Unlocking Automotive Cybersecurity: Incheon’s 240 Billion Won Initiative to Meet UN R155 Standards

Strengthening global standards capacity for UN R155 compliance; technical support from the Connected Car Certification and Evaluation Center — Incheon emerging as a key hub for automotive cybersecurity

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority is launching a large-scale support program to proactively address tightening global vehicle cybersecurity regulations.

The program is designed to help South Korea’s automakers and automotive electronics suppliers meet evolving international standards as UN R155 is implemented and the U.S. tightens connected‑car supply‑chain security rules.

The Incheon authority said on the 18th that it submitted its research and development plan on the 12th in response to a Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy–led call for projects titled “Global Regulatory Response: Automotive Cybersecurity Certification and Evaluation Support.”

The project has a budget of 24 billion KRW (approximately 18,000,000 USD) and is planned to run for four years from this year through 2029.

If the proposal is selected, the program will be based at the Connected Car Certification and Evaluation Center in Robot Land, Seo‑gu, Incheon. The center would install nine types of testing and evaluation equipment and deliver technical support—including consulting and on‑the‑job training—to strengthen companies’ cybersecurity management systems.

The Korea Automotive Research Institute will lead the project, with Incheon Technopark, KAIST and Korea University participating; the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority will provide administrative support.

The Incheon authority has already invested 21.3 billion KRW (approximately 15,975,000 USD) from 2021 through last year to establish the Connected Car Certification and Evaluation Center, and it has been developing a wireless communication technology certification and evaluation system from 2022 through this year.

Yun Baek‑jin, deputy head of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, said, “We will continue expanding support so local companies can overcome export hurdles created by stricter global vehicle cybersecurity rules.”

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will announce final selections after evaluations in April. If selected, officials will complete the required procedures and move into full project implementation.

Officials expect the initiative to play a central role in positioning Incheon as a national hub for automotive cybersecurity.

By completing an integrated testing and evaluation support system for future vehicles—covering infrastructure, communications and security—the program should strengthen the international competitiveness of Korea’s auto industry.

Incheon — Reporter Lee Chun‑man lcm9504@viva100.com