If you want to combine drone exhibitions and hands-on activities with an evening light show, plan around the date of your preferred program first. The K-Drone Festival runs from October 19 to 23, 2026, while the drone light show and delivery demonstration are scheduled for different days. Your choice of date will affect your transport plans and whether an overnight stay makes sense.
K-Drone Festival at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival dates | October 19โ23, 2026 |
| Venue | Gangneung Olympic Park |
| Location | Surigol-gil, Ponam-dong, Gangneung, Gangwon State |
| Admission | Free |
| Main attractions | Drone industry exhibitions and activities, a drone light show and a drone delivery demonstration |
| Key dates | Drone light show on October 19; drone delivery demonstration on October 22 |
| Check before visiting | Daily operating hours, program changes, transport notices and parking arrangements |
Show this Korean address
For taxis, local map apps, or a hotel front desk, keep the original Korean venue address below.
๊ฐ์ํน๋ณ์์น๋ ๊ฐ๋ฆ์ ์๋ฆฌ๊ณจ๊ธธ 102 (ํฌ๋จ๋)
Confirm the live route before departure.Agoda hotel candidates near the venue TOP3
Within 5 kmThese stay candidates are selected from Agoda hotel data within 5 km of the event coordinates, balancing distance, rating, and review count. Rates and availability can change in real time on Agoda.
#1St.John's Hotel
- Distance
- About 2.5 km from the venue
- Rating
- 8.7
- Reviews
- 20,977 reviews
#2Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo
- Distance
- About 2.9 km from the venue
- Rating
- 8.8
- Reviews
- 18,521 reviews
#3Gangneung City Hotel
- Distance
- About 2.4 km from the venue
- Rating
- 8.8
- Reviews
- 4,619 reviews
Rates, room availability, and booking conditions can change in real time on Agoda.
Festival dates and location
The festival takes place at Gangneung Olympic Park and is connected with the 2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress. Its program introduces drone technology, industry initiatives and future applications through exhibitions and activities designed for a broad audience, including families. Admission is listed as free, but start times and participation procedures may differ by program. If you are visiting for a particular demonstration, check the official website and Instagram account shortly before setting out.
Choosing the best day to visit
A practical festival day could begin with the daytime exhibitions and activities, followed by an outdoor evening program. The drone light show is scheduled for October 19, while the drone delivery demonstration is scheduled for October 22, so choose your date according to the experience that interests you most. Families should leave extra time for activity queues, meals and breaks. If you plan to stay for the light show, expect a longer day and prepare for cooler evening temperatures.
What to bring
- Pack a warm outer layer and, if useful, a light blanket for an October evening outdoors.
- Bring a portable charger and any personal items you may need during a long festival day.
- When visiting with children, agree on a meeting point and make sure they have a guardian's contact details.
- Check the official notice for activity registration procedures and any age requirements.
- Look for weather-related changes if rain or strong winds are forecast.
- Save your return route and hotel directions before the evening program begins.
Getting there and planning for parking
Parking areas and any temporary traffic arrangements should be confirmed through the latest official notice. If you are driving, check whether festival parking will be available, whether access roads will be controlled and what your alternative will be if parking reaches capacity. Arriving well before your chosen program is sensible. When using public transport, plan both the journey to the venue and your return after the evening activities. Groups may also find it helpful to agree on a pickup or meeting point before entering a busy festival area.
Parking arrangements and outdoor program times may change. Recheck the official festival channels on the day of your visit.
How to choose a hotel base in Gangneung
Consider comparing accommodation early if you want to attend the evening light show or split the festival program across multiple days. Do not judge a hotel only by its straight-line distance from the venue: also compare parking terms, check-in hours and realistic transport options after dark. Your plans for the following morning matter too. Decide whether easy festival access or convenient onward travel around Gangneung is more important, then choose a location that keeps your main journeys straightforward.
Combining the festival with a Gangneung trip
For a day trip, visit one place in Gangneung during the morning, then allow the afternoon and evening for the festival. Keeping the itinerary lightโone stop before the event and perhaps a meal afterwardโwill leave more time for transport, queues and rest. With an overnight stay, you can focus on the festival on the first day and explore Gangneung separately the next morning. On a night-program day, prioritize a manageable return journey and make sure your planned arrival fits the hotel's check-in policy.
Plan around the program you most want to see
Start by choosing between the October 19 drone light show and the October 22 delivery demonstration, then arrange transport and accommodation around that date. Even at a free event, activity registration and outdoor operations can change with on-site conditions. Check the latest official updates and prepare for a cool evening and a potentially late return.
Gangreung-Si Hotels for Korea Festivals: 2026 Stay Picks
Compare Agoda hotel candidates for this Korea festival area in a separate regional guide.
Open regional hotel guideFrequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 K-Drone Festival?
The festival is scheduled for Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23, 2026. The drone light show is listed for October 19 and the drone delivery demonstration for October 22. Check the official channels for detailed times before traveling.
Where is the festival, and is admission free?
The venue is Gangneung Olympic Park in Ponam-dong, Gangneung. Admission is listed as free, although individual activities may have separate participation procedures.
Will parking be available?
Detailed parking arrangements should be confirmed through the official transport notices. Before driving, check the designated parking areas, possible access restrictions and an alternative plan in case parking is full.
What should I bring for the drone light show?
Bring a warm outer layer for the October evening, a portable charger and any personal essentials you may need outdoors. Because weather can affect outdoor programs, check the same-day announcement before leaving.
How should I choose a hotel near the festival?
Compare more than distance to the venue. Late-night transport, parking terms, check-in hours and your route for the following day are all useful considerations. A hotel with a simple return journey is especially practical after an evening program.
