COEX in Seoul regularly hosts a range of exhibitions and industry fairs, where companies showcase their latest products and services while engaging directly with visitors. Recently, I visited COEX to attend two such events: KOBA 2026 and HVAC KOREA 2026. This article reviews the highlights of both exhibitions.
KOBA 2026
KOBA 2026, 34th Korea International Broadcasting, Media, Audio & Lighting Show, was held in Halls B, C, and D from May 12 to 15. The show featured several broadcasting-related booths, including one operated by KBS (Korean Broadcasting System). The KBS booth displayed several AI-based broadcasting technologies, including AI-generated multilingual subtitles, an AI video analytics system, and an AI anchor avatar. These technologies highlighted the growing integration of AI into media production and broadcasting workflows, with KBS making extensive use of them. The booth also featured the MobED broadcasting robot, developed through a collaboration between KBS and Hyundai Motor Group’s Robotics LAB. Since robotics is related to my major, I was especially interested in this display. As a Mechanical System Design Engineering major, I was particularly interested in observing the robot move over obstacles, demonstrating its stability and mobility. KBS also showcased AI-based K-content and data-casting services for mobility, including location-based services that provide customized disaster information using high-precision positioning technology. These technologies suggest potential applications in public safety and mobility services.
HVAC KOREA 2026

The booth of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH)
HVAC KOREA 2026 took place from May 13 to 15 in Hall A and THE PLATZ at COEX. The exhibition focused on HVAC, plumbing, and MEP systems. It showcased heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems, tanks and pumps, piping and valves, fire protection systems, and related materials. The Korea Land Housing Corporation (LH) stood out to me for its presentation of AI-based smart housing technologies aimed at creating sustainable residential environments. The LH booth featured an AI·Smart Special Exhibition Zone consisting of three sections: LH Housing and Urban History Zone, Intelligent Carbon-Neutral Facilities, and Smart Housing Services. The Smart Integrated Piping System delivers heat directly to individual households and allows indoor spaces to warm quickly. Thanks to intensive heat exchange during hot water use, the system enables a continuous supply of warm water. Another highlight was the air-source heat pump boiler, which integrates with SmartThings-based platforms to offer personalized services and remote maintenance through SmartThings Pro. The system features real-time monitoring through a touch display and provides high efficiency with a large-capacity heat exchanger. It uses R32 refrigerant, which reduces environmental impact while maintaining stable heating performance even at low outdoor temperatures. Observing actual equipment and watching short video explanations at the LH booth helped me better understand how the concepts I studied are applied in real industries.
Impressions of the COEX Exhibitions
Attending KOBA 2026 provided valuable insight into how AI is transforming broadcasting and media production, which was especially meaningful as a reporter for The SeoulTech, a student press and broadcasting organization. HVAC KOREA 2026 was a rewarding experience because it allowed me to explore technologies directly related to my major by engaging with industry professionals and examining real equipment. Together, these exhibitions connected my academic studies and media interests with current industry practices. I hope more students take the opportunity to visit exhibitions at COEX and broaden their perspectives for their majors and future careers.
Reporter
Siyeon Oh
cinamellow@seoultech.ac.kr
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