Gangneung Mayor Kim Jungnam: "ITS World Congress a Milestone in Gangneung's Leap to Become a Leading City for Future Mobility"

2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress Opens in Spectacular Fashion

Exhibitions and Academic Events Run Through October 23

108 Organizations and Companies Participate

Future Transport Technologies, Including Autonomous Driving and AI, on Display

The 2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress, the world's largest international event in the field of intelligent transport systems (ITS), opened on October 19 at Gangneung Olympic Park, beginning a five-day program.

Gangneung City Strengthens Disinfection Measures at Event Venues and Tourist Attractions Ahead of ITS World Congress. Provided by Gangneung City.

At the opening ceremony held at the Gangneung Convention Center that day, Gangneung Mayor Kim Jungnam said, "The opening of the World Congress today will be a historic milestone as Gangneung takes a leap forward as a 'global city leading the future of mobility' that draws attention from around the world and as a 'sustainable smart city.'"

He continued, "Advanced transport infrastructure will become part of citizens' lives and open the way to a safer and more convenient urban future. I thank the 210,000 residents of Gangneung who joined together to prepare a warm welcome for our guests."

Attendees at the opening ceremony included Hong Jiseon, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and president of the congress, and Mayor Kim; minister- and vice-minister-level officials from 13 countries, including Ireland, the United States, Germany, and Singapore; representatives of ITS offices in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas; business representatives; and academic experts.

The congress, themed "Beyond Mobility, Connected World," runs through October 23. Participants will discuss the direction of development for future transport technologies, including autonomous driving, artificial intelligence (AI), cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS), demand-responsive transport (DRT), drones, and urban air mobility (UAM), as well as international cooperation.

The exhibition hall at the Gangneung Speed Skating Stadium features 428 booths operated by 108 organizations and companies. The Gangneung Pavilion showcases ITS services implemented in smaller cities, including smart intersections and AI-based real-time traffic signal management, as well as the autonomous Masil Bus.

The outdoor plaza at Olympic Park features interactive programs for visitors and cultural performances, including AI-powered autonomous driving, virtual reality (VR), mini-robot soccer, and drones. At 8 p.m. on opening day, a light show featuring 3,500 drones will take place around the convention center.

During the congress, the program will also include an advanced technology exhibition, 193 academic sessions, and ITS technology demonstrations and study tours.

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