'Gyeongbuk International AI·Metaverse Video Festival' Receives 3,403 Entries... Lee Cheolwoo Vows to Expand into World's Largest Festival

Kim Seyeon Appointed as Organizing Committee Chairperson

On August 18, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government will hold a comprehensive announcement of this year's key programs and development strategies for the '2026 Gyeongbuk International AI·Metaverse Video Festival'—opening on September 3—at the multipurpose hall of the provincial government building at 2 p.m. Around 100 participants are expected to attend, including representatives from cities and counties, as well as members of the festival organizing committee.

Launched as Korea's first AI·Metaverse film festival under the vision of 'Gyeongbuk, the Metaverse Capital,' the festival has continued to broaden its global network with key institutions from countries such as the United States, China, and Japan, while aiming to serve as an industry-centered global platform.

Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Building

This year's AI Video Competition received 3,403 submissions from 97 countries worldwide, a more than threefold increase over last year's 1,075 entries. Notably, overseas submissions surged from 72 last year to 1,587 this year, a more than twentyfold increase, demonstrating remarkable growth as an international AI content event. An online popularity vote is currently underway among the candidates for awards.

The 2026 Gyeongbuk International AI·Metaverse Video Festival, now in its third year, will be held from September 3 to 5, in collaboration with the industrial infrastructure and distinct characteristics of Gumi, Pohang, and Gyeongsan.

Gumi will serve as a hub for fostering new business opportunities by connecting companies and talent in the AI and virtual convergence industries; Pohang will focus on establishing itself as a center for the culture and content industry, specializing in AI and visual effects (VFX)-based film and advertising content; and Gyeongsan will support local game companies’ competitiveness and entry into the global market through the integration of AI and the gaming industry.

Across all three cities, a variety of content combining the experiences and creativity of multiple generations—from children to seniors—with AI technology will be showcased, presenting AI-driven works that transcend age groups.

At the 'AI Video Competition Awards Ceremony' in Gumi, a total of KRW 100 million in prize money will be awarded to the 39 finalists. The grand prize winner will receive KRW 20 million, and additional support will be provided to help the winning works enter overseas markets.

The 'AI Art Tech Awards' in Pohang will present a total of KRW 18 million in prizes to outstanding works and creators—including films, dramas, and advertisements—released or premiered since May of last year, as well as to production teams and actors. Award-winning production houses will also receive opportunities to use the Mungyeong Virtual Studio.

In Gyeongsan, a city known for its strength in gaming, the 'Minigame Contest' will select and reward eight outstanding teams with a combined total of KRW 15 million in prize money. This contest, introduced for the first time this year, attracted participation from 90 companies, reflecting significant interest.

Other events include a technology and investment pitch session for innovative AI enterprises; a fund and investment consultation event for K-Culture content producers, with a total fund size of KRW 150 billion; and a Gyeongbuk Game Export Consultation Event involving 20 international buyers, such as China's ByteDance and Japan's SEGA.

The number of participating companies in the 'AI Advanced Enterprise Exhibition Hall' will expand from 23 last year to 34 this year. Leading AI advanced companies from the capital region—including Metabuild and ADDD—as well as 10 companies from the Gyeongbuk region, will join to showcase cutting-edge AI technologies and innovative content all in one venue.

World-renowned experts in the fields of AI, VFX, and gaming—such as Dr. Choi Byungguk of KAIST, who was responsible for the visual effects technology of the film , Son Seunghyun, CEO of Westworld, who delivered the look and feel of acclaimed works like and , and Liu Chungan, President of the Beijing Game Industry Association—will participate to share technological and field insights and suggest the future direction of the global content industry.

In addition, the festival will run a total of 23 screening and exchange programs, enabling audiences and creators to connect and experience world-class AI content and outstanding works. The screenings will feature the award-winning entries from the 2026 AI Video Contest, SIGGRAPH Animation Award recipients, and other acclaimed works from major domestic and international film festivals.

On this day, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government will appoint Kim Seyeon, CEO of Saber Partners, as Chairperson of the Organizing Committee; Yang Kyungmi, President of the Korean Association of Visual Content Studies, as Executive Committee Chair; Noh Heeyoung, CEO of Sikum Research Institute, as Advisor; and actor Won Gijun as External Cooperation Chair. Leveraging the expertise and broad experience of these individuals, the festival will further elevate its stature and competitiveness.

During a press briefing on the same day, Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, stated, "The Gyeongbuk International AI·Metaverse Video Festival has grown into a leading AI content platform, with 3,403 entries from 97 countries in just three years since its launch. We intend to expand the festival into the world's largest international AI video festival moving forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.