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How Far Off Is the Future of Hwaseong? AI Future City, From Caregiving to Space, on Display at COEX

Policy1 min read

Hwaseong City in South Korea will hold an AI expo called MARS 2026 in Seoul from November 3 to 5. It will show AI city technology from 56 companies and groups.

What happened

The city of Hwaseong, south of Seoul, announced an AI expo called 'MARS 2026'. It will be held at COEX in Seoul on November 3 to 5. The theme is 'AI CITY IN ACTION'. The event shows AI tools for cars, factories, daily life, city services, and space. It also discusses how to use AI in factories and government offices.

Key facts

  • 56 companies and groups are taking part.
  • 31 of them are local companies from Hwaseong.
  • The expo runs for three days, from November 3 to 5.
  • There are 5 main areas: mobility, manufacturing, daily life, city operations, and space and aviation.
  • Advance visitor registration is open until December 2. On-site registration costs money.

Some key ideas

Self-driving cars can drive without a human driver in set conditions. Physical AI means robots that can judge and act in the real world. A digital twin is a virtual copy of a real factory or machine, used to test and control it. Level 4 self-driving works only in certain set areas and conditions.

Why it matters

The event shows how cities may use AI in everyday life, from child and elder care to traffic safety. It also helps local companies find partners and investors. Hwaseong wants to become a model for AI-run city services and a hub for space industry.

What to watch

  • The opening talk on November 3 by Professor Sam Richards, on whether Korea can lead the world in AI.
  • The launch of a space industry team and a plan for Hwaseong's space cluster in 2027.
  • An agreement with chip equipment maker Applied Materials (AMAT) on investment and local growth, planned for November 4.
  • Results from the round-table talks on AI in government offices.

Glossary

MARS 2026
An AI expo in Seoul, run by Hwaseong City, from November 3 to 5, 2026.
COEX
A large convention and exhibition center in Seoul where the expo is held.
Physical AI
AI that lets robots judge and act in the real world, not just on screens.

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