The hosts of this month’s ITS World Congress in South Korea are promising autonomous vehicle demonstrations, AI-based traffic technology and public participation events as Gangneung completes its final preparations.
The Korea Herald reports that around 60,000 participants from more than 90 territories are expected at the event in Gangwon Province from 19-23 October, which will explore the future of smart mobility in midsized cities.
The programme will bring together experts, industry leaders and government officials for ministerial talks, high-level roundtables, exhibitions and demonstrations.
According to the newspaper, 419 companies and institutions, including Hyundai Motor Group, LG Electronics and Google, will showcase future mobility technologies. Planned demonstrations include Level 4 autonomous vehicles and parking robots, alongside exhibitions of AI-based traffic platforms.
The main venue is the Gangneung Convention Centre, which opened in August. Its 2,100-capacity multipurpose hall and 19 additional meeting rooms will accommodate the opening and closing ceremonies, gala dinner and high-level talks.
City officials have been reviewing exhibition halls, conference facilities and demonstration areas at Olympic Park, alongside visitor transport arrangements and safety measures.
The hosts are planning six shuttle bus routes connecting accommodation, downtown areas and major tourist sites. City buses serving Olympic Park will run every 15 minutes, doubling their usual frequency, while the K-MaaS taxi-hailing service will be offered to overseas visitors.
Public activities will include a large-scale drone performance outside the convention centre on 19 October and a special ice show at Gangneung Hockey Centre on 22 October. Outdoor experience booths will feature autonomous driving, smart-city technology, drones and virtual reality trucks.
The city is also encouraging students and local organisations to participate, supported by promotional events at tourist attractions.
Gangneung Mayor Kim Jung-nam described the Congress as “an important opportunity for Gangneung to take the first step toward becoming a global city”, The Korea Herald reports. He urged officials to check every final detail to ensure the event’s success.
Highways News will be reporting from Gangnueng next week, with some special episodes of our Highways Voices podcasts.
(Picture: Korea.net)
