Named one of the 12 new
growth engines of Korea in
2017, the Korean drone industry
and related service sectors
are expected to grow to USD 1 billion by
2020 and USD 3 billion by 2025.
In December 2016, the Ministry of
Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE)
announced that Korea would invest a total
of KRW 500 billion (USD 428 million)
within the next three years as a part of its
plans to promote one of the 12 emerging
industries. The government also expanded
tax incentives on drone R&D projects
and established a test bed for drone technology
in regions like Daegu and
Gangwon Province. The following are
some of the regions that are actively promoting
the growth of Korea’s drone
industry.
Located in one of the southernmost
areas of South Korea, Goheung County is
a seaside area dotted with hundreds of
mostly uninhabited islands. Originally a
fishing county, Goheung has recently
begun garnering attention for the development
of its aerospace and drone industry,
first marked in 2008 with the establishment
of the Naro Space Center.
The space center's integrated facilities,
including a launch pad, a control tower,
rocket assembly and test facilities, satellite
control testing and assembly facilities, an
electric power station, a space experience
hall (visitor center) and a landing field,
have since doubled as a base for drones.
In October 2015, Goheung County was
selected as the only regulation-free zone
for drones thanks to its vast, unobstructed
land and airspace ideal for flying
unmanned vehicles. The county, in cooperation
with the South Jeolla Province
also proposed a KRW 235.2 billion (USD 206 million) budget
for six drone-related projects: the operation of a drone academy,
the establishment of an exhibition
site, demonstration for pesticide drones, inspection of any vulnerabilities, operation
of a promotional center and the planning
and implementation of public pilot
projects.
Gangwon Province is located northeast
of Korea, dominated by the Taebaek
Mountain Range. The region is reputed
for its agricultural produce, mineral
resources as well as its winter tourism.
Running along the Taebaek is
Yeongwol County, a remote, snowy area
difficult to reach on foot. However, its
isolated location and size makes the county
an ideal spot to test search and-rescue
and transportation drones. Drones will
also be commissioned to use during dangerous
sites during fires or factories. 15
organizations and companies, including
Korea Forest Service, Korea Air, CJ
Korea Express, KT and Korea Aerospace
University, are already in the process of
conducting pilot projects in the area.
In 2015, Daegu was chosen for the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Safety
Verification and Test Project. The only
metropolitan city in Korea to simultaneously
develop the drone industry, drone
R&D and drone testing activities, Daegu
has been at the forefront of the Korean
drone industry.
Dalseong County, a largely rural area
located in southwestern Daegu, has since
been chosen as the drone test site in
Daegu. The county is currently undergoing
efforts to build infrastructure for
drone-related industries with the help with
local universities and research institutes.
The historic capital of the North Jeolla
Province is branching out from its cultural
tourism industry to drones. Jeonju was
designated as a drone testing site and is
set to establish special areas for drones by
the end of the this year.
The city is currently working with the
Korea Land and Geospatial InformatiX
Corporation (LX), Hojung Solution,
SOKKIA and Sungjin Aero to conduct
land surveys and test for facility safety.
Wansan Park will be at the center of
Jeonju's drone activities-high-altitude
flights, long distance flights and night
flights will be tested in the area. The city
also plans on establishing administration,
research and education centers for drones.
Drones will also be used to develop virtual
tourism to further promote Jeonju's
booming tourism industry.
The North Chungcheong Province is
the only landlocked area in South Korea.
Located in the center of Korea, it is
arguably the most accessible province in
the country. North Chungcheong is also a
free economic zone, which focuses on
biotechnological, pharmaceutical and
medical research, airplane manufacturing
and maintenance and ecofriendly economic
development.
Originally dedicated to eco-friendly
agricultural projects, Boeun is making
steps towards new growth engines as a
test-bed for the drone industry. In addition
to the carefully-considered geographical
advantages of the drone pilot project sites,
South Korea plans to establish drone
flight test centers equipped with a control
room and a runway for the three sites and
is also considering a special operation
permit for nighttime drone flights.
