The success of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo should not be judged solely by attendance numbers.
The theme of the expo is 'Islands, Connecting the Sea and the Future.'
Yeosu is home to 365 islands. This expo should serve as a starting point to transform the islands, previously overshadowed by land tourism, into a new pillar of Yeosu tourism, rather than just a one-time event that attracts visitors to exhibition halls in the Jindo area.
The direct budget for the expo is reported to be 71.3 billion won, comprising 6.4 billion won from the national government, 15.3 billion won from the provincial government, 37.6 billion won from the city, and 12 billion won from business revenues. Including related projects such as road maintenance and tourism and cultural programs, the total budget is expected to be even larger.
Given the significant public funds involved, critical scrutiny is warranted.
□ Aiming for 3 million visitors: A realistic perspective is needed
The organizing committee has set a target of 3 million visitors. However, only 41,446 people attended in the first three days, raising concerns about the initial turnout. The average daily attendance of about 13,800 falls significantly short of the numbers needed to reach the 3 million goal.
Thus, using the term 'successful event' at this stage may be premature.
Conversely, declaring the expo a 'failure' just a week after its opening would also be excessive.
In response to early criticisms, the organizing committee has enhanced performances and experiential programs, with reports indicating a shift in the atmosphere by the second weekend. Following a weekly concert on the 12th, cooking shows, traditional performances, dance, and creative dance dramas on the 13th have been implemented to increase visitor engagement.
It is essential to recognize both the initial missteps and the ongoing adjustments being made on-site.
□ The expo is more than just the main venue
A more pressing issue lies outside the main venue.
Promotional materials for the expo describe Geodo and Geomundo as 'Slow Healing Islands' and 'Emotional Trekking Islands,' respectively.
On Geodo, activities such as camping, art exhibitions, wellness programs, and island spot tours are being offered, while Geomundo connects trekking with island tourism. The organizing committee is also running programs to move visitors from the main venue to the actual islands.
During the expo, shuttle buses will operate 30 on weekdays and 45 on weekends, with plans to increase to 60 on busy weekends and up to 100 reserve vehicles if necessary. A total of 11 routes connecting the mainland and islands have been established.
Ultimately, the key to success lies in how effectively the expo can move visitors from the venue to the islands. If attendees leave Yeosu after just a few hours at the exhibition hall, the term 'Island Expo' may fall short of its promise.
Conversely, if the expo encourages visitors to spend a night on Geodo, hike the trails of Geomundo, enjoy meals prepared by local residents, and return to Yeosu, the 61-day event could have lasting benefits.
□ Criticism should be turned into an asset for the expo
The organizing committee's response strategy is also noteworthy.
In response to early media reports regarding content issues related to the theme islands, the future island content, and operational problems on Geodo, the committee released official explanations.
Regarding the vessels at Gukdong Port, the committee clarified that they are not simply abandoned waste but are subject to preservation and seizure measures, making their removal difficult. They also stated that the Geodo camping site operates with 68 sites and that the grassy area is an open relaxation space, not a permanent program area.
However, not all controversies have been resolved.
From the visitor's perspective, aesthetics and convenience take precedence over legal explanations. Even if the administrative agency's explanations are accurate, if tourists at an international event feel inconvenienced or find the attractions lacking, that remains a problem the expo must address.
Instead of merely countering criticisms, the focus should be on making tangible changes on-site.
In this regard, the immediate expansion of performances and experiential programs to increase visitor engagement is commendable.
□ The real test begins after November 4
The expo concludes on November 4.
However, Yeosu's islands will not disappear that day.
In fact, the true evaluation of the expo will begin after that date.
While the number of attendees during the event is important, it is equally crucial to assess how many tourists return to Yeosu's islands, including Geodo and Geomundo, after the expo, the changes in residents' income and employment, and the improvements in transportation and tourism infrastructure.
On the weekend of the 13th, the Yeosu World Island Expo presented a scene that was difficult to describe solely based on the online impressions from its opening.
Visitors were engaged, performances were lively, and staff and volunteers filled the venue.
However, the focus now is on what comes next.
Rather than relying on free and group visitors to meet the 3 million target, the expo should leave tourists asking, 'Did Yeosu really have such islands?'
Among the 365 islands, those highlighted in brochures—Geodo, Nango, Sado, Geomundo, Geomundo, Yeondo, Hahwado, Sonjukdo, Ando, Daeyeojado, Jobaldo, and Chodo—each with unique landscapes and stories, must continue to attract visitors even after the expo.
That is more important than the title of being the world's first.
Will the 71 billion won expo conclude as a 61-day festival, or will it serve as a starting point to connect Yeosu's 365 islands as new tourism assets?
The answer remains to be seen.
The true evaluation of the Yeosu World Island Expo will not begin with the closing ceremony on November 4, but rather from that point onward.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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