What Are the Ways to Utilize Drones at the Seoul District Level?

Dongdaemun-gu Launches Research Project to Promote Drone Utilization and Foster Industry

Seeking Practical Drone Utilization Plans Applicable at the Autonomous District Level

Utilization in Disaster Situations... Rapid Situation Assessment and Communication to Protect Residents' Lives and Property

Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Pil-hyung) held a kickoff meeting on the 6th for the "Research Project to Promote Drone Utilization and Foster Industry in Dongdaemun-gu."

As drones, one of the key technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution, have gained national attention, the central government and various local governments are establishing diverse policies to foster the drone industry.

Accordingly, the district signed a research service contract with Baekseok University, which possesses specialized drone personnel, to explore drone industry infrastructure development plans and identify and apply public administration demands related to drones. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June.

At the kickoff meeting attended by Mayor Lee Pil-hyung, related officials, and external experts, the policy direction and strategy for fostering the drone industry were established, and an analysis of the conditions for drone utilization within the district was conducted. Practical drone utilization plans at the autonomous district level were identified, including ▲efficient river management (inspection of flood-prone areas and water quality) ▲patrolling crime-prone areas (crime and accident prevention, illegal dumping control) ▲cultural heritage management (checking for deterioration and deformation of cultural assets, safety inspections of cultural properties). The feasibility of these plans will be reviewed.

During the research period, the district also plans to discuss legal aspects such as simplifying prior approval procedures for drone flights with related agencies including the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Mayor Lee Pil-hyung of Dongdaemun-gu stated, “I believe the most important value of the Constitution is to protect the lives and property of the people. By integrating drone technology into administration, rapid situation assessment and communication will be facilitated, enabling especially effective responses to disaster situations.”

He added, “Based on the directions presented at today’s kickoff meeting, we will enhance residents’ quality of life through advanced administration utilizing drone technology and move forward as a ‘Smart Future City Dongdaemun-gu’ that protects the lives and property of its residents.”

Last year, Dongdaemun-gu signed a business agreement (MOU) with Baekseok University, which has specialized drone personnel, to develop and foster the drone industry. On January 1 of this year, the district established an ‘Urban Drone Team’ and is making efforts to apply drone technology to administration.