Goodbye Fireworks, Hello Drones: A New Era in the Night Sky

By Dhivyaa S. P.

For decades, fireworks owned the night sky. But today, a new kind of spectacle is stealing the spotlight: the drone light show.

This year, drone performances have become a national attraction from the Han River to Gwangalli Beach, drawing thousands of spectators. One of the most memorable took place on September 7, 2025, at Ttukseom Hangang Park in Seoul. The 2025 Hangang Drone Light Show: “K-Pop Demon Hunters Edition” featured 1,200 synchronized drones recreating characters and scenes from the animated film. The night’s sky became a digital canvas.

Meanwhile in Busan, the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show has become Korea’s first and largest permanent drone performance. On Saturdays, around 1,000 drones rise over Gwangalli Beach, with special shows using up to 2,500 drones, turning the oceanfront into a glowing, dynamic skyline. Seeing a drone show is breathtaking. But flying one yourself? That’s a different thrill.

Thanks to my university, I had the chance to visit Gwangju Drone Park, an experience that wasn’t on my 2025 bucket list but probably should’ve been.

Located along the Yeongsan River, the park includes a drone education center, testing grounds, charging facilities, and a beginner practice zone. A peaceful walking and cycling path surrounds the area, making it a lively place in the evenings as locals enjoy both nature and technology in harmony.

Our visit began with an educational workshop led by Prof. Seo Kwang-Seok of Dongkang University. He introduced us to RTMP (real- time messaging protocol) and demonstrated how to remotely control drones through live video transmission. For many of us, it was the first time to see how software, physics, and flight come together in real time.

Next came the hands-on session. We split into small teams and tested a variety of drones from soccer drones to the DJI Avata FPV and DJI Mavic series.

• Soccer drones are lightweight and designed inside a hollow, cage-like frame. Because of their safe structure, they can bump, roll, and collide without damaging the drone or the pilot, making them perfect for drone sports and beginner training.
• DJI Avata FPV gives a first-person-view flying experience, as if you’re sitting inside the drone. With fast acceleration and agile turning, it feels like high-speed virtual reality but in the real sky.
• DJI Mavic became my personal favorite. Smooth, stable, and easy to control, it captures sharp photos and videos with cinematic quality. We recorded our flights and even took aerial photos together – the kind you usually see only in travel videos.

To end the day, we watched an FPV Smoke Bomb Maximum-Speed Demonstration, followed by a certificate ceremony. Each of us received a Drone Maintenance Control Instructor Level 2 certificate, awarded by the Drone Cultural Control Laboratory under Research Director Seo Kwang-Seok.

Gwangju Drone Park also provides weekend classes at no cost. Below are the available classes.

Basic Experience Class

• Time: Sat. & Sun., 10:00–12:00
• Capacity: 16 people
• Program: Basic drone theory and obstacle flight practice

Drone Beginner Class

• Time: 1st, 3rd, 5th Sat. & Sun., 13:00–15:00
• Capacity: 10 people
• Target: Basic Experience Class graduates
• Program: Sensor drone theory and control education

Aerial Photography Class

• Time: 2nd & 4th Sat. & Sun., 13:00–16:00
• Capacity: 7 people
• Target: Beginner graduates and drone certificate holders
• Program: Drone filming theory, practice, and video editing

For more information, you can visit https:// bukgu.gwangju.kr/drone/

From watching drones light up entire cities to controlling one with my own hands, I learned that drones are not just entertainment. They are education, technology, science, and art combined.

I believe drone light shows will increasingly become a key option for nightlife tourism in cities and at beaches, parks, and festive events. They may not completely replace fireworks overnight, but they are definitely on their way to becoming a mainstream alternative.

PS: DSK (Drone Show Korea) 2026 will take place on February 25–27, 2026, at BEXCO in Busan, bringing together the largest gathering of drone and future mobility experts in Korea. Drone lovers, get ready! This event is built for you!

Cover Photo: Gwangju Drone Park in the Buk-gu area. (Dhivyaa S. P.)