspiring slogan “Motion to Emotion” and driven by the impactful keyword “E-Cubed Revolution,” the summit will explore three core pillars: EV-olution (championing electric vehicle innovation), Energy (advancing clean energy transition), and Eco (fostering a sustainable mobility ecosystem).

FAMS 2026 is envisioned by the organizing committee as a “global AI mobility festival,” poised to unite the world’s leading mobility companies, executives, esteemed scholars, key figures from Korea’s political and business sectors, and bright university students engaged in mobility-related fields. This diverse convergence underscores the summit’s comprehensive approach to future transportation challenges and opportunities.

The launch ceremony saw the attendance of approximately 100 influential leaders from government, industry, academia, and media. Distinguished guests included Lee Seok-gu, Chairman of the KFMSA; Kim Young-tae, Secretary General of the International Transport Forum (ITF); and Park Jun-hyung, Director General for Mobility and Automobiles at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Their presence highlights the significant cross-sector interest in the future of AI mobility.

Other notable attendees included Park Ho-sun, Global Chairman of the International Network of Korean Entrepreneurs (INKE); Lee Ju-hyung, Chairman of the Korea University Invention Association; Chun Seung-hun, President of the Korea Development Strategy Institute (KDS); Yang Hun-chul, President of the Korea Electric Vessel Association (KEVA); and Shin Deok-sang, Division Head at Seojeong University. This diverse group reflects the broad scope of collaboration driving K-Mobility innovation.

In his welcoming address, KFMSA Chairman Lee Seok-gu underscored the summit’s innovative focus: “While past mobility discussions often revolved around glamorous manufacturing industries, FAMS 2026 will serve as a decisive turning point where practical K-Mobility services – encompassing vital areas like battery repair, maintenance, and remanufacturing – are poised to establish the new global standard.”

Kim Young-tae, who has adeptly led the 69-member OECD-affiliated International Transport Forum (ITF) since 2017, projected the global mobility market to soar to $2 trillion by 2032. He highlighted the intense competition among major economies in cutting-edge fields such as autonomous driving, urban air mobility (UAM), and drones. Kim also pointed out the significant adoption of AI policy recommendations by transport ministers at the preceding 2025 ITF Summit, setting a crucial precedent for FAMS 2026.

“The presence of so many innovative companies here today unequivocally demonstrates Korea’s exceptional capability to drive mobility innovation onto the global stage,” Kim affirmed. He further expressed his high expectations: “I anticipate Korea will lead global trends, solidifying its standing and building a trusted, robust mobility ecosystem for the future.”

Park Jun-hyung detailed the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s commitment, noting the release of its Mobility Innovation Growth Roadmap in February. This comprehensive roadmap encompasses crucial initiatives like developing **autonomous driving test cities**, implementing vital regulatory reforms, and establishing robust data infrastructure. He stated, “The government is dedicated to strengthening support across the entire innovation lifecycle, from initial technology development and commercialization to successful global market entry.”

Korea Herald CEO Kim Young-sang presented an insightful summit roadmap, emphasizing the transformative power of AI. “Mobility once primarily signified manufacturing,” he explained. “However, now, seamlessly combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI), its spectrum is expanding infinitely, shifting towards sophisticated services and the profound maximization of the human experience.” He concluded, “The overarching message that will resonate throughout FAMS 2026 is that ‘people’ remain paramount in the evolution of mobility.”

A significant milestone was the signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with key partners including KDS, The Korea Herald, AIFuture Co., Circletour Co., INKE, KEVA, and the Korea University Invention Association. These strategic agreements are designed to forge what organizers ambitiously term a “Global Mobility Silk Road,” aiming to establish critical connections across India, the Middle East, and the broader Asian region.

Approximately 50 leading experts were formally appointed to the FAMS 2026 organizing committee. This robust structure comprises an advisory council, strategic advisors, and various subcommittee chairs, ensuring comprehensive guidance and execution. Certificates of appointment were jointly issued under the names of co-chairs Lee Seok-gu and Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young.

Further strengthening the leadership, Korea Herald CEO Kim Young-sang was appointed as media advisor to KFMSA, while KFMSA Vice Chairman Lee Sung-hyun assumed the role of mobility advisor to The Korea Herald. Key strategic advisors include Son Woong-hee, specializing in the **K-Robot industry**; Han Young-yong for **K-Arts and culture**; and Lee Chang-woon, focusing on **K-Mobility services**.

In a testament to the summit’s expansive scope, nineteen specialized subcommittees were established, categorized across four broad areas. Technology-focused committees will delve into critical advancements such as **AI robotics** (led by Kim Seo-hyun), **smart railway innovation** (Jeong Ji-won), **smart city development** (Park Geon-do), **intelligent energy storage solutions** (Choi Seung-ho), and **mobility data communication** (So Hyun-sub).

Sustainability-related committees are set to address crucial topics including **global carbon neutrality** (Jeong Jae-hun), fostering a **circular economy** (Choi Seong-jin), and pioneering **green vessels** (Yang Hun-chul). Concurrently, business and investment committees will cover vital areas such as global capital and venture capital (Ryu Seong-taek), bridging global technology and licensing (Rahiji Shayan), **intellectual property and patents** (Kang Jeong-woo), showcasing ‘Unique Busan’ initiatives (Ahn Jae-hyun), demonstrating **mobility services** (Son Heung-seok), and developing **mobility service complexes** (Jeong Rae-hun).

Further extending the summit’s reach, education and culture committees will explore **global talent education** (Shin Deok-sang), fostering **future growth for youth** (Nam Jeong-wook), driving **global learning innovation** (Koo Ja-won, with vice chair Jeong Ju-hee), and the unique intersection of **heritage protocol and K-Beauty** (Kim So-hyung).

To bolster international outreach, external cooperation chairs were appointed, including Lim Song-guk for global affairs, Lou Lan for China, and Daniel Ryoo for India (with Yoo Myung-hyun as vice chair). Park Jin-hyuk, a professor at Seojeong University, was designated FAMS Supporters head, focusing on crucial **youth leadership development**. Additionally, Yang Won-chan, CEO of The Cloud, was named the international event master PCO.

During a dedicated global business delegation session, China cooperation chairman Lou Lan, a notable figure as one of the first government-sponsored exchange students post Korea-China diplomatic normalization, revealed that senior **Chinese mobility industry** figures are expected to visit Korea for the summit. Simultaneously, India cooperation chairman Daniel Ryoo and vice chair Yoo Myung-hyun presented their strategic plans for developing localized service models tailored for the Indian market.

While a planned business delegation to the UAE and India was temporarily postponed owing to regional tensions in the Middle East, organizers confirmed the attendance of several high-profile VIPs at the June summit. These include distinguished representatives from Dubai and Sharjah, Al Salah Group Vice Chairman Sultan, and the chairman of Obaid Group, underscoring the summit’s continued global appeal.

Looking ahead, the FAMS 2026 committee has concrete plans to dispatch a delegation to China in May, actively participate in the prestigious ITF Summit in Germany, and join an important forum in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, all within June. These initiatives highlight the continuous effort to expand the summit’s international network and influence.

The launch ceremony culminated in a powerful vision declaration, where all attendees collectively affirmed their unwavering commitment to the ambitious FAMS 2026 slogan. Looking forward, a prestigious VVIP gala is scheduled for June 29 at RAUM, preceding the highly anticipated main summit on June 30.

Emphasizing the importance of nurturing future talent, the committee announced that the event will also feature dynamic younger participants. Students from ACT29 Jr. and Jeju international schools are set to contribute through engaging orchestral volunteer programs at the summit, integrating community and culture into this forward-looking event.

mjh