South Korean Highways Will Have Blockchain-Powered Toll Payments

One of the biggest commercial banks in South Korea has partnered with the Korea Expressway Corporation for a blockchain-based toll system.

Listen to article KEB Hana Bank, one of the biggest commercial banks in South Korea, reached an agreement with the state-backed highway operator, the Korea Expressway Corporation, to bring blockchain-based toll payments system across the nation's highways.

The system will connect KEB Hana's smartphone banking app, Hana One Q, for motorists to arrange their toll payments, defer them, or even receive toll fee refunds.

The report states that both parties involved in the deal reached to implement the blockchain solution aim to remove the cash-based or credit card payments, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic that encourages them to offer contactless solutions.

The Korea Expressway Corporation and KEB Hana Bank want to use blockchain to share data to strengthen synergies along with the payment system project.

"We will continue to expand customized non-face-to-face services to the public by applying blockchain technology, which is part of the Korean version of the digital new deal policy to lead the global economy after the coronavirus."

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency approved the deal.

KEB Hana also got a nod for its blockchain mobile electronic verification program from the same agencies last year.

Recently, the South Korean government unveiled its intent to invest over $48.2 billion in Blockchain and other Industry 4.0 technologies by 2025.

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