Explore the Expo
Introduction to Sacheon Aerospace Expo Exhibition Zones & Featured Highlights Visitor Experience & Practical Guide📍 Venue: Sacheon Airport & Aerospace Industrial Complex
🚀 Key Events: Air Shows, Drone Races, Satellite Demos, VR Simulations, STEM Classes
Introduction to Sacheon Aerospace Expo
The Sacheon Aerospace Expo stands at the forefront of Korea's high-tech future, serving as the nation’s premier aerospace exhibition and experiential event. Held in the city of Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, the Expo has consistently drawn international attention for its fusion of aviation displays, space exploration showcases, and hands-on technology experiences. With a focus on innovation, national defense, and public engagement, the event brings together world-class aerospace corporations, government agencies, and research institutions. Sacheon itself is no stranger to flight — it houses Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the hub of Korea's advanced aircraft development. That heritage is reflected in every part of the Expo, from fighter jet displays to educational drone workshops. The Expo’s mission is threefold: to promote Korea’s aerospace leadership, to foster youth interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and to boost regional tourism through high-tech spectacle. Unlike typical trade shows, the Sacheon Aerospace Expo is deeply participatory. Visitors don’t just watch—they interact, explore, and learn. The result is a festival atmosphere where families, students, professionals, and global travelers can all find something captivating. With Korea's push toward lunar missions and satellite industries, the Expo also reveals a vision of space that is no longer fantasy. From Mars rover replicas to simulated orbital stations, the show gives a real glimpse into the technologies shaping tomorrow's missions. The event’s reputation has grown significantly over the years. What began as a regional defense exhibition has become a key player in the Asia-Pacific aerospace calendar. 2025 promises to be the most ambitious iteration yet, with enhanced international cooperation, state-of-the-art exhibitions, and digital integration through AR apps and live streaming content.
Exhibition Zones & Featured Highlights
The Sacheon Aerospace Expo is divided into various thematic zones, each highlighting a major aspect of modern aerospace innovation. These include defense applications, commercial aviation, space science, drone tech, and educational exhibits.
1. Aerospace Technology Pavilion
Home to KAI, Hanwha Systems, LIG Nex1, and other major players, this hall showcases advanced aircraft like the KF-21 fighter jet, Light Civil Helicopter (LCH), satellite navigation systems, smart avionics, and advanced propulsion engines.
2. Space Exploration Zone
This is where future vision meets scientific reality. On display: Korean satellite deployment systems, lunar lander prototypes, and interactive models of Earth observation tools. Visitors can explore a simulated space control center and even “walk” in space via VR suits.
3. Drone and UAV Arena
A visitor favorite, this open-air and indoor space allows live demonstrations of drone technologies in agriculture, logistics, and defense. Daily drone races and hands-on drone building workshops make this a must-visit for hobbyists and kids alike.
4. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Showcase
Korea is actively developing flying taxis and eVTOL aircraft. Here you’ll find scale models, urban route simulations, infrastructure plans, and demonstrations of how smart cities will integrate airborne public transport by 2035.
5. Air Show Theater
The Black Eagles Aerobatic Team headlines this year’s daily shows with incredible aerial choreography. Accompanied by international pilots and high-speed flyovers, this spectacle is enhanced with pyrotechnics and night light drone formations.
6. Education & Innovation Lab
Young visitors can engage in 3D printing sessions, aerodynamics workshops, AI drone coding challenges, and flight simulator games. College and university booths also offer career counseling and STEM outreach activities.
7. Aerospace History Gallery
A timeline of Korea’s aerospace journey — from WWII-era aircraft to the KSLV-II Nuri rocket — is documented with restored models, flight uniforms, and archival videos. Perfect for visitors wanting context and history. Each zone is equipped with interactive displays, bilingual signage (Korean/English), and guided tours. Mobile apps help you locate exhibits, schedule activities, and even join quizzes and treasure hunts across the venue.
Visitor Experience & Practical Guide
Attending the Sacheon Aerospace Expo is both exhilarating and informative, whether you're a family with kids or an aerospace engineer. Here are some helpful tips and highlights to make the most of your visit:
👟 Getting Around: The expo grounds are vast, spanning both the public exhibition zones and restricted areas (open during guided tours). Shuttle buses run from Sacheon Station and major hotels.
🛬 Accessibility: The event is friendly to visitors with disabilities, including ramps, assistance booths, and priority viewing zones for air shows.
🎟 Tickets: Admission is free for students and Sacheon residents. General tickets can be reserved online via the official website. Premium access passes include guided hangar tours and pilot meet-and-greets.
🧃 Amenities: Food courts, themed cafes (such as “Zero-G Coffee”), and STEM pop-up shops are available. Rest zones and free water refill stations are distributed throughout the grounds.
🌤 Weather: October in Sacheon is typically cool and clear, but as much of the event is outdoors, sunblock, hats, or light jackets are recommended.
📱 Digital Guide: Download the official Sacheon Aerospace Expo mobile app for maps, schedules, AR experiences, QR code check-ins, and digital souvenirs.
🔭 Don’t Miss: - The Night Drone Show – A luminous ballet of synchronized drones set to music. - The Satellite Control Center Replica – Hands-on interaction with mock control systems. - AI Pilot Challenge – A game zone where you fly virtual aircraft against AI opponents. - Youth Science Fair – School students present real aerospace research in a friendly competition. Whether you're dreaming of becoming a pilot, studying aerospace engineering, or just looking to marvel at human innovation, the Sacheon Aerospace Expo delivers an unforgettable experience.