Plan to build a port to accommodate large cruise ships and the required infrastructure through the 2012 Yeosu World Expo

City of Yeosu held a closing ceremony on May 7, the last day of the 2007 Yeosu International Tall Ship Festival, in which it proclaimed that Yeosu has become an international marine tour city.

Mayor of Yeosu announced in his proclamation speech, “Yeosu has the optimal settings of the ocean and living organisms as natural resources and is proud to have the history of General Yi Sun Shin and his invention, the turtle ship as part of its historical and cultural traditions. The theme of the Expo, “the living, breathing ocean” is likely to design the city new in the future. The city is planning to redevelop and improve the Marine Tour Complex including the entire new port area, which is going to be the venue for the Expo, Odong Island, and Jasan Park. Finally, it will further promote General Yi’s historical monument, the eleven bridges connecting Yeosu with Goheung, and the dinosaur fossil site.”

He further stated, “The government already has a plan to build a port in Yeosu’s new port region, which will have the capacity to accommodate large cruise ships in the 80,000 ton range. The city is planning to expand the infrastructure though the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, marine sports businesses, and overnight accommodation facilities. The pattern of tours that people will take in the 21st century will show a full expansion of leisure activities in and around the sea as a result of the increasing five-day work week. And compared to other maritime cities around the world, Yeosu will lack nothing with its building facilities and providing equipment and personnel.”

The City of Yeosu, with its maritime infrastructure and natural settings, is going to further develop marketing for marine tours of the city by hosting international events like the International Tall Ship Festival and will thereby accelerate domestic and foreign investment, fostering the city to become a truly international marine tour city.