On May 10, 2024, KDI School organized an educational field trip for 35 international students to the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) and the Korea Drone Expo at Songdo Convensia. The theme for this year’s expo was “Drones Come True,” highlighting cutting-edge technologies and trends in the drone industry.

First Stop: IFEZ G Tower

The journey began with a visit to the IFEZ G Tower, an architectural marvel representing South Korea's vision of sustainable urban development. This 33-story building, completed in 2013, stands as a testament to eco-friendly design and advanced technological infrastructure. G Tower also houses cultural and exhibition spaces, showcasing the history, culture, and future vision of the IFEZ. The tour guide engaged students with multimedia presentation outlining the major events and achievements in the development of IFEZ, giving visitors a museum-like educational experience. The students were particularly impressed by the observation deck on the 29th floor, which provided panoramic views of Songdo International City, the Yellow Sea, POSCO Tower Songdo and the Incheon Bridge. This visit highlighted how modern architecture can harmonize with environmental sustainability.

Insights at the Korea Drone Expo

The highlight of the trip was the Korea Drone Expo at Songdo Convensia. The expo, themed "Drones Come True," showcased the latest advancements in drone technology. Students explored a variety of exhibits, from industrial drones used in agriculture and logistics to consumer drones for photography and recreation. These exhibits demonstrated the vast potential and versatility of drone technology in transforming various sectors. "It was amazing to see firsthand how versatile and transformative drone technology can be across so many different fields," said ADAMNOR, Dennis, Master of Public Policy.

One of the most exciting parts of the expo was witnessing a drone soccer game. This emerging sport, combining the principles of soccer with drone piloting, captivated the students. Teams flew their drones skillfully, trying to score goals in a 3D arena. The game was fun to watch and showed how well pilots could control their drones, highlighting the advanced technology and skill involved. "Witnessing the drone soccer game was a highlight of the expo; it was a perfect blend of technology and entertainment," said PRIYANKA, Sadia Nawar, Master of Public Policy.

The expo featured interactive booths where visitors could try flying drones themselves, providing hands-on experience with the technology. The opportunity to fly drones under the guidance of experts was a thrilling experience for many students and added an engaging, educational component to the trip.

Educational Seminars and Panel Discussions

Students attended several seminars and panel discussions featuring industry experts and innovators. These sessions provided deep insights into the future of drone technology, regulatory challenges, and emerging trends. Topics included the application of drones in public safety, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. The knowledge gained from these discussions was invaluable, offering a comprehensive understanding of how drones are shaping the future. Yin Myo Thu, a student pursuing a Master's in Public Policy, shared her insights on the expo:” Attending the Drone Expo was incredibly inspiring; the technology on display highlighted the limitless possibilities of drone applications “.

Cultural Experience: Songdo West Boat House

Wrapping up the day, students headed to the Songdo West Boat House for a cultural experience. They hopped on a water taxi for a scenic ride, taking in the beauty of Songdo International City. It was a peaceful way to end a day of learning and adventure, allowing students to reflect on their experiences and newfound knowledge.