2030 World Expo Host City, Busan Leads in a 'Close Race'... Promotion Headquarters Says "Reversal Possible in Remaining 7 Months"
Published 14 Apr.2023 11:27(KST)
Updated 07 Aug.2025 15:39(KST)
Which city will host the 2030 World Expo?
South Korea, which has entered the bidding race, has recently closed the gap with the frontrunner Saudi Arabia following the BIE inspection team’s visit, and there is analysis suggesting that a turnaround is possible in the seven months remaining until the host city is decided.
On the 7th, after the BIE inspection team visited Busan to conduct an on-site inspection of the World Expo candidate site, attention has been focused on the possibility of Busan hosting the Expo. Currently, four countries are competing to host the 2030 World Expo: South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Ukraine.
The Expo Promotion Headquarters explained that while Saudi Arabia, actively negotiating based on oil money, is the biggest rival, Italy’s Rome, with its rich Expo hosting experience and excellent city brand, is also a formidable contender.
They added that Ukraine, which has not given up on bidding despite the war situation, may receive sympathy votes from European countries, making this one of the most intense Expo bidding competitions ever.
South Korea entered the promotional campaign relatively late, and its chances of winning were low as of early last year, but since the Expo bid was selected as a national agenda item and has received focused support, the Promotion Headquarters analyzed that the situation is now neck and neck.
They emphasized their confidence that if the recent inspection yields good results and the remaining negotiations proceed steadily, they can seize the winning momentum by this November.
The recent BIE inspection team evaluated Busan as having everything from hosting site infrastructure to passion for the Expo and civic awareness.
The Expo Promotion Headquarters explained that the inspection team was deeply impressed by the citizens’ enthusiasm, support, and hospitality, repeatedly saying “amazing” upon seeing the crowd welcoming them at Busan Station, and that the meaningful encounters between civic groups and future generations, rather than just large corporations, were significant.
Currently, Busan City has a public campaign strategy to help citizens empathize with and experience the seriousness of climate change related to the Expo’s main and sub-themes, and to understand the Expo as a solution to climate change, thereby eliciting voluntary support and encouragement.
Additionally, on May 24, the Climate Industry International Expo will be held at BEXCO in Haeundae, and in June, the “10th International Conference for Expo Bidding” will be held to showcase the capabilities and sincerity of the 2030 World Expo bid to the world.
An official from the Expo Promotion Headquarters said, “During the inspection period, a nationwide will and enthusiasm for the bid gathered like never seen even during World Cup or Olympic bids, allowing us to show our best side,” and added, “We ask for the continued interest and support of the public until the very end.”
They continued, “There is no event more important than this for our country’s future,” and said, “We have passed the biggest turning point in the Expo bid, and now we must pour everything we have into the remaining seven months until the host city is decided, riding this momentum.”
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