Yangju to Host DroneBot Festival at Ganap-ri Airfield on 30th... Helicopter and Armored Vehicle Ride Experiences

Yangju City to Host DroneBot Festival on October 30

Over 30 Hands-On Activities Including Drone and Robot Operation

Military Demonstrations and Cultural Performances Planned Over Three Days Until November 1

A festival where visitors can experience advanced drones and robots, as well as board helicopters and armored vehicles, will be held at Ganap-ri Airfield in Gwangjeok-myeon, Yangju, Gyeonggi Province.

'2026 Gyeonggi·Yangju·Jijaksa Drone Bot Festival' poster. Provided by Yangju City

On October 6, Yangju City announced that it will host the ‘2026 Gyeonggi·Yangju·Jijaksa DroneBot Festival’ in collaboration with Gyeonggi Province and the Ground Operations Command, running from October 30 to November 1, 2026.

This year marks the 6th edition of the festival, which will feature exhibitions of cutting-edge drones and robots, military demonstrations, cultural performances, and a variety of hands-on programs. The event is co-hosted by Gyeonggi Province, Yangju City, and the Ground Operations Command, and organized by the Civil-Military Event Promotion Committee.

On the opening day, October 30, the festival will kick off with performances by the Yangju City Choir and the Yangju Chamber of Commerce Nanta, followed by celebratory flights from Army Aviation, a motorcycle parade from the Capital Defense Command, honor guard demonstrations, a military band concert, and martial arts demonstrations. In the evening, there will be music performances by the Ground Operations Command and the 1st Corps military bands, a civil-military harmony concert, and a performance by singer Myjin.

On October 31, the Army Intelligence School will present a drone tactics demonstration. At the Gwangjeok-myeon secondary stage, the festival will hold a community center program showcase, a Chung-Hyo Taekwondo demonstration, and a local residents’ singing contest. The evening concert will feature the artist Ethat.

On the final day, November 1, attendees can enjoy a Surion helicopter boarding experience, the awards ceremony for the DroneBot Contest, and the closing ceremony.

Throughout the festival, more than 30 interactive programs will be available, including armored vehicle and Capital Defense Command motorcycle ride experiences, as well as opportunities to operate drones and robots directly. There will also be robot performances and parades.

After the evening concerts on October 30 and 31, a large-scale drone light show will illuminate the night sky. Fireworks will also take place on October 31.

Yangju City will increase shuttle bus operations this year for the convenience of visitors. Eight mid-sized shuttle buses will run between the Yangju Culture and Arts Center, the Baekseok Living Sports Park temporary parking lot, and the festival venue, with intervals of 20 to 30 minutes.

A Yangju City official stated, "We have arranged diverse programs so that citizens can personally experience advanced drone and robot technologies, along with military equipment," adding, "We are doing our utmost to ensure this event, jointly prepared by the public, private, and military sectors, becomes an opportunity for families to enjoy together and communicate."

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