'Pre Wando Seaweed Expo' a Hit... Green Light for 2028 Main Event

Over 187,000 Visitors Surpass Target, Major Export Contracts Secured
Enhancing Accessibility and Environmental Management for the 2028 Main Expo

The '2026 Pre Wando International Seaweed Expo', held in Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, achieved blockbuster results, far surpassing its target number of visitors and brightening the outlook for the 2028 main expo. It has been praised for accomplishing two major goals: securing massive export agreements and successfully holding a 'zero-accident expo' with no safety incidents.

According to Wando-gun on May 11, a total of approximately 187,000 visitors attended the expo, which was held for six days from May 2 to May 7. This figure far exceeds the original target of 120,000, once again demonstrating the strength of Wando as the 'number one hub for the seaweed industry.'

The main driver behind the success of this expo was the 'interactive content' that went beyond simple displays. The newly renovated Seaweed Understanding Hall and Theme Hall used media tunnels and immersive visual experiences to effectively convey the ecological value of seaweed.

In particular, programs such as an experience where children could see marine animals they colored move on a screen, the 'Five Senses Touch Pool' where visitors could touch seaweeds like kelp and hijiki, and traditional sea fishing experiences received such a positive response that advance reservations filled up quickly every day.

'Live Ocean', which incorporated advanced technologies such as VR, robots, and drones, was highly praised by families and is planned to continue as a permanent attraction even after the expo.

Achievements in business and academic fields also stood out. At the export consultation event co-hosted by Wando-gun and Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), 39 business agreements totaling USD 21.7 million (approximately KRW 3.18 billion) were signed with buyers from 11 countries, including France, Japan, and China.

Of this, USD 8.22 million (approximately KRW 1.2 billion) led to actual export contracts, delivering tangible results. Additionally, the expo hosted the 'Blue Carbon International Forum' on May 4 and the 'International Seaweed Symposium' on May 6, creating an academic platform to reexamine the value of seaweed in overcoming the climate crisis and to lead the global agenda.

The main driver behind the success of this expo was the 'interactive content' that went beyond simple displays. The newly renovated Seaweed Understanding Hall and Theme Hall used media tunnels and immersive visual experiences to effectively convey the ecological value of seaweed.

In particular, programs such as an experience where children could see marine animals they colored move on a screen, the 'Five Senses Touch Pool' where visitors could touch seaweeds like kelp and hijiki, and traditional sea fishing experiences received such a positive response that advance reservations filled up quickly every day.

'Live Ocean', which incorporated advanced technologies such as VR, robots, and drones, received favorable reviews from families, while achievements in both business and academic fields also stood out. At the export consultation event co-hosted by Wando-gun and Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), 39 business agreements totaling USD 21.7 million (approximately KRW 3.18 billion) were signed with buyers from 11 countries, including France, Japan, and China.

Of this, USD 8.22 million (approximately KRW 1.2 billion) led to actual export contracts, delivering tangible results. Additionally, the expo hosted the 'Blue Carbon International Forum' on May 4 and the 'International Seaweed Symposium' on May 6, creating an academic platform to reexamine the value of seaweed in overcoming the climate crisis and to lead the global agenda.

Despite the success of the event, there remain challenges to address for the 2028 main expo. Accessibility issues for visitors from distant regions such as the Seoul metropolitan area and Yeongnam region, due to geographic limitations, continue to be cited as a major concern. Experts have suggested solutions such as expanding shuttle bus connections to Gwangju Songjeong Station KTX and increasing temporary transportation services.

Additionally, behind the abundant food offerings, the dish collection and waste sorting system was pointed out as somewhat insufficient.

Within the local community, there is a growing call to declare a 'zero waste expo' that aligns with the core themes of 'blue carbon and eco-friendliness,' including the introduction of a deposit-return system and eco-friendly tableware.

The county plans to thoroughly analyze the achievements and limitations of this Pre Expo and make improvements in preparation for the '2028 Wando International Seaweed Industry Expo.'

County Governor Shin Woo-cheol said, "Through this expo, we were able to showcase the value of seaweed blue carbon and future industrial potential such as marine bio to the world, raising Wando's status as a city of the Korean seaweed industry. I would like to thank everyone who visited the expo."