'Transport Olympics' Opens in Gangneung With Focus on AI

The 2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress provides a platform for South Korea to advance its engagement with AI-based transport technologies. By hosting this event for the third time, the country facilitates international discussions and showcases its developments in autonomous driving and digital infrastructure, which could help shape future policy and technology exchanges among participating nations and organizations.

A central component of the congress is a high-level meeting, chaired by Land Minister Hong Ji-sun, bringing together nine countries and two international bodies. This meeting, themed "Future Transport Innovation Through AI-Based ITS," seeks to foster a shared understanding of ITS directions and encourage international cooperation. Bilateral talks with five countries and one international organization further detail potential collaborations in areas such as technology exchange, field testing, and joint research, indicating a focused effort to build partnerships around these technologies.

The inclusion of an Export Plus Support Group, a cross-ministry body, indicates a strategic intent to boost the international reach of South Korean ITS companies. By introducing export support and financing programs, the government is working to translate the technological discussions and demonstrations at the congress into economic benefits for its domestic industry. This move suggests the event serves both as a forum for policy dialogue and a mechanism for market development.