Official Launch of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo Organizing Committee

World's First 'Island' Theme... Preparation and Overall Management for Successful Hosting

The Organizing Committee for the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo has officially launched.

Jeonnam Province announced that, together with Yeosu City, it held a launch ceremony on the 8th at Yeosu Culture Hall to oversee the preparation and operation for the successful hosting of the Yeosu World Islands Expo, the world's first expo themed on "islands."

At the launch ceremony, about 400 people including Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province and co-chair of the organizing committee, Jeong Ki-myeong, Mayor of Yeosu, Park Soo-kwan, Chairman of YC-TEC, Ko Ki-dong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, island-related organizations, and citizens participated in performances praying for the successful hosting of the Islands Expo.

The Foundation of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo Organizing Committee will be responsible from 2024 for the creation and operation of the expo site, exhibition production, revenue projects, attracting participating countries and visitors, and overall preparation and operation of the international event.

Governor Kim Young-rok said, “The launch ceremony will be a starting point for hosting the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo as a global event, following the successful hosting of mega-events such as the Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo and the National Sports Festival. We will actively support efforts to promote the charm and value of Korea’s islands to the world, making Jeonnam the world capital of islands and Yeosu a world-class marine tourism city.”

The 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo is an international event approved by the Ministry of Economy and Finance in 2021. It will take place in Dolsan-eup Jinmo District, Yeosu Expo Site, and island areas including Gaedo in Hwajeong-myeon and Geumo-do in Nam-myeon. It is expected to attract over 3 million visitors from 30 countries.

Under the theme “Islands, Connecting the Sea and the Future,” the expo is expected to share the value of islands and present sustainable islands as a future growth engine.

The main venue in Dolsan-eup Jinmo District will be designed in the shape of an infinity symbol, symbolizing the infinite value of islands, and will include eight exhibition halls, a special performance hall, and a food court, serving as a space to share the birth and future value of islands.

The expo is preparing to offer an immersive digital exhibition hall that spans all generations by sharing the value and importance of islands and incorporating cutting-edge technology with digital and experiential content.

At the sub-venue, Yeosu World Expo Site, various academic conferences such as the International Islands Forum and the World Islands Cities Conference will be held to present and share the value and vision of islands.

Additionally, in island areas including Gaedo in Hwajeong-myeon and Geumo-do in Nam-myeon, marine sports, family camps, island fishing village culture centers, and Bireong-gil trail explorations will be promoted to create spaces for experiencing traditional island culture, leisure, and wellness.

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