As the cool breeze signals the start of autumn, the '2026 Yeosu World Island Expo' in Jeollanam-do is expanding its tourism offerings to include exhibitions, experiences, performances, and island travel.
Initially focused on individual visitors, the expo has recently seen an influx of groups from daycare centers, schools, and organizations. In response, the organizing committee is increasing performances and interactive programs while actively attracting weekday group visits.
The expo, which opened on September 5, is themed 'Connecting Islands, Seas, and the Future' and will run until November 4 at a venue covering approximately 180,000 square meters in the Jinnam district of Yeosu.
One of the expo's highlights is the opportunity to experience islands from around the world in one location.
The 'International Exchange Island,' featuring participation from 30 foreign local governments and three international organizations including WHO and UNICEF, showcases the culture and natural environments of islands such as the Galapagos, Santorini, and Taquile.
Families are particularly drawn to the interactive exhibition 'Treasure Island,' where visitors become explorers, completing missions while enjoying slides, augmented reality, and trick art.
On September 9, about 70 children from a local daycare visited Treasure Island. A teacher accompanying the group noted, "The children had a great time exploring and completing missions as if they were part of an expedition."
Daytime Exhibits, Evening Concerts by the Sea
The expo is also enhancing its evening programming to extend visitor stays.
Starting September 11, 'Weekly Concerts' will be held every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM. The program is designed to allow visitors to enjoy exhibitions and experiences during the day and then relax with a concert as the sun sets over Yeosu Bay.
The first concert on September 11 will feature top performers from MBN's 'Legend of the Unknown,' Jang Han-byeol and Jeong Yeon-ho. On September 12, Kim Yong-bin, Cheon Rok-dam, and Choi Jae-myung from TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot' will take the stage.
The concerts will last about 60 minutes, and expo attendees can enjoy them without prior reservations.
The organizing committee plans to expand outdoor programs, including busking and cultural performances, to create a comprehensive experience where visitors can enjoy exhibitions and experiences during the day and concerts, sunsets, and night views in the evening.
Additional interactive programs will also be introduced, including events where visitors can send messages to family and friends using the media facade of the theme island, movie screenings at sunset, visible radio broadcasts in collaboration with Yeosu City Hall's music program 'Yeosu I-Park Music,' and treasure hunts throughout the exhibition halls.
There will also be opportunities for visitors to share their experiences online through verification and photo zone events.
Group Visits from Daycares to Institutions Continue
The expo is accelerating efforts to attract group visitors during weekdays.
On September 10, over 250 children from seven local daycare centers, including Goona, Haeoreum, and Wungcheon Forest 2, visited the expo.
On September 11, group visits continued with 200 children from private daycare centers in Yeosu, 300 members of the Korea Local Public Enterprises Association, and 19 individuals from the Jeonnam Comprehensive Welfare Center for the Disabled.
On September 19, daycare center directors from Jeonnam and Gwangju will visit the expo, followed by group visits from over 40 daycare centers.
According to the organizing committee, around 40 schools and travel-related organizations are planning pre-visits for school trips or experiential learning.
A 'Special Day Event' involving public officials and employees from local organizations and companies in Yeosu is also planned to boost weekday attendance.
Island Travel Beyond the Expo: Geumo Island and Gaedo
Another unique feature of the Yeosu World Island Expo is its connection to actual island travel.
After enjoying exhibitions and performances at the main venue in Jinnam, visitors can travel to Geumo Island and Gaedo to experience the islands they learned about at the expo.
On Geumo Island, visitors can enjoy trekking along coastal cliffs and experiencing local cuisine, while Gaedo offers camping programs with views of the sea.
During the expo, discounts on ferry fares for visitors to the islands will be available, making it possible to plan a two-day, one-night itinerary connecting the main venue with the actual islands.
Visitors can explore the International Exchange Island and Treasure Island during the day, enjoy the sunset and concerts over Yeosu Bay in the evening, and then venture to Geumo Island or Gaedo the next day.
The organizing committee plans to continue enhancing content that combines exhibitions, performances, and tourism based on visitor feedback.
The Yeosu World Island Expo will run until November 4. As autumn deepens, it remains to be seen how the expo will attract visitors seeking to experience Yeosu's sea, islands, sunsets, and night views beyond a simple exhibition space.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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