International Drone Racing 'Korea DFL 2024' Held in Yeongam

Held at Korea's First International Standard Auto Racing Track
World-Class 24 Teams, Over 100 Participants... Inaugural Event
Diverse Features Including Pit Stop Rules and LED-Enhanced Night Race

Promotional poster for 'Korea DFL 2024,' held for the first time this year in Yeongam.
[Photo by Jeollanam-do]

‘Yeongam Korea DFL 2024,’ an international drone racing competition held at the country’s first international standard automobile racing circuit, will take place over two days starting from the 12th at the permanent track of Yeongam International Automobile Racing Circuit.

This event was selected as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s drone demonstration city construction project, specifically in the ‘hosting international drone leisure competitions’ category, with joint participation from Jeollanam-do, Yeongam-gun, and the Korea Drone Enterprise Association.

The DFL (Drone Formula League) competition, held for the first time this year, uses domestically developed large 1-meter class drones. The winner is determined by the drone that completes the international standard racing track (3.045 km) in the shortest time. Starting with the drone unveiling event in July, the process included recruiting participants, drone testing, and a launch ceremony, followed by the season qualifiers held on the 3rd.

The season finals and championship matches will be held on the 12th and 13th. The competition is divided into Pro League, Semi-Pro League, and Free League, with a total of 24 teams and about 100 participants expected. Notably, world-class players from the United States, France, China, Japan, and other countries will compete fiercely to lift the championship trophy.

Unlike previous competitions, this event will feature a ‘pit stop’ rule and night races using light-emitting diode (LED) lights, providing new points of interest for spectators.

The official events of the competition include an opening ceremony, congratulatory performances by An Seonghun, Jeong Dayoung, and Park Mikyung, e-drone racing, drone experience exhibitions, and a drone light show, offering various attractions for visitors.

Jeollanam-do, a co-participating institution in the competition, is working to establish a drone industry ecosystem based on excellent aviation infrastructure such as drone centers and aviation centers, in line with the government’s ‘Global Promotion Plan for the Drone Leisure Industry.’ They are also preparing tailored human resource development plans and e-drone sports foundations.

Alongside the event, Korea’s largest motorsports festival, the ‘2024 Jeonnam GT (Grand Touring),’ will be held at the main venue, and admission is free.

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