Ulsan's Uljugun announced on the 2nd that AI-powered drones played a key role in ensuring safety during the Ganjeolgot New Year's sunrise event.

Ganjeolgot, where the first sunrise of the year is seen on the Korean Peninsula, is a popular destination for tens of thousands of visitors each year who gather to celebrate the new year. 

Although Uljugun decided to cancel the event this year in respect for the victims of the Jeju Air crash, safety and traffic management were still carried out effectively.

This year, Uljugun deployed drones for crowd control, shuttle bus management, and traffic monitoring near Ganjeolgot. 

They established a drone control center at the Daesong Village Hall, providing 24-hour surveillance with a heli-kite (tethered balloon) and periodic drone surveillance.

The drones were used to count the number of visitors in real time, and for the first time, an AI system was applied to make announcements when large crowds gathered in certain areas. 

Additionally, drones helped manage the shuttle bus service, addressing crowd congestion during the return trip.

As a result of the drone-based monitoring system, there were no safety accidents during the Ganjeolgot New Year's event, and the departure flow of visitors was completed earlier than expected.

Uljugun plans to further enhance the AI system and increase the number of drones to improve safety management for next year's Ganjeolgot New Year's event.

A Uljugun official commented, "We will continue to use drones to ensure that residents and tourists visiting Ganjeolgot can enjoy a safe and comfortable New Year's sunrise celebration."