Most Anticipated Economic Effects of Hosting the World Expo in Busan: Job Creation and More

'KCCI Communication Platform' Survey of 3,945 Citizens
World Expo Hosting Survey
Supportive Comments Continue

Expected Benefits of Hosting in Busan
Economic Effects like Jobs 48.7%
Enhancement of National Recognition 26.6%
Revitalization of Local Economy 19.5%

Source: Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] As the competition to host the '2030 World Expo,' a registered exposition considered one of the world's three major mega-events alongside the World Cup and the Olympics, heats up, a survey has revealed that South Koreans most expect economic benefits such as jobs, consumption, and tourism from hosting the World Expo in Busan.

On the 20th, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced that these results came from a survey conducted over two weeks starting from the 3rd of this month on the KCCI communication platform under the theme "How should we proceed with hosting the 2030 World Expo in Busan?"

When asked about the most anticipated effects of hosting the Expo in Busan, the public responded with "economic benefits such as jobs, consumption, and tourism" (48.7%). This was followed by "enhancing Korea's recognition through the spread of Hallyu and promotion of technological prowess" (26.6%), "laying the foundation for regional economic revitalization through infrastructure investment" (19.5%), and "participation experiences such as visiting the Expo" (5.2%).

Hosting the World Expo, One of the World's Three Major Mega-Events... Need to Unite the Entire Nation's Strength

South Korea has previously hosted two mid-sized specialized expos called "recognized expos" in Daejeon in 1993 and Yeosu in 2012, but has never hosted a large-scale registered exposition. To host the World Expo expected to attract 34.8 million visitors from over 200 countries worldwide over six months starting May 2030 (estimated by Busan city), Busan is currently competing with Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Rome (Italy).

If Busan succeeds in its bid at the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) General Assembly held in Paris, France, in November 2023, South Korea will become the seventh country to have hosted all three major global mega-events.

The survey showed that 55.5% of respondents were "well aware" of Busan's bid for the World Expo, indicating high public interest. However, 11.7% nationwide responded that they were "completely unaware," with the rate more than twice as high outside the Yeongnam region (15.4%) compared to within Yeongnam (6.3%), highlighting the need for nationwide promotion.

Source: Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Busan's Competitive Edge: Global Maritime Logistics Hub, MICE, and Tourism Infrastructure

When asked about Busan's strengths compared to competing countries, respondents cited "a world-class maritime logistics hub" (41.7%) and "excellent MICE and tourism infrastructure" (41.6%), reflecting public expectations and confidence in Busan's status as a Northeast Asian maritime center and tourist city.

The KCCI communication platform survey also saw nearly 3,500 supportive comments and active discussions on what efforts are needed to secure Busan's hosting rights.

Notably, 40.7% of respondents emphasized the need to "strengthen promotion using various media," with suggestions for participatory promotions such as global challenges using social networking services (SNS) and virtual Expo experiences utilizing the metaverse standing out. This was followed by calls for nationwide support and interest (19.9%), highlighting Busan's competitiveness (16.3%), and expanding government investment in infrastructure (11.2%).

Park Dong-min, Secretary-General of the Busan World Expo Bid Support Private Committee, stated, "Public support and enthusiasm for hosting the Expo are crucial checkpoints for the inspection team scheduled for March next year," adding, "We earnestly ask for the active support and participation of our citizens so that the essential 2030 World Expo for the nation's future can be held in Busan."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.