Open to grades 3–6 living or enrolled in Dongdaemun-gu; 32 teams of four, 128 students total
Four events across two categories on Nov. 8 at district office; two mandatory training sessions Saturday and Nov. 7
Elementary school students in Dongdaemun-gu will have a chance to test their skills in AI and robotics at the district's first dedicated competition next month.
The event is designed to let children explore cutting-edge technology firsthand, discover their interests and aptitudes, and develop creativity and teamwork.
Dongdaemun-gu will host the 2026 First Dongdaemun-gu AI and Robot Competition from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 at the multipurpose hall on the second floor of the district office.
Registration closes at 6 p.m. Friday.
The competition is open to students in grades 3 through 6 at elementary schools in Dongdaemun-gu. Teams of four will compete across two categories — robotics and AI — with a total of 32 teams and 128 students taking part in four events.
Third- and fourth-graders will compete in robot assembly and soccer and AI color cone collection, while fifth- and sixth-graders will take on robotic arm cargo sorting and AI mission relay racing. Events test participants on task execution, accuracy, strategy and teamwork through activities such as robot soccer, object sorting and transport, cone collection, and a relay race with stage-by-stage missions.
Priority registration for graduates of the district's summer AI camp has closed, and general registration is now underway. Students wishing to participate may apply through the registration website or via the QR code in the event notice by 6 p.m. Friday.
All participants must complete two mandatory training sessions before the competition. A technical session covering equipment use and event rules will be held Saturday at Jangpyeong Elementary School in morning and afternoon slots. A second session on competition rules, safety guidelines and event strategy will take place Nov. 7 at a Dongdaemun-gu district office meeting room, with designated times assigned by event category.
On competition day, 90 minutes of events will be followed by recreational activities and an awards ceremony. Each event category will award gold, silver and bronze prizes — one gold team, one silver team and two bronze teams — in the form of the district mayor's award, while the remaining 16 teams will receive a creativity award. An AI robot Omok challenge and a 360-degree photo booth will also be available for participants and their families.
Dongdaemun-gu District Mayor Choi Dong-min said the competition was intended to give students an easy and enjoyable introduction to advanced technology and an opportunity to discover their own potential and strengths. "We will continue to expand digital and science education opportunities for the children and youth who will lead the society of the future," Choi said.
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