Selected for Drone Demonstration City Project, Operating Three Delivery Hubs
Ulju County is promoting this project after being selected for the "2024 Drone Demonstration City Construction Project," hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and organized by the Korea Aviation Safety Technology Institute.
Under the theme "Green Ulju with Drones," two projects will be implemented: the K-Drone delivery service and the management of fishing villages and fishing grounds. A total of 650 million KRW in national funds and 300 million KRW in county funds will be invested. The K-Drone delivery service will be carried out by establishing delivery hubs, drop-off points, flight routes, and a delivery app in accordance with the Ministry's drone delivery guidelines.
Starting from the 30th, Ulju County will begin full-scale deliveries from three delivery hubs to fifteen drop-off points, operating until November 29. The delivery hubs are: Jakcheonjeong (Samnam Gyodong-ri), the Complex Welcome Center (Sangbuk Deungeok Alps-ri), and Jinha Public Parking Lot (Seosaeng Seosaeng-ri).
The drop-off points are divided into six locations in the Sangbuk/Samnam area and nine in the Seosaeng area. In the Sangbuk/Samnam area, the locations include Dalbit Campground, Byeolbit Campground, Deungeok Alps Campground, Jakcheonjeong Square, Ulju Sports Center, and Ganwoljae.
In the Seosaeng area, the locations include Myeongseon Bridge (towards Jinha), Palgakjeong, Marine Leisure Sports Center, Daebawi Park, Ganjeolgot Sports Park, Solgae Beach, Solgae Park, Songjeong Park, and Songjeong Fishing Spot.
Each delivery hub will be equipped with a drone control center, a logistics warehouse, and a drone takeoff and landing pad. At each drop-off point, a net-type goods receiving station will be installed to safely collect items dropped off by the drone.
The goods receiving stations will be equipped with CCTV cameras, allowing real-time monitoring from the delivery hubs (drone control centers).
The delivery service will be operated with a comprehensive safety management system, utilizing the drone safety management system, special flight approvals, and a real-time drone identification management system. Control and safety personnel will be stationed at both delivery hubs and drop-off points.
Items for delivery have been arranged in cooperation with nearby marts, cafes, and restaurants, including food, beverages, and daily necessities. Partnerships have also been established with Mega Mart Unyang Branch and Seosaeng Nonghyup Jinha Branch to secure goods. By hub, Jakcheonjeong will offer 149 items, the Complex Welcome Center 47 items, and Jinha Public Parking Lot 72 items, for a total of 268 items.
The drone delivery service will be available on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Service will be suspended on rainy or windy days to prevent safety accidents.
Each delivery can carry up to 3 kg per trip, with a delivery fee of 3,000 KRW. The maximum size for delivered items is the Korea Post Box No. 4 (410*310*280mm).
The ordering process is the same as for regular delivery apps. Users can download the "K-Drone Delivery" app, select the delivery location, add items to their cart, and place an order. Order status can be tracked in the app, and items can be collected once delivery is complete. Delivery times vary by location, ranging from 3 to 10 minutes.
Ulju County plans to continuously expand the drone delivery service by supplementing the operation plan based on project results, increasing weight limits, diversifying items, and adding more delivery areas.
Lee Soongeol, the head of Ulju County, stated, "By adding K-Drone delivery to our county's outstanding natural tourism resources, we will do our best to ensure that residents and tourists can conveniently enjoy delivery services while experiencing the beautiful mountains and sea."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
