Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea: A Special Encounter[part1]
- Date
- 2024.12.09 10:38
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- 한설희
[Part 1: The Unique Essence of Islands and the Aspirations of Yeosu Citizens]
The Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea will be held in Yeosu, South Korea, from September 5 to November 4, 2026. The two-month event will highlight the theme Connecting Islands, Oceans, and the Future.
This event will take place in Yeosu, one of South Korea’s most renowned tourist destinations and a city famous for its culinary excellence. Yeosu’s status as the world’s first international exhibition dedicated entirely to islands has already sparked significant curiosity and anticipation.
Islands are not only challenging to access but are also valued for their biodiversity, cultural diversity, strategic geographic importance, and growing significance in the context of climate change. These factors enhance their global importance today.
With less than two years remaining, the Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea will present its themes in two parts. (Part 1: The Unique Essence of Islands and the Aspirations of Yeosu Citizens / Part 2: Traveling the Waters of Yeosu and Connecting 11 Islands through the Eleven Bridges.
▶The Pristine Natural Beauty of Islands
Islands have long been regarded as remote and difficult to access. Ironically, this inaccessibility has allowed them to preserve their natural ecosystems and unique cultural traditions.
For instance, Yeosu’s Ando Island contains numerous prehistoric shell middens left by ancient humans. Similarly, Jeju Island is recognized for its distinct mythology, language, and stone-based culture.
Similar examples can be found around the world. Santorini in Greece continues to preserve its architectural and philosophical heritage, linking ancient and modern times.
The Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea offers an excellent opportunity to experience the unique cultures of islands from around the world.
▶ Myths and Legends Created by Islanders, Now as Musicals
Islands, untouched by modern conveniences, have given rise to stories, cultures, and legends that remain disconnected from the progress of the modern world.
Yeosu’s islands are home to countless passed-down tales, with 45 legends from 23 islands standing out as widely recognized.
Some of these include The Witch’s Neck from Geado, The Deer Ranch from Geumodo, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin and Bamboo from Odongdo, which will be adapted into musicals at the Expo.
Visitors will also have the chance to learn about the lives, values, and unique cultures of islanders.
The World Island Food Festival, featuring a wide range of island cuisines with diverse flavors, is expected to be a major attraction for visitors.
▶ Cutting-Edge Technology of the AI Era: Experiencing Islands via UAM
The Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea will not only showcase the unique beauty of islands but will also feature advanced technologies suited for the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
State-of-the-art features such as immersive media tunnels, LED graphic displays, and augmented reality (AR) experiences will be fully integrated into the Expo. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience through Urban Air Mobility (UAM), offering aerial views of the islands from above.
Although UAM is still in its testing phase and its implementation is not yet guaranteed, the thought of flying over islands and admiring their beauty from the sky is enough to spark excitement and anticipation.
▶ Yeosu Citizens’ Hope and Belief in Another Leap Forward
Beyond the unique aspects previously mentioned, Yeosu citizens hold a special perspective on the upcoming Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea.
While this Expo may be smaller in scale compared to the 2012 Yeosu World Expo in terms of budget, duration, and overall size, citizens see it as another opportunity for significant progress and growth.
Having already successfully hosted a world-class Expo, Yeosu is determined to ensure that the Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea is another success, further solidifying its reputation as South Jeolla Province’s leading city and a premier maritime hub on the southern coast.
Jeong Gi-myeong, the Chairperson of the Expo Organizing Committee and Mayor of Yeosu, recently inspected the Jinmo District alongside city and committee officials, where construction of the main venue is actively underway.
During the visit, Mayor Jeong remarked, “The unique experiences awaiting visitors at the Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea inspire a profound sense of responsibility. Please ensure preparations are meticulous and nothing is overlooked.”
The Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea will be held in Yeosu, South Korea, from September 5 to November 4, 2026. The two-month event will highlight the theme Connecting Islands, Oceans, and the Future.
This event will take place in Yeosu, one of South Korea’s most renowned tourist destinations and a city famous for its culinary excellence. Yeosu’s status as the world’s first international exhibition dedicated entirely to islands has already sparked significant curiosity and anticipation.
Islands are not only challenging to access but are also valued for their biodiversity, cultural diversity, strategic geographic importance, and growing significance in the context of climate change. These factors enhance their global importance today.
With less than two years remaining, the Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea will present its themes in two parts. (Part 1: The Unique Essence of Islands and the Aspirations of Yeosu Citizens / Part 2: Traveling the Waters of Yeosu and Connecting 11 Islands through the Eleven Bridges.
▶The Pristine Natural Beauty of Islands
Islands have long been regarded as remote and difficult to access. Ironically, this inaccessibility has allowed them to preserve their natural ecosystems and unique cultural traditions.
For instance, Yeosu’s Ando Island contains numerous prehistoric shell middens left by ancient humans. Similarly, Jeju Island is recognized for its distinct mythology, language, and stone-based culture.
Similar examples can be found around the world. Santorini in Greece continues to preserve its architectural and philosophical heritage, linking ancient and modern times.
The Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea offers an excellent opportunity to experience the unique cultures of islands from around the world.
▶ Myths and Legends Created by Islanders, Now as Musicals
Islands, untouched by modern conveniences, have given rise to stories, cultures, and legends that remain disconnected from the progress of the modern world.
Yeosu’s islands are home to countless passed-down tales, with 45 legends from 23 islands standing out as widely recognized.
Some of these include The Witch’s Neck from Geado, The Deer Ranch from Geumodo, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin and Bamboo from Odongdo, which will be adapted into musicals at the Expo.
Visitors will also have the chance to learn about the lives, values, and unique cultures of islanders.
The World Island Food Festival, featuring a wide range of island cuisines with diverse flavors, is expected to be a major attraction for visitors.
▶ Cutting-Edge Technology of the AI Era: Experiencing Islands via UAM
The Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea will not only showcase the unique beauty of islands but will also feature advanced technologies suited for the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
State-of-the-art features such as immersive media tunnels, LED graphic displays, and augmented reality (AR) experiences will be fully integrated into the Expo. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience through Urban Air Mobility (UAM), offering aerial views of the islands from above.
Although UAM is still in its testing phase and its implementation is not yet guaranteed, the thought of flying over islands and admiring their beauty from the sky is enough to spark excitement and anticipation.
▶ Yeosu Citizens’ Hope and Belief in Another Leap Forward
Beyond the unique aspects previously mentioned, Yeosu citizens hold a special perspective on the upcoming Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea.
While this Expo may be smaller in scale compared to the 2012 Yeosu World Expo in terms of budget, duration, and overall size, citizens see it as another opportunity for significant progress and growth.
Having already successfully hosted a world-class Expo, Yeosu is determined to ensure that the Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea is another success, further solidifying its reputation as South Jeolla Province’s leading city and a premier maritime hub on the southern coast.
Jeong Gi-myeong, the Chairperson of the Expo Organizing Committee and Mayor of Yeosu, recently inspected the Jinmo District alongside city and committee officials, where construction of the main venue is actively underway.
During the visit, Mayor Jeong remarked, “The unique experiences awaiting visitors at the Expo 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea inspire a profound sense of responsibility. Please ensure preparations are meticulous and nothing is overlooked.”
