Samsung have long expressed its desire to develop cutting edge self-driving technology, and has previously disclosed that it was developing the tech - which is set to completely revolutionize the car industry. South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport formally announced that it approved Samsung's request. It has now paved the way for Samsung to begin testing its modified test car, which is equipped with sensors and cameras which is used to run Samsung's software for autonomous driving.
Hyundai was actually the first to gain approval to test autonomous tech on South Korean roads, having cleared the hurdle more than a year ago in February, 2016. Regulations have also eased in that time: Companies can now test vehicles with just one human driver, where the rule when first implemented required at least two people on board during testing.
California is also looking to ease its requirements. South Korea's recent rule changes also include laying the groundwork for allowing vehicles without any steering wheels or pedals, which is part of the proposed amendments to California regulations; Michigan recently passed a law that allows for the same.