"Seaweed as the Game Changer"... '2026 Pre Wando International Seaweed Expo' to Be Held

Wando County, led by County Governor Shin Woo-cheol, announced on April 10 that it will host the '2026 Pre Wando International Seaweed Expo' under the theme 'Climate Leader! The Seaweed Opening the Future of the Sea' from May 2 to May 7 at Wando Beach Park and the Marine Healing Center.

As one of the main events of the expo, the 'Wando International Seaweed Symposium' will be held over two days, from May 6 to 7, at the Chosun University Marine Biological Research and Education Center. Organized by Wando County and hosted by the Korean Phycological Society, the symposium aims to explore strategies for the development of the seaweed industry and promote academic exchange.

Wando County will host the '2026 Pre-Wando International Seaweed Expo' under the theme 'Climate Leader! The Sea Future Opened by Seaweed.' Provided by Wando County

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The event is expected to draw over 300 participants, including domestic and international phycology researchers, seaweed industry stakeholders, government officials, representatives from related organizations, and fishermen.

In particular, the symposium will feature in-depth discussions, as experts from academia and industry share recent research accomplishments on major topics in algae research. The sessions will also address the current status and future directions of bioenergy technology development utilizing seaweed, setting new standards and directions for the related industry.

On the first day of the symposium, keynote speeches will be delivered by Dr. Alan Critchley from Canada and Professor Kim Seungdo from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

Subsequent presentations will cover a wide range of topics, including: domestic and international research trends for Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) certification of seaweed blue carbon; international cooperation for the certification of new carbon sinks; the development of high-temperature-resistant (subtropical) aquaculture species for climate change adaptation; strategies for the coexistence of traditional coastal aquaculture and smart aquaculture (land-based and offshore); and the potential use of seaweed biomass in climate technology applications.

In addition, the symposium will discuss the development of new seaweed-based industries, such as bioplastics and biogas, cultured and alternative meats, feed for ruminants, fish, and abalone, as well as fertilizers utilizing bioactive compounds. Presentations will also address pressing on-site issues, such as the impact of climate change and the increase in harmful algae on production.

The Seaweed Expo Organizing Committee is also preparing a site visit program for overseas speakers attending the symposium, allowing them to directly observe Wando's excellent seaweed and abalone aquaculture farms.

County Governor Shin Woo-cheol stated, "This will be a meaningful opportunity to share the policies Wando County has been pioneering, such as climate change response and blue carbon certification for seaweed, and to engage in in-depth discussions on the direction of the seaweed industry. I hope that fishermen and related organizations will show great interest and participate together."

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