Goheung-gun Accelerates Long-Distance Drone Delivery Trial Over 60km to Manned and Unmanned Islands

Tobu-Goheunggun-Korean Air K-Drone System Demonstration Project Promotion

[Goheung=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shim Jeong-woo] Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Song Gwi-geun) announced on the 27th that it officially launched the K-Drone System demonstration project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in collaboration with Korean Air on the 26th.

The K-Drone System is a drone traffic management system that supports flight plan approval, location information monitoring, and collision avoidance with surrounding flying objects. It is a platform designed to enhance drone utilization and safety, supporting the commercialization of drone delivery and drone taxis. In June, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (led by the Aviation Safety Technology Institute) selected seven companies to carry out the K-Drone System demonstration project.

Korean Air, as a K-Drone System demonstration operator, will be responsible for long-distance beyond-visual-line-of-sight maritime goods delivery over the Goheung sea. They will undertake modification and development of cargo transport devices, integrated testing, and flight mission planning for maritime delivery demonstrations, as well as configure map data for the demonstration area of ground control equipment and establish an LTE-based drone operation communication map.

Governor Song Gwi-geun stated, “Goheung is the optimal location in South Korea for drone demonstrations, as it was selected as a special drone free zone last February,” and added, “We will successfully complete the K-Drone System demonstration project with Korean Air to create a drone operation service market such as drone delivery, and continue efforts to support drone demonstration companies and the local economy.”

Meanwhile, Goheung-gun launched a drone public service support group in September to create a drone public service market by linking the drone operation service demands of public institutions such as disaster and emergency agencies with local drone companies. Since September this year, in collaboration with Jeonnam Technopark, they have also been conducting a special drone free zone demonstration project to provide various demonstration projects to drone companies.

Goheung=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shim Jeong-woo sevenshim@asiae.co.kr