Gwangju City is taking steps to enhance the forest landscape around the expo site and major roadways ahead of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, which opens in September.
The city has designated the period from August to October as a focused removal phase for kudzu, a fast-growing vine that can damage surrounding trees and disrupt normal growth. The management efforts will concentrate on areas with high visibility, including reforestation sites and roads near the expo venue, the city announced on August 8.
In preparation for the expo, which begins on September 5, the city is prioritizing the maintenance of forest landscapes around the main event area and nearby islands.
So far, 238 hectares of kudzu have been removed from key forest areas around the expo site, including Gaedo and Geumo Island. An additional 80 hectares in priority management areas, such as major roadways, are scheduled for removal by September.
Kudzu is known for its rapid growth and ability to wrap around trees, hindering their growth and damaging the forest landscape. Its growth and spread accelerate during the warm summer months, increasing the risk of damage if not removed in a timely manner.
Gwangju City has allocated 101 billion won this year for a comprehensive kudzu removal project covering a total of 4,295 hectares.
In February, the city established a tailored removal plan and is currently operating a specialized task force consisting of 391 members across 65 teams to respond effectively on-site.
In island areas, the city is adapting its removal strategies to account for different terrain and forest conditions compared to the mainland. The approach combines physical removal by personnel with chemical treatments in necessary areas to prevent the re-spreading of kudzu.
Gwangju City plans to accelerate its maintenance efforts in key visibility areas before the expo opens and will maintain a focused management system through October, when kudzu growth continues.
Kang Shin-hee, head of the Forest Resources Division at Gwangju City, stated, "With climate change accelerating the growth and spread of kudzu, it is crucial to remove it intensively and on time. We will strengthen on-site management to ensure that visitors to the Yeosu World Island Expo can enjoy a pleasant forest landscape."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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