The 2026 Yeo-su World Island Expo transformed into a gathering place for over 5,000 citizens. Residents of Yeo-su, who have made the islands and sea their home, came together to share their vision for the future and enjoy a variety of cultural events.
The organizing committee for the 2026 Yeo-su World Island Expo reported that the '2026 Yeo-su Citizen's Day' celebration took place on October 15 at the main stage in the Jindo area of Yeo-su, attracting 5,000 citizens and visitors.
This year's Citizen's Day moved away from a protocol-centered format to a festival style, allowing citizens to take the stage and participate in various activities. This approach not only expanded citizen involvement but also aimed to boost local tourism in conjunction with the expo.
Starting at 2 p.m., a singing contest featuring representatives from various neighborhoods energized the atmosphere. A challenge program combining group photo sessions and a roulette game was held in front of the theme island, while treasure hunts took place throughout the expo grounds.
Participants also had the opportunity to explore exhibition halls and facilities themed around the islands while engaging in various experiential programs.
The official ceremony, which began at 5 p.m., featured performances by children and the Yeo-su City Choir and Traditional Music Ensemble. The ceremony included the presentation of the Citizen of the Year award, the entrance of flags from 27 neighborhoods, and a performance wishing for the attraction of public institutions, capturing the attention of attendees.
Notably, the performance wishing for the attraction of public institutions turned Citizen's Day into a platform for affirming a collective commitment to regional development rather than just a commemorative event.
As dusk fell, the 'Yeo-su Citizen's Night' event featured a quiz for citizens, cheering videos, and performances by DJ Chundi and the Alice Dance Team.
Following that, trot singer Park Gu-yoon and artists Kyung-seo and Jo Sung-mo took the stage for a celebratory performance that spanned generations. The event concluded with a fireworks display against the backdrop of Yeo-su's night sea, marking the grand finale of the Citizen's Day festival.
Local tourism businesses also participated in the event. Five companies, including Aqua Planet Yeo-su, Yeo-su Maritime Cable Car, U-World Luge Theme Park, Yeo-su Romantic Sea Yacht, and Nocktemare Media Art, offered special discounts ranging from 15% to 50% on that day.
The aim was to extend the tourist routes of visitors to major local attractions, thereby stimulating the regional economy.
The festive atmosphere will continue through the weekend. The opening ceremony for 'Cultural Month 2026' on October 17 at the expo will feature a K-POP special concert with performances by Seodo Band, Zaianti, and Solar, along with a fireworks show.
The closing ceremony for Cultural Month on October 19 at the main stage will showcase performances by Jeon Yu-jin, Kim Da-hyun, and Mentor Crew.
Jeong Chun-hwan, head of the planning and publicity department of the organizing committee, stated, "On Citizen's Day, many citizens and visitors came together at the expo, confirming the significance of a festival created by the citizens and the community. I hope everyone enjoys the autumn of Yeo-su, where the islands and sea harmonize, during the weekend's Cultural Month events."
Meanwhile, the 2026 Yeo-su World Island Expo, themed 'Connecting Islands, Seas, and the Future,' opened on September 5 and will run for 61 days until November 4. Exhibitions, experiences, and cultural performances showcasing the ecological, cultural, and future values of the islands are being held at the main venue in the Jindo area, as well as at the Yeo-su World Expo site and the islands of Gaedo and Geumo.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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