The Gangnam-gu Council joined students at the 2026 Gangnam Digital DNA Festival, held Wednesday morning at SETEC, where participants explored future technologies including AI, robots and virtual reality.
Held under the subtitle "Pop Up Your Dream," the event was organized to share the results of the "Digital Future Talent Project," a school-visit program running since 2023 across 61 elementary, middle and special schools in Gangnam-gu, and to give students hands-on exposure to emerging technologies as they explore potential career paths.
Council Speaker Lee Jae-jin, Administrative Safety Committee Chair Lee In-seon, and council members Bok Jin-gyeong, Lee Dong-ho, Kim Jin-gyeong, Woo Jong-hyeok, Park Dae-yong, Hwang Tae-hyeon, Lee Jong-won (District Ma constituency), Yun Su-hyeok and No Mi-jin attended the event, touring the technology exhibits and encouraging the students.
The opening ceremony, attended by students, residents and guests, began with the Gangnam Digital Future Talent Competition awards, recognizing students who excelled in coding and AI, followed by a special AI lecture by popular AI content creator "JoCoding," an AI quiz show with audience participation, and a performance by B-boy group "Koreart."
The hands-on booths drew a strong response from young visitors, offering programs spanning space science — including an AI space control center and a launch vehicle simulation — as well as immersive VR and racing robot controls. Participants were able to explore future industries and emerging careers by engaging directly with the exhibits.
In his congratulatory remarks, Council Speaker Lee Jae-jin said he hoped the event would serve as a catalyst for young people to realize their potential and dreams, just as the subtitle "Pop Up Your Dream" suggests, adding that "you, who will lead AI and future technologies, are the future of Gangnam and of South Korea." He also pledged that the Gangnam-gu Council would spare no effort in building a strong educational environment to help students grow into global talent who lead the digital age.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
