Bung-eo Island, a popular summer destination in Hwacheon, South Korea, is set to transform into a competition ground for drone enthusiasts.
According to Hwacheon County, the Korea Foundation will host the '2026 Hwacheon Bung-eo Island Drone Festa' from August 15 to 16 at the Bung-eo Island Ground Golf Course.
This marks the first drone festival in Hwacheon this year. The event will feature competitions in three categories: drone VR, racing, and aerial photography, along with various programs including drone demonstrations and a water event.
The drone VR competition will involve participants completing designated tasks using virtual reality drones, with on-site registration available. The drone racing will consist of time-attack missions involving course navigation, gate passing, ball dropping, and filming.
In the aerial photography competition, participants will submit 10-second videos shot against the backdrop of Bung-eo Island, which will be judged by experts and through public voting.
Registration for the racing and aerial photography competitions will be open until August 14 via a QR code on the event poster.
On the first day, August 15, there will be a special drone event for Liberation Day, along with expert flight demonstrations and industrial drone showcases. Starting at 5:30 PM, the 'Drone Water Event' will combine drone displays with DJ performances and water activities.
This year's festival is particularly noteworthy as it is linked to the ongoing summer water park at Bung-eo Island.
Since July 18, Hwacheon County has been operating a summer water park at Bung-eo Island, featuring family-friendly programs such as water play, sky gliding, cart rail cars, drone experiences, and a miniature train.
While Bung-eo Island has traditionally served as a summer leisure space focused on water activities and water sports, this inaugural drone festival aims to expand tourism offerings by incorporating advanced leisure and experiential events.
The event is designed to ensure that tourist spending benefits the local economy.
The total prize pool of 15 million won will be awarded in the form of Hwacheon Love gift certificates and local agricultural products. Participants who pay a registration fee of 20,000 won will receive 15,000 won back in gift certificates.
By providing some prizes and registration fees in local currency and agricultural products, the festival aims to connect participation with local commerce and agricultural consumption.
Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon stated, “We are doing our utmost to prepare for guests so that the 2026 Hwacheon Bung-eo Island Drone Festa can establish itself as a new tourism content for Bung-eo Island, our representative summer resort.”
The event is organized by the Korea Foundation, with Hwacheon County overseeing the operations, and is supported by the Korea Drone Industry Association and the Hwacheon Veterans Association.
As Bung-eo Island adds the new element of drones to its water and leisure focus, the festival is expected to enhance tourist stays and local consumption, positioning it as a key summer tourism product for Hwacheon.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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