KT provided the communication environment necessary for safety management at the 'Seoul World Fireworks Festival 2026,' which attracted a crowd of one million people. Among the three major Korean telecommunications companies, KT is the only one operating a commercial 5G Standalone (SA) network.
On the 6th, KT announced that it participated as an official technical sponsor in the fireworks festival held on the 5th and provided communication services applying 'network slicing technology based on 5G SA.' KT operated 25 wireless CCTV cameras equipped with network slicing and transmitted video feeds in real time to a central command room. Additionally, KT distributed 10 emergency contact terminals to safety personnel to support crowd flow management and response to emergency situations.
Network slicing is a technology that divides a single physical communication network into virtual networks by purpose. Similar to operating bus-only lanes on congested roads, it allows for the independent securing of a dedicated communication network for safety management separate from general visitor traffic. As a result, KT was able to monitor crowd density in key areas of the venue and on-site conditions in real time via video feeds at the central command room without building separate dedicated lines. The 10 emergency contact terminals distributed to safety personnel also maintained stable command and communication channels amidst the congestion.
Network slicing is a core technology implemented only in a 5G SA environment where both the core network and base stations are built exclusively for 5G. Currently, KT is the only one among Korea's three mobile carriers operating a commercial 5G SA network. In June, KT also verified the stability of voice and data communication among event staff at the Gwanghwamun World Cup Street cheering site.
Based on the results of this demonstration, KT plans to expand the application of network slicing to various fields requiring stable communication infrastructure, such as large-scale events, industrial sites, and public safety. The company is also considering measures to provide customized network slicing services for corporate and general users.
Oh Tak-kyun, Executive Vice President and Head of KT's Network Strategy Division, stated, "This Seoul World Fireworks Festival was a case that confirmed the operational capabilities of commercial 5G SA network slicing and its potential for public safety utilization." He added, "Moving forward, we will continue to develop customized network services tailored to demand."
Meanwhile, the 'Seoul World Fireworks Festival 2026' was held on the night of the 5th in the Yeouido Han River Park area. The organizers estimated that approximately one million people attended the event.
in TECH
