According to the latest “Drone Industry Survey 2024” conducted by KIAST (Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology), the South Korean drone market reached an estimated value of 376 million USD. In terms of use, 40% is attributed to agriculture/spraying, 28% to photo/video, 17% to measurement and surveying, and 12% to education. According to statistics from the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Korea, Korean drone exports reached 25 million USD in 2025, with the main markets being the UAE, USA, Uzbekistan, Germany, and Singapore. In the export structure, complete drones (including vertical take-off and landing UAVs) accounted for 84%, services (e.g., inspection activities) for 13%, and the remainder for components and software.

Given the strong emphasis the Korean government places on the use of unmanned systems and related programs, Czech companies can find opportunities especially in:

1. Low-altitude traffic management (UTM) – e.g., software modules and integration such as route planning, conflict resolution, interfaces with ATM/ANSP; cybersecurity and data integrity such as encryption, audit trails, monitoring centers; testing and simulation tools.
2. Infrastructure projects – e.g., slot reservations, ground control, safety sensors.
3. Transport services and smart logistics – e.g., payload/cargo safety, autonomous charging, fleet and mission management, retail solutions including cold chain and traceability.

Drone Show Korea is one of the largest Asian exhibitions dedicated to unmanned technologies, held annually in Busan. The fair grows in size every year, and this year’s eleventh edition was historically the largest—318 companies and organizations from 23 countries showcased their technologies across 1,200 booths. Visitors saw the latest drone technologies in defense, security, geospatial mapping, aviation, space, and smart city applications. Major industry players such as KAI, Doosan Mobility, Korean Air, LIG, and Pablo Air presented their latest innovations. Korean Air showcased a subsonic unmanned aircraft developed in cooperation with Anduril Industries, LIG Nex1 presented AI-controlled drone-swarming technologies, and Doosan Mobility Innovation displayed a hydrogen-powered drone capable of flying for more than 120 minutes even at −20°C.

Czech solutions hold a strong position in this demanding segment, as demonstrated by the traditionally high participation of Czech companies at the event. This year, five companies from the UAV Alliance drone association were present: Mejzlik, Workswell, Dronetag, 3L Robotics, MGM Compro. The Czech national booth, organized by CzechInvest and CzechTrade offices in Korea, was also supported by Ambassador Ivan Jančárek.

Additional important information regarding imports into Korea can be found at the links below:

1. Korea Drone Industry Promotion Association: https://www.kodipa.org/
2. Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology: https://www.kiast.or.kr/en/index.do
3. Drone Portal: https://www.droneportal.or.kr/

If interested, Czech companies may contact the Commercial Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Seoul at: Seoul.Commerce@mzv.gov.cz

Jakub Kopecký, Economic Diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Seoul