The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is expanding its scope as a citizen-driven event, with contributions from performances, exhibitions, volunteer work, and local businesses.
The organizing committee announced that following the corporate participation event 'BoiM DAY,' local artists, citizens, and small businesses have been supporting the expo in various ways since the Chuseok holiday.
A key citizen participation initiative is the 'CAMPAIGN FOR YEOSU.' This program allows citizens to engage directly in performances and exhibitions, showcasing over ten cultural and artistic programs for free during the Chuseok holiday.
More than 200 individuals participated, including B-boy world champion Yoon Il-ro, former music director of the band Deulgukhwa Park Hwan, trumpeter Lee Hak-gyeong, and former conductor of the Yeosu City Traditional Music Orchestra Son Woong. Local artists and citizens, such as the Yeosu Udo Folk Music Group and Samdong Maegu, also filled the stage.
The art community also contributed, with local artist Kang Jong-yeol donating 12 limited edition artworks depicting the ten scenic views of Yeosu. During the Chuseok holiday, visitors could enter a drawing to receive one of three artworks daily at the Market Island and Open Stage.
Local small businesses also lent their support. Musul Sori Cafe in Dolsan-eup provided drink vouchers to the first 100 visitors to the expo during the Chuseok holiday.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the event's operations. According to the organizing committee, a total of 880 volunteers are active throughout the expo, with about 230 assisting daily in guiding visitors and managing events.
Guides stationed at each exhibition hall explain the exhibition content and the natural and cultural values of the islands, while volunteers assist with visitor navigation and various on-site support.
The citizen participation movement continued with a rally for the successful hosting of the expo held on September 29. Local stakeholders, including the Yeosu Small Business Association, attended the event at the main venue at 5 p.m. to unite efforts for community engagement and participation in the expo.
Jeong Chun-hwan, head of the planning and publicity department of the organizing committee, stated, “The diverse activities of citizens, including cultural performances, talent donations, volunteering, and small business participation, are enhancing the content of the island expo and expanding community involvement. We will do our utmost to ensure that more people can resonate with the values of the islands through this expo.”
Meanwhile, the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo will run until November 4 at the main venue in Dolsan Jinmo District, as well as at the Yeosu World Expo site and the islands of Gaedo and Geumo. The organizing committee plans to continue linking voluntary participation from citizens, local artists, and small businesses to enhance the expo's content and on-site operations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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