Gyeongbuk Province, Gyeongju City, and Gimcheon City Selected as 'Drone Special Zones'... Pre-Regulation Exemptions Applied

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Selects 15 Cities, Counties, and Districts Through Public Competition

The photo is a scene from Hyundai Motor Company's '2021 Yeongdong-daero Countdown Drone Light Show.' [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] Gyeongsangbuk-do announced on the 15th that two locations, Gyeongju City and Gimcheon City, were selected in the drone special deregulation zone contest promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

In the drone special deregulation zone contest, first implemented in July last year, more than 33 cities, counties, and districts nationwide participated. After airspace consultation, on-site inspection, private expert evaluation, and drone industry working-level council review, a total of 15 cities, counties, and districts were finally selected, including two cities from Gyeongsangbuk-do.

In the drone special deregulation zones, regulations such as special airworthiness certification and safety certification that verify the safety of drone aircraft in advance, as well as prior flight approval applied during drone flights, are exempted or relaxed.

Following the selection of these deregulation zones, Gyeongju City plans to conduct drone demonstrations for cultural heritage management and tourism product development, while Gimcheon City plans to carry out drone demonstrations for inspecting facilities such as high-rise buildings and bridges.

Jang Sang-gil, Director of the Science and Industry Bureau of Gyeongsangbuk-do, stated, "The designation of this drone deregulation zone will be an opportunity for Gyeongsangbuk-do to leap forward as a drone industry hub," adding, "We expect it to establish a foundation for future new industries in line with the government's Digital New Deal."

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