- Using the Island Expo as a catalyst to shift toward stay-based tourism connecting islands, the sea, and the city
- Expanding the tourism ecosystem based on MICE and brand competitiveness… Leaping forward as a global marine tourism city

Yeosu, one of Korea’s leading tourism cities, is placing its islands at the center of its tourism strategy ahead of the '2026 Yeosu World Island Expo' scheduled for this year.

Building on the unique natural environments and cultural resources of its 365 islands, the city plans to expand hands-on and stay-based tourism content. It will also strengthen tourist routes linking the city and the islands, encouraging visitors to naturally travel to and stay on the islands.

In particular, during the Expo, Yeosu plans to offer various exhibition and experiential programs alongside tourism initiatives linked to major islands such as Geumo Island, Nangdo, and Geomundo, operating as a global marine tourism platform.

Attention is focused on whether Yeosu can grow into an international integrated tourism and business destination through this new tourism paradigm connecting islands and the city, introduced via the Island Expo.

● A New Standard for Tourism… Yeosu as a “City to Stay In”
In reality, Yeosu's tourism is already shifting from a "pass-through visit" to "time spent staying," in tandem with the revitalization of island tourism.

Efforts are underway to reorganize the entire Yeosu area into a single tourism zone by linking diverse island resources such as Geumo Island, Nangdo, and Geomundo. The city is evolving into a stay-based tourism destination “completed by its islands,” emphasizing walking, hands-on activities, and relaxation. To this end, Yeosu City is promoting the “Island-Corporate Win-Win Tourism Project” in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization and has launched pilot projects centered on Geumo Island and Nangdo.

Programs such as the Bireong-gil Trail outdoor program, workations, kayaking experiences, and village festivals are transforming these islands into destinations where visitors choose to stay. This is emerging as a prime example of a structural shift in tourism: from experience to consumption, and ultimately to longer stays.

● Expanding Cruise Tourism… Yeosu Connecting with the World
Yeosu is connecting to the world not only through its islands but also through the sea.
In particular, Yeosu is establishing itself as a major port of call on the cruise route departing from Jeju, stopping in Yeosu, and continuing to Shanghai, China.

Recently, the 130,000-ton mega-cruise ship Adora Magic City, carrying approximately 5,000 foreign tourists, called at Yeosu Port, signaling strong prospects for cruise tourism in Northeast Asia.

Visitors toured major attractions such as Jinnamgwan Hall, Yi Sun-sin Square, and Odongdo Island, as well as traditional markets, the 1004 Mural Village (Angel Mural Village), Ungcheon Waterfront Park, and Ungcheon Jangdo Park. As a result, tourist spending generated positive ripple effects across the broader local economy.

To prepare for large-scale cruise arrivals, the city plans to further strengthen its systematic hospitality services, including shuttle bus operations, the installation of tourist information centers, and cultural performances. It also intends to establish a comprehensive traffic and safety management system in cooperation with relevant agencies such as the Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority, police, and fire departments.

● Growth of the MICE Industry… Beyond Tourism to a Business City
For four consecutive years up to this year, Yeosu has ranked No. 1 in the MICE Industry City category of the 'Korea Representative Brand Awards,' demonstrating its competitiveness not only as a cruise destination but also as a business tourism city. This latest award, based on consumer evaluations, once again confirms the reliability and competitiveness of Yeosu’s MICE brand.


Previously, Yeosu City strengthened its capacity to respond to the global MICE market by reinforcing the foundation for attracting international conferences, collaborating with the Korea Tourism Organization and the Jeonnam Tourism Foundation, and building networks with overseas travel agencies. As a result, the city attracts around 1,200 MICE events annually, generating an estimated KRW 90 billion in economic ripple effects for the local economy.

A city official stated, “Using the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo as a catalyst, we will further strengthen the foundation for stay-based tourism by organically linking the islands, sea, and urban resources that Yeosu possesses.” The official added, “We will continue to foster both cruise tourism and the MICE industry so that Yeosu can leap forward as a global integrated marine tourism city representing Korea.”