The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, which highlighted the value of South Korea's 3,300 islands, concluded its 61-day run, leaving behind a call for a shift in perception and policy regarding islands.
Historically, islands have been viewed as isolated areas lacking transportation and infrastructure due to their geographical characteristics. However, this expo reframed islands as frontline responders to climate change and as future growth spaces rich in ecological, cultural, and tourism resources.
The expo, jointly organized by the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, Yeosu City, and the organizing committee, wrapped up on November 4. This international event, the first of its kind focused on islands, served as a platform to promote sustainable development and the need for international cooperation.
Notably, the expo presented the preservation and development of islands as a shared global agenda rather than a local issue.
Thirty foreign local governments participated, sharing their island policies and experiences in addressing climate change.
The expo featured examples from around the world, including Hawaii's volcanic ecosystem conservation, the Marshall Islands' climate change responses, and coral restoration efforts in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Prominent international figures, including the President of Zanzibar and the Governor of Kochi Prefecture in Japan, visited the expo, expressing interest in sustainable development and international cooperation for islands.
A key achievement of the expo was the announcement of the 'Yeosu Island Declaration,' aimed at raising awareness of the importance of islands in the international community.
The declaration outlines five action points: preserving the natural environment and unique cultures of islands, jointly addressing climate change, improving the quality of life for island residents, promoting sustainable development, and requesting the establishment of an international observance for 'World Island Day.'
This marks a shift from viewing islands solely as areas needing protection and support to recognizing them as shared assets that humanity must preserve and develop together.
The expo also differentiated itself from traditional international events by creating a main venue in the Dolsan Jinmo area while utilizing Gaedo and Geumo Island as sub-venues, allowing visitors to experience the islands' culture and daily life firsthand.
Experiential programs included trekking on Geumo Island, island healing meals, overnight stays with three meals, fishing tours, and yacht excursions, showcasing the islands' natural environment and lifestyle.
The unique coastal scenery of Cheongseokpo on Gaedo, along with community-organized village festivals and storytelling around bonfires, highlighted the islands' charm beyond what exhibitions alone could convey.
Themed performances based on the legends of Geomundo, photo exhibitions, and the Island Arts Festival also suggested potential for developing the islands' history and traditional culture into tourism content.
A standout feature of this expo was the direct involvement of island residents.
Seventeen residents from island regions such as Sinan, Jindo, Wando, Goheung, Boseong, and Yeosu served as 'island coordinators,' sharing their personal stories about the history, culture, and daily life of their islands with visitors.
These residents transitioned from mere participants to active communicators of their region's value, engaging with tourists.
This operational model is seen as a reference for local governments with islands as they pursue tourism and regional economic revitalization policies.
While previous island policies focused on supporting ferry operations, improving transportation access, and expanding residential infrastructure, this expo introduced new values related to ecology, culture, tourism, and climate change response.
Each island possesses unique histories, legends, and natural landscapes, and the residents who best understand these aspects can help develop tourism content that reflects local characteristics.
However, to ensure that the vision presented at the expo does not remain a one-time achievement, follow-up policies and ongoing investments are necessary.
Key challenges ahead include the continuous operation of the International Island Forum, expanding exchanges between island regions, establishing resident-participatory tourism programs, and improving living conditions for island residents.
Addressing structural issues faced by island regions, such as climate change, population decline, and transportation difficulties, will require not only local government efforts but also national policy support and international cooperation.
A symbolic moment from the expo was when Atsushi Futakami, the first visitor at the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, returned to Yeosu after 14 years, stating, 'The Island Expo is my teacher.'
This reflects the idea that islands should not just be seen as tourist destinations but as spaces to learn about nature, culture, and the wisdom of life.
The Yeosu World Island Expo, taking on the challenge of being the first of its kind, has raised awareness of the value of islands both domestically and internationally while presenting new development possibilities.
The next crucial step is to connect the vision presented at the expo to actual policies and regional development, ensuring that islands are no longer seen as the edge of land but as a future of potential.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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