South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Monday that it will co-host the 2026 World Smart City Expo with the Ministry of Science and ICT and the city of Busan at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 1 in Busan from Sept. 9 to 11.
Now in its 10th year since launching in 2017, the expo is the largest smart city international event in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together governments, cities, companies, experts and citizens from around the world to explore solutions for sustainable urban development and improved quality of life.
Last year, after the venue moved to Busan, the event drew 42,958 visitors, 457 participating companies and delegations from 54 countries.
This year's expo will serve as the first stage for the government's "K-AI City" policy, in line with its AI transformation (AX) agenda. Under the slogan "Beyond Smart City, Into AI City," the event will showcase a wide range of urban models spanning smart cities to AI cities.
The program will include exhibitions, an opening ceremony, conferences, the WSCE Awards and corporate presentations. The event will also provide a platform for global cooperation among officials and experts from governments, cities and companies at home and abroad.
"The World Smart City Expo, marking its 10th anniversary this year, is a global platform for expanding domestic and international cooperation toward a better tomorrow experienced through technology," said Lee Gi-bong, director of urban policy at the Land Ministry. "We hope for greater attention and participation throughout the event so that it can serve as an opportunity to strengthen the overseas expansion of Korean companies and international cooperation."
smh@heraldcorp.com
