The '2026 Gangneung Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) World Congress,' showcasing future transportation technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous driving, will open on October 19. This marks the third time the ITS World Congress has been held in Korea, following events in Seoul in 1998 and Busan in 2010.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the city of Gangneung announced that the congress will take place from October 19 to 23 at the Gangneung Olympic Park.
The ITS World Congress is an international conference where governments, businesses, academia, and research institutions from around the world gather to share advanced transportation technologies and policies. Since its inception in Paris in 1994, it has been held annually in various regions, including Europe, the Americas, and Asia, earning the nickname 'Transportation Olympics.' This year's congress will feature 193 academic sessions, 428 exhibition booths, technology demonstrations, and site visits under the theme 'A World United Beyond Mobility.'
During the congress, Hong Ji-sun, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, will host meetings with high-ranking officials from Germany, the United States, Singapore, and other countries, as well as representatives from international organizations, to discuss international cooperation on 'Future Transportation Innovations through AI-based ITS.' Ha Jung-woo, Vice Chairman of the National AI Strategy Committee, will deliver a keynote speech highlighting the transformative impact of the integration of AI and ITS on future transportation.
The Ministry plans to hold bilateral talks with five countries—Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Ireland—as well as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to explore cooperation in ITS technology exchange, joint research, and demonstration projects. Additionally, it will introduce export support and financing programs to assist domestic companies in expanding overseas.
Minister Hong stated, 'ITS is evolving as a key area that will transform future transportation by integrating advanced technologies such as autonomous driving and AI. We aim to showcase Korea's ITS technological capabilities to the world and actively support international cooperation and the overseas expansion of domestic companies.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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