Goheung-gun Successfully Concludes Nokdong Port Drone Show Opening Performance

Over 10,000 Spectators Witness 1,500-Drone Light Show

Weekly Drone Performances Every Saturday Until November

Gohung-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Gong Young-min) announced that the opening performance of the ‘2024 Gohung Nokdong Port Drone Show,’ set against the backdrop of the dramatically transformed night view of Nokdong Port and Sorok Bridge, has provided an opportunity to reinvent itself as a sophisticated tourist city and enhance the status of Gohung as a drone-centered city.

According to the county, on the evening of Saturday, April 13, starting with a busking performance celebrating the opening of the drone show, about 10,000 spectators filled Nokdong Port to witness the first-ever 1,500-drone light spectacle in Jeollanam-do, marking a grand opening.

[Photo by Goheung-gun]

In addition to the drone show, various performances such as a multimedia fireworks show, commercial drone flight demonstrations for deterring duck flocks, and laser shows provided unforgettable experiences, memories, and deep impressions to the visitors, earning high praise for offering diverse attractions.

The first opening performance of the drone show, themed ‘2024 Vigorous Leap, Hopeful Spring of Gohung,’ showcased a work born from a creative blend of cutting-edge technology and the image of Gohung as a space and aerospace hub city, leaving a profound impression on the audience.

In particular, the spectacular aerial art sculptures created by 1,500 drones were met with continuous cheers, applause, and shouts of excitement from countless spectators until the end of the performance, creating a magnificent scene.

Moreover, in line with the final content of the drone show titled ‘Enjoy Happy Memories in Gohung Every Saturday,’ the sound of camera shutters and numerous flashes from visitors trying to take commemorative photos provided another remarkable spectacle that was hard to witness without exclamations of admiration.

Furthermore, the vivid scene of Jeollanam-do’s first 1,500-drone light spectacle attracted intense media coverage from local broadcasters, press, online YouTube channels, bloggers, and social media platforms.

Meanwhile, to watch the first opening performance of the drone show, the area around Nokdong Port was bustling with visitors of all ages, including couples, families, and elderly couples, filling not only the Nokdong Eel Street restaurants but also the Nokdong dried seafood and fresh fish centers, coffee shops, and more, significantly boosting the local economy on the opening day.

Although a large crowd was expected to cause traffic congestion and parking confusion before and after the drone show performance on the opening day, thanks to the efforts of local volunteer groups such as Nokdong JC, Gohung-gun Model Drivers Association, and Doyang Volunteer Fire Brigade, the event proceeded successfully without a single safety accident.

The county plans to continue deploying safety personnel densely around Nokdong Port for every weekly drone show to ensure no safety accidents occur and to prepare thoroughly for safe and successful performances.

A visitor from Geumsan-myeon who came to Nokdong Port with their parents said, “By chance, we watched a wonderful drone show performance and created unforgettable memories with my parents,” expressing joy and adding, “I plan to visit Nokdong Port often during the regular performance period if I get the chance.”

Park, a 63-year-old resident of Doyang-eup, commented, “I appreciate Gohung-gun’s efforts in preparing a drone show performance that is vastly different from last year,” and added, “This Nokdong Port drone show opening performance has firmly established itself as a representative nighttime attraction on the Gohung travel route that everyone nationwide can enjoy.”

Governor Gong Young-min said, “We will strive even harder to present high-quality, fantastic performances every time so that Gohung comes to mind whenever people think of drone shows, encouraging every Korean citizen to visit Gohung at least once,” and added, “I hope the regular performances every Saturday until November will become a greater turning point for revitalizing the local economy and tourism.”

The Nokdong Port drone show performances will be held regularly every Saturday at 9 p.m. on the main stage of Nokdong Sea Garden until November, featuring busking performances and drone shows with over 700 drones, each with various themes.

Meanwhile, the Nokdong Port drone show is a representative nighttime tourist attraction product started in 2023 to enhance the status of Gohung as a drone-centered city, promote Gohung tourism and the local economy, and transform it into a more sophisticated cultural tourism city.

Gohung = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shim Jeong-woo hss79@asiae.co.kr