Record Attendance of 413,225 Visitors
As a Festival Event for the Aerospace Industry
Sacheon City in Gyeongnam announced on the 28th that the ‘2024 Sacheon Airshow with the Air Force,’ held for the first time since the biennial system was implemented, demonstrated its resilience by attempting to transform into a festival of the aerospace industry.
Co-hosted by the Republic of Korea Air Force, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Sacheon City, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the ‘2024 Sacheon Airshow’ concluded successfully on the 27th, proving itself as the nation’s premier airshow festival.
This event, the first held since the implementation of the biennial system and the opening of the Aerospace Administration, attracted a record-breaking total of 413,225 visitors over the four-day period from the 24th to the 27th.
On the first day, the 24th, about 70,000 people visited; on the 25th, about 60,000; on the 26th, about 150,000; and on the final day, the 27th, 133,225 visitors attended the ‘2024 Sacheon Airshow’ venue.
This number exceeds the previous record of 402,707 visitors set in 2022, which was the largest attendance in the 18-year history of the Sacheon Airshow since its inception in 2005, by 12,498 people.
Throughout the airshow, the Republic of Korea Air Force’s special flight team Black Eagles and Australia’s Paul Bennet delivered dazzling aerial performances, while demonstration flights of aircraft developed or produced in Sacheon, such as the KT-1 and T-50, captivated many spectators.
Additionally, the KF-21, independently developed with domestic technology, showcased its first demonstration flight this year following its inaugural ground display at the ‘2022 Sacheon Airshow,’ receiving enthusiastic responses from the audience.
Moreover, various interactive experiences such as free trial flights, VR-based fighter pilot simulation, and drone soccer provided visitors with precious memories.
At night, side events including the Air Force military band concert, KASA Festival, and a drone show featuring 2,000 drones doubled the enjoyment for attendees.
In particular, 24 defense and aerospace-related companies and organizations such as KAI, Hanwha Aerospace, and LIG Nex1 operated aerospace industry exhibition halls and industry, education, and experience promotion centers, making the event a comprehensive festival that also embraced business aspects.
Furthermore, various aviation competitions such as the ‘6th Civil-Military Cooperation Aerospace Power Development Academic Conference,’ the ‘24th International Aerospace Technology Symposium,’ and the Air Force Chief of Staff’s Drone Comprehensive Competition enhanced the airshow’s prestige and pride.
Mayor Park Dong-sik stated, “We will prepare the 2026 Sacheon Airshow with a more diverse and advanced appearance by further expanding the aerospace industry exhibition and establishing a metaverse experience center to welcome visitors.”
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