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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World
Vice Minister Ko Ki-dong of the MOIS speaking at the Organizing Committee Inauguration Ceremony
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Vol.
The main exhibition area in Jinmo will feature
a Theme Pavilion and eight exhibition zones,
incorporating immersive technologies such as LED
cube displays, holograms, AR (augmented reality),
interactive media, and miniature models.
At the heart of the Expo is the Theme Pavilion,
which will explore:
- The infinite value of the sea
- The connection between islands and humanity
- Future visions imagined by islands
These stories will come to life in an Immersive
Media Tunnel, providing a multisensor y,
interactive experience.
Each satellite venue will offer tailored experiences: Yeosu City is working closely with the Korea Island
- Gaedo Island will host traditional island culture
programs through its Island & Fishing Village
Culture Center, featuring camping experiences,
trekking events, full-moon parties, and romantic
busking in the evenings.
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“With 365 beautiful islands, Yeosu is uniquely positioned.
-Geumodo Island, known for its spectacular
coastal trails, will offer five trekking routes, each
with activity zones and commemorative medals
for those who complete the course.
- At the Yeosu World Expo site, the 2026 National
Island Day Celebration will be held to foster
community and festivity among island residents.
International events such as the World Island
Cities Conference and International Island
Forums will also be hosted to share Korea’s island
policy innovations with the world.
A Strong Partnership
with the Korea Island Development Institute
Development Institute (KIDI) to jointly conduct
research and develop island-related policies. Since
2022, the city has been building international
networks to link global island issues with the Expo.
than 400 billion KRW in economic ripple ISLAND Scene
World Island Cities Conference and the World Marine
effects. Furthermore, it is expected to help
Industry Symposium 2026 will further enrich the
program.
position Yeosu as a leading city in carbon
neutrality through collaborative efforts
between companies and island residents to
However, we must address accessibility issues and
create sustainable and eco-friendly islands.
outdated infrastructure. We plan to put island residents
at the center of our tourism and policy efforts and hope
to collaborate with other local governments through
joint research and policy proposals.” “Our city of Yeosu was completely transformed
by the 2012 Yeosu Expo. Thanks to the Expo,
the local economy was revitalized, living
A Step Toward a Sustainable Future for Islands conditions improved, and Yeosu became
the center of international marine tourism,
The Yeosu World Island Expo Organizing Committee
attracting 13 million visitors annually.
is a foundation established jointly by Jeollanam-
Through the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo,
do Province and Yeosu City. Governor Kim Yung-
we hope Yeosu will become a model of
rok of Jeollanam-do and Mayor Chung Ki-myung of
desirable, sustainable, and livable islands and
Yeosu are serving as co-chairs, and the committee take another leap forward. We will do our
consists of approximately 60 staff members. After utmost to ensure the success of the Expo.”
completing its inaugural general meeting, submitting
the registration application, and completing the legal
registration procedures, the organizing committee
held its founding meeting and launch ceremony on
December 8 and is preparing for full-scale operations
starting in January 2024. The committee will oversee
the overall planning and implementation of the Expo,
securing and managing funding, identifying revenue
projects, promoting the event, preparing the venue,
curating exhibitions, and managing operations.
The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is expected
to serve as an opportunity to open the door to a
sustainable future for islands. It will present the true
value of islands to the world and showcase future
Perspective drawing of the main venue for the 2026 Yeosu World Island
industrial technologies related to islands, thereby Expo
helping Korea to establish its position as a leading
nation in the global island sector. Through the Expo,
industries related to islands are expected to become
more active, and related infrastructure is anticipated
to expand.
Additionally, Yeosu is expected to gain new growth
momentum through the revitalization of tourism
based on its abundant island resources.
The Expo is projected to attract more than 20 million
visitors, create over 6,000 jobs, and generate more
Location map of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo
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