Eight teams from South Korea’s national third division drone soccer league competed in Busan on October 31, with strong winds adding difficulty to a tournament built around close-range control, coordinated attacks and fast defensive reactions.
The 5th Busan National Science Museum Director’s Cup National Drone Soccer Tournament was hosted by the Busan National Science Museum and organized by the Korea Drone Soccer Association. Matches took place at the museum’s RC Drone Experience Center, where the teams progressed through a preliminary league before entering the knockout stage.
A difficult day for precision pilots
Wind conditions made aircraft control more demanding during the event, according to Asia Business Daily’s report. The teams nevertheless produced tightly contested games as they sought to decide the final order. Drone soccer players operate ball-shaped aircraft surrounded by protective equipment and attempt to drive them through the opposing team’s goal.
The final awards were distributed as follows:
- Grand prize: Gyo tong dae C, led by team leader Ma Jinyoung
- Gold: Yeongsangdae 26, led by team leader Lee Eunhak
- Silver: Team Rise, led by team leader Kim Yerim
- Bronze: Gyo tong dae D, led by team leader Ma Jinyoung
The total prize pool was 4 million won. The grand-prize winner received 2 million won, while the gold award carried 1 million won. The silver and bronze winners each received 500,000 won.
Competition paired with public access
Unlike a closed racing meet, the Busan event also included a mini drone soccer activity for museum visitors. Participants were able to pilot the aircraft themselves and attempt tasks including scoring goals. That outreach component placed the competition alongside a hands-on introduction to drone technology, rather than treating the tournament solely as a spectator event.
“I hope this event helped raise interest in drone sports”
Kwon Sujin, head of the Science and Culture Division, made the statement in comments reported by Asia Business Daily. The tournament’s organizers presented the event as a way to broaden interest in drone sports and connect science education with an activity requiring both individual piloting ability and coordinated team tactics.
The Busan National Science Museum operates an arena certified by the Korea Drone Soccer Association and uses the venue for national tournaments. The combination of an association-certified playing area, league-level competition and visitor sessions gives the tournament a defined sporting structure while preserving an entry point for people who have not previously flown a drone.
