Global gathering focuses on future mobility cooperation in AI, autonomous driving and UAM
The 2026 Gangneung ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) World Congress opened Monday and runs through Friday.
Held under the theme "Beyond Mobility, Connected World," the congress drew South Korea's Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Hong Ji-seon, who serves as congress chair, Gangneung Mayor Kim Jung-nam, and a host of senior officials — including vice-ministerial and ministerial-level delegates from 13 countries such as Ireland, the United States, Germany and Singapore — alongside ITS secretariat representatives from three continents, corporate delegations and academic experts.
The congress will explore the future direction of mobility through the convergence of advanced technologies including autonomous driving, AI, cooperative ITS (C-ITS), demand-responsive transport, drones, urban air mobility and geospatial information, while also discussing international cooperation to address global transportation challenges.
During the congress, Hong will chair a high-level ministerial meeting bringing together transport ministers, vice ministers and senior officials from international organizations to discuss policy approaches to advancing intelligent transport systems under the theme "Future Transport Innovation Through AI-Based ITS."
Ha Jung-woo, vice chair of the National AI Strategy Committee, will also deliver a keynote address outlining how the integration of AI and ITS will transform transportation.
The large-scale exhibition hall set up at the Gangneung Speed Skating Arena — featuring 428 booths from 108 organizations and companies — drew a steady stream of domestic and international visitors on opening day eager to see the latest advanced technology.
The Gangneung Pavilion drew particular attention for its intuitive showcase of Gangneung-style future transport, featuring small-city ITS services such as smart intersections and AI-based real-time signal management, as well as an autonomous on-demand community bus that has already changed daily life for residents.
The outdoor event area at Olympic Park offered a range of hands-on experiences and cultural performances — including AI autonomous driving simulators, mobility-making workshops, VR experiences, mini-robot soccer matches and drone flights.
A drone light show featuring 3,500 drones illuminating the night sky above the convention center drew widespread praise from domestic and international visitors, blending cutting-edge technology with artistic spectacle.
The congress will continue with a 428-booth advanced technology exhibition, 193 academic sessions, and cutting-edge ITS technology demonstration and inspection programs.
On Friday evening, a K-music concert bringing together international participants and domestic visitors is planned to close out the congress, creating a space where technology and culture converge.
"The opening of the ITS World Congress will serve as a historic milestone for Gangneung as it rises to become a global leader in future mobility and a sustainable smart city that the world watches," Gangneung Mayor Kim Jung-nam said. "Advanced transport infrastructure will blend with the lives of our citizens, opening a safer and more convenient future for the city."
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