The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, showcasing the ecology, culture, and future of islands from around the globe, is preparing for its final days, with just 15 days left until its conclusion.
The expo features a variety of programs, including an international exchange exhibition with participation from 17 local governments worldwide, rare cycad flowers, nighttime performances by the sea, and a fireworks festival, drawing the attention of autumn tourists.
According to the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo Organizing Committee, the expo, which opened on September 5, will run until November 4 at the main venue in the Jinnam District of Yeosu, as well as at the Yeosu World Expo site and the islands of Gaedo and Geumo.
In the lead-up to the closing, the organizing committee plans to operate programs that connect international exchange exhibitions, ecological experiences, performances, and island tourism to convey the diverse values of islands to visitors.
One of the main attractions of this expo is the 'International Exchange Island,' which introduces the cultures of islands from various countries.
Since October 7, a second exhibition featuring 17 overseas local governments has been underway, allowing visitors to explore the natural environments, lifestyles, and climate change responses of islands around the world.
The exhibition highlights the efforts of islands to combat climate change, restore coral reefs, and preserve unique ecosystems, emphasizing that islands are not merely tourist destinations but living spaces that directly address environmental issues.
Another key exhibit is the 'Tree of Life,' located at the entrance of the theme island.
This installation, combining LED lighting, video screens, and robotic arms, symbolically represents the environmental challenges faced by islands and the role of future technologies in overcoming them.
Notably, the 20-meter tall theme island features a 360-degree media facade at night, creating a different atmosphere compared to daytime.
Unique natural attractions are also present. Recently, the female flowers of cycads have emerged in the Jobaldo Forest near the main venue's Restaurant and Market Island A, capturing the attention of visitors.
Cycads are a group of plants that have existed for about 200 million years and are often referred to as 'living fossils.' While there is a saying that they bloom once every 100 years, the actual blooming cycle varies depending on growth conditions.
The organizing committee has installed information boards at the locations where cycad flowers can be observed, introducing the plant's characteristics and ecological significance.
The autumn flowers, including chrysanthemums, planted throughout the expo site enhance the seasonal atmosphere. Particularly, the sunset over the sea and islands is one of the natural landscapes that visitors can enjoy.
At night, experiences such as floating boats with written wishes in the island-themed zone's waterways and 'Island Friends Day,' showcasing traditional music and dance from participating regions, will take place.
An EDM performance is scheduled for Saturday night, and night tickets will be available for entry after 5 p.m.
A series of major performances leading up to the closing will also continue.
From October 23 to 24, a marching festival featuring domestic and international marching bands will be held. On the 24th, the EBS musical 'Avengers LIVE' will have two performances at 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
On the 25th, the TOP6 of 'Unknown Legend'—Seongri, Haru, Jang Hanbyeol, Hwang Yoonseong, Jeong Yeonho, and Irune—will take the stage, with special guest Yoo Jiwoo.
On the 30th, the 'Island Beer and Makgeolli Festa' will introduce Yeosu craft beer and traditional makgeolli from Gaedo, Nando, and Geumo, featuring performances by Lim Chang-jung, Diva, and Chunja, along with an EDM party.
Following that, on the 31st, an island food festival and the Yeosu Night Sea Fireworks Festival will elevate the atmosphere as the expo approaches its conclusion.
Visitor participation events are also planned.
From October 20 to November 4, the 'Cash Walk Stamp Challenge' will reward the first 1,000 participants who collect stamps from key locations in the expo site.
The 'Photo Challenge' will also run until the closing, allowing participants to capture the day and night scenes of the expo, with 100 drink coupons to be awarded through a lottery.
In addition to visiting the main venue, tourists can also explore actual islands.
At the sub-venue of Gaedo, marine leisure sports, art exhibitions, and island spot tours will be available, while Geumo Island will host a Beureonggil stamp tour, walking challenge, and exhibitions introducing the history of Geumo and Ando.
Notably, utilizing tourism support programs such as passenger ferry fare assistance and 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Half-Price Island Travel' can help reduce the cost burden of visiting the islands. However, eligibility and application conditions vary by program.
The organizing committee aims to operate the remaining expo period by linking international exchange, ecological and cultural exhibitions, performances, and island tourism, allowing visitors to gain a broad understanding of the islands' natural environments and the lives of their residents.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, themed 'Connecting Islands, Seas, and the Future,' will conclude on November 4. The organizing committee plans to continue various exhibitions and cultural events until the closing to promote the ecological value and sustainable development potential of islands.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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