With just 16 days until the opening of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, Min Hyung-bae, the mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, visited the main venue in Dolsan, Yeosu, on August 20 to assess the final preparations.
The site inspection focused on the actual movement pathways for visitors, examining exhibition and convenience facilities, transportation measures, and the operation of performances and events.
During the visit, Mayor Min checked the installation and operational readiness of exhibition halls, convenience facilities, and outdoor stages.
He specifically monitored the visitor experience from entry to the exhibition halls, through rest areas and dining facilities, to the performance venues, identifying potential inconveniences and safety issues along the way.
A meeting held within the theme island discussed anticipated traffic conditions during the expo, response strategies, major event and performance plans, and emergency response systems for various sectors.
As the opening approaches, the focus has shifted from merely confirming facility installations to ensuring seamless coordination among transportation, safety, exhibitions, performances, and visitor convenience during the actual event.
Mayor Min Hyung-bae stated, “The remaining 16 days until the opening should be used to refine our preparations on-site. I urge everyone to ensure that visitors experience no inconveniences from the moment they enter until they leave.”
He added, “Above all, we must prioritize safety and enhance our on-site responsiveness to ensure that transportation, convenience facilities, exhibitions, and performances operate cohesively. Let’s prepare thoroughly to make this expo a successful event that showcases the value of islands to the world.”
Gwangju Metropolitan City, Yeosu City, and the expo organizing committee plan to hold a 'Preview Day' on the 29th, allowing citizens to participate and assess the venue under conditions similar to the actual expo.
During Preview Day, they will evaluate visitor entry and exit, movement pathways, transportation systems, exhibition and performance operations, and the use of convenience facilities, addressing any identified shortcomings before the opening.
The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is an international event aimed at promoting the ecological and cultural value of islands and their future potential, with Gwangju Metropolitan City and Yeosu City focusing on final preparations centered on visitor safety and convenience.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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