Gangneung ITS World Congress to open October 19 with AI and transport focus
In short
The 2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress will run from October 19 to 23 at Olympic Park. Organisers plan 193 academic sessions and 428 exhibition booths, with discussions on AI-based transport systems, autonomous driving and digital infrastructure.
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The 2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress will open on October 19 and run for five days at Gangneung Olympic Park, the city and South Korea’s transport ministry announced on October 18. The event, jointly hosted by the two authorities, will use the theme Beyond Mobility, Connected World. Organisers plan 193 academic sessions, 428 exhibition booths and technology demonstrations and visits. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
The programme will focus on combining AI, autonomous driving and digital infrastructure with intelligent transport systems. Academic sessions will also cover advanced signal control, demand-responsive transport, shared mobility, protection for vulnerable transport users and environmentally friendly ITS. Yonhap reported that 108 institutions and companies, including Hyundai Motor, Google, Qualcomm, Toyota and Honda, would take part in the technology exhibition at the speed-skating venue. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
The city expects about 60,000 government representatives, academics, businesspeople and visitors from roughly 90 countries. A ministerial meeting on AI-based ITS and future transport innovation is scheduled for the afternoon of October 19. Seoul Economic Daily reported plans for bilateral meetings with five countries and one international organisation, covering technology and policy exchanges, demonstrations and joint research. Export-support bodies will also introduce assistance and financing programmes to participating businesses. [ 2 , 5 ]
Public activities will include autonomous-driving experiences, virtual-reality truck demonstrations, robot football and drone simulators. A 3,500-drone light show is scheduled for 20:00 on opening day, followed later in the week by an ice show and a music concert. Gangneung plans to shorten bus intervals through Olympic Park from 30 minutes to 15 minutes and operate shuttle buses around central areas and major tourist sites. Visitors will also be able to ride an autonomous service circulating through the park. [ 2 , 5 ]
Why it matters
The congress brings government, industry and researchers together to discuss transport technology and cooperation. South Korea’s transport ministry also plans meetings and export-support programmes to help domestic companies pursue overseas opportunities.
Key facts
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- A 3,500-drone light show is scheduled for October 19 outside Gangneung Convention Center. [ 5 ]