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Islands of Korea, Islands of the World “With 365 beautiful islands, Yeosu is uniquely positioned. 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
position Yeosu as a leading city in carbon
program.
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outdated infrastructure.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
Vice Minister Ko Ki-dong of the MOIS speaking at the Organizing Committee Inauguration Ceremony
registration procedures, the organizing committee
held its founding meeting and launch ceremony on
02 December 8 and is preparing for full-scale operations
Vol. starting in January 2024. The committee will oversee
The main exhibition area in Jinmo will feature -Geumodo Island, known for its spectacular
the overall planning and implementation of the Expo,
a Theme Pavilion and eight exhibition zones, coastal trails, will offer five trekking routes, each
securing and managing funding, identifying revenue
incorporating immersive technologies such as LED with activity zones and commemorative medals
projects, promoting the event, preparing the venue,
cube displays, holograms, AR (augmented reality), for those who complete the course.
curating exhibitions, and managing operations.
interactive media, and miniature models.
- At the Yeosu World Expo site, the 2026 National
The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is expected
At the heart of the Expo is the Theme Pavilion, Island Day Celebration will be held to foster
to serve as an opportunity to open the door to a
which will explore: community and festivity among island residents.
sustainable future for islands. It will present the true
- The infinite value of the sea International events such as the World Island
value of islands to the world and showcase future
- The connection between islands and humanity Cities Conference and International Island Perspective drawing of the main venue for the 2026 Yeosu World Island
industrial technologies related to islands, thereby Expo
- Future visions imagined by islands Forums will also be hosted to share Korea’s island
helping Korea to establish its position as a leading
policy innovations with the world.
nation in the global island sector. Through the Expo,
These stories will come to life in an Immersive
industries related to islands are expected to become
Media Tunnel, providing a multisensor y,
more active, and related infrastructure is anticipated
interactive experience. A Strong Partnership
to expand.
with the Korea Island Development Institute
Each satellite venue will offer tailored experiences: Yeosu City is working closely with the Korea Island Additionally, Yeosu is expected to gain new growth
- Gaedo Island will host traditional island culture Development Institute (KIDI) to jointly conduct momentum through the revitalization of tourism
programs through its Island & Fishing Village research and develop island-related policies. Since based on its abundant island resources.
Culture Center, featuring camping experiences, 2022, the city has been building international
trekking events, full-moon parties, and romantic networks to link global island issues with the Expo. The Expo is projected to attract more than 20 million
busking in the evenings. visitors, create over 6,000 jobs, and generate more
Location map of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo
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