Status of Domestic Drone Delivery and the 2025 Drone Demonstration City Project, Accelerating Drone Commercialization
The domestic drone delivery industry is growing rapidly.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to invest 17.8 billion won in the drone demonstration city establishment and commercialization support project by 2025, and plans to promote various projects such as emergency delivery of blood and medical supplies, drone delivery in island areas, and linking with campgrounds and leisure sports industries.
This project is expected to further accelerate the stable establishment of K-drone delivery and the commercialization of drones.
2025 Drone Demonstration City Project, 26 Local Governments Selected
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Aviation Safety Agency announced the results of the 2025 drone demonstration city project competition. A total of 26 local governments were selected, and this project focuses on demonstrating logistics delivery, leisure sports, and administrative services utilizing drones.
Each local government will build drone utilization models that suit local characteristics, thus enhancing effectiveness. It is expected to show how the advancement of drone technology can improve regional economies and convenience of life.
Looking at the main selected business areas and local governments, K-drone delivery will be conducted in 23 local governments. This project includes delivery of blood and medical supplies, drone delivery in island and mountainous areas, and delivery services within campgrounds and parks.
Additionally, drone leisure sports will be operated in 3 local governments, which will include drone light shows, international drone racing competitions, and maritime drone performances.
Finally, advanced drone administrative services will be implemented in 5 local governments. This area will focus on building anti-drone systems and AI-based public safety management.
Emergency Delivery of Blood and Medical Supplies, Full-scale Drone Delivery to Island Areas
In the K-drone delivery sector, an additional 10 local governments will newly participate along with the existing 13 local governments.
This will result in various new services being demonstrated including the delivery of blood, medical supplies, administrative documents, and waste medical supplies. This is expected to mean an expansion of drone delivery, positively impacting related industries.
📍 Emergency Delivery of Blood and Medical Supplies
In Daejeon, an emergency blood delivery network has been established between the Armed Forces hospital and blood centers.
In Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do, demonstrations of public medical supply delivery and waste medical supply collection between health centers are underway.
In Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, emergency delivery demonstrations of public AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) are being conducted.
Drone delivery services are expanding to island areas. In Incheon, deliveries of life supplies for island residents, including Jawoldo and Daiejakdo, are being conducted.
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is further enhancing drone delivery for its affiliated islands such as Gapado, Biyangdo, and Marado.
Additionally, Yeosu City in Jeollanam-do plans to deliver medical supplies and daily necessities to island regions such as Geumo-do and Daedurido using drones. These changes will contribute to enhancing the convenience of life for island residents.
Drone delivery services are spreading in campgrounds and leisure facilities.
In Wonju, Gangwon-do, convenience items are delivered via drone in connection with Hanul Auto Campground. In Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, demonstrations are underway delivering food and supplies to Gyeongcheon Island and open camping sites using drones.
Also, in Yangju, Gyeonggi-do, pilot drone delivery services are being operated at local festivals and events. These drone delivery services enhance the convenience of camping further.
Revitalization of Drone Leisure Sports Industry
Drone leisure sports achieved the world record for the largest drone swarm flight with 5,293 drones last year.
From 2025, plans will be initiated to actively promote internationalization of global drone leisure events and drone sports.
In Busan, a maritime performance that combines drones, fireworks, and K-POP will be held in connection with the Asia Startup Expo and the Busan International Performing Arts Market.
In Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, a drone light show and air show with a scale of 6,000 drones will be showcased against the backdrop of the Han Tang River's natural environment.
In Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, an international drone racing competition (DFL) using domestic drone aircraft will be held to showcase the attraction of drones.
Introduction of Advanced Drone Administrative Services
Public administrative services utilizing drones will also be advanced.
In Uiseong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the system for detecting and blocking illegal drones is being strengthened. In Incheon, demonstration of drone-based safety management services such as tidal flat management and monitoring the five islands of the West Sea is underway. In Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do, large-scale tree planting and forest protection projects utilizing drones are being promoted.
Drone Commercialization Support Project, Accelerating Localization of Key Components
To enhance the competitiveness of the domestic drone industry, efforts are being intensified to localize key components of drones. A total of 7 companies have been selected for this commercialization support project, and the development of domestic drone components and the establishment of a full-cycle ecosystem will be pursued in earnest.
The Vololand Consortium aims to localize essential components for FPV (First Person View) drones, including motors, batteries, and GPS. Bi-Eye Lab plans to establish a mass production system for next-generation lithium-metal batteries to enhance drone performance. Additionally, the X-Drone Consortium is focusing on developing long-range drones for emergency delivery to island areas.
These efforts will serve as an important cornerstone for sustainable growth in the domestic drone industry.
The Future of the Drone Industry, Accelerating Commercialization by 2025
Through the recent establishment of drone demonstration cities and commercialization support projects, the expansion of public services utilizing drones is expected. In particular, emergency delivery of blood and medical supplies, logistical support for island and mountainous areas, and combination with the leisure sports industry will further broaden the possibilities of drone applications.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it will analyze the results of the project by the end of this year and plans to actively expand drone delivery and commercialization projects after 2026. This change will provide opportunities for drone technology to be deeply integrated into our daily lives.
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