The 2023 World Drone Racing Championship are set to be held in Namwon ©Getty Images

The World Air Sports Federation (FAI) has awarded this year's World Drone Racing Championship to the South Korean city of Namwon.

The event is set to return to North Jeolla Province for the first time since 2019, following a three-year gap due to COVID-19 disruption.

China had held the first two editions of the Championship in Shenzhen in 2018 and Ningbo the following year.

The Chunhyangol Stadium is set to be the venue for competition from October 6 to 9, and feature prize money of $100,000 (£82,000/€92,500).

A series of events have been planned in parallel to the World Drone Racing Championship, including an FAI drone soccer competition, drone conference, music concerts and cultural activities.

A total of of $100,000 (£82,000/€92,500) is available in prize money for the World Drone Racing Championship ©Getty Images
A total of of $100,000 (£82,000/€92,500) is available in prize money for the World Drone Racing Championship ©Getty Images

The FAI Aeromodelling Commission President Antonis Papadopoulos believes South Korea will prove a capable host for the World Championship.

"We are delighted with the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship being held in Korea, knowing this exciting competition has been entrusted to the hands of highly competent and experienced organisers," Papadopoulos said.

"Their ambitious plans to showcase drones in all their variety, competition and otherwise, is promising to be a hit with everyone.

"And I must say, after two years of interruption, we are all impatient to see the world’s best of the best pilots fight for victory.

"This event cannot come soon enough."