The opening of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is approximately 290 days away, with participation from countries and institutions around the world continuing to increase. So far, 19 entities have confirmed their participation, heightening interest in the world's first island expo.

The Organizing Committee of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo announced on the 12th that it had signed participation agreements (MOUs) with Hiiumaa, Estonia, and the Ionian region of Greece. This brings the total to 18 countries, including France, Madagascar, Peru, Kenya, and the Asia-Pacific Environmental Health Center, that have confirmed their participation.

The Island Expo will be held from September 5 to November 4, 2026, under the theme "Connecting Islands, Seas, and the Future" at Jinmo District, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu City, Yeosu Expo Site, Gaedo, and Geomundo. The organizing committee anticipates participation from 30 countries and expects 3 million visitors. Jo Hyung-geun, Director of Planning at the Organizing Committee, stated, "During the expo, cruise ships from three companies are scheduled to visit Yeosu five times," adding that "as the world's first island expo, it is attracting global attention."

● Coastal Garden Embracing the Southern Sea

The main venue, Jinmo District in Dolsan-eup, Yeosu City (180,000㎡), is being developed into a garden and performance stage reflecting the scenery of the southern coast. Currently, 11% of the construction is complete, with completion expected by July next year. At the center, a 1,600㎡ theme pavilion will be established, surrounded by eight exhibition halls, including the Island Marine Ecology Hall, Island Future Hall, and Island Culture Hall. Each exhibition hall will feature immersive displays utilizing advanced technologies such as media art, allowing visitors to "experience islands without visiting them."

Along the seaside, an "Island Theme Zone" featuring various sculptures will be created. It will present the natural environment, history, and culture of various islands worldwide, such as the white buildings of Santorini, the blue sea of the Maldives, and the stone wall paths of Jeju, in a storytelling format. During the expo, a 3,000-seat outdoor performance venue with the sea as a backdrop will host various performances over 61 days.

At the main venue, 10,680 trees of 106 species, including camellias and nandina, representing the characteristics of the southern coast, will be planted, along with 106,800 flowers of 25 coastal species. Seo Ye-jae, Head of the Forestry Division of Yeosu City, stated, "The main venue will be developed into a coastal garden where the charm of the southern coast can be felt."

The Island Expo will use all 356 islands of Yeosu as exhibition spaces. Among them, Gaedo and Geomundo have been designated as auxiliary venues. The Gaedo Rural Tourism Complex will feature an Island Fishing Village Culture Center, and programs for island camping, marine leisure sports, and fishing village experiences will be operated. Geomundo offers an 18.5km trekking course along coastal cliffs to enjoy the scenic views of the southern sea. During the expo, programs will be held to walk the trails, interact with residents, and experience island life and culture. Another auxiliary venue, the Yeosu Expo Site, will host academic conferences, international forums, and exhibition events.

● Yeosu, a Hot Marine Tourism City

Yeosu City is a leading marine tourism city, surpassing 10 million tourists for four consecutive years. According to the city, as of November 9 this year, Yeosu has attracted approximately 10.37 million tourists, an increase of about 50,000 compared to the same period last year (10.32 million). Yeosu's tourist numbers have shown a steady trend, with 12 million in 2022, 11.44 million in 2023, and 11.53 million last year.

The increase in Yeosu's tourists is attributed to various local festivals, such as the Yeosu Dongdongbuk Festival and the Yeosu Night Sea Fireworks Festival. Jeong Gi-myeong, Mayor of Yeosu, stated, "As a representative marine tourism and leisure city, we are making various efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction."

The Yeosu community is also fervent in its efforts to ensure the successful hosting of the Island Expo. The city designated the week from the 3rd to the 9th as "Citizen Participation Week," during which officials and citizens engaged in various activities to promote the expo and boost tourism. Large-scale events are planned for February 17 and July 17 next year, marking 200 and 50 days until the Island Expo, respectively. Kim Jong-gi, Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee, stated, "The Island Expo will be a valuable time for the world to discover the new value of islands and design the future together in Yeosu."

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