The '2026 International Island Forum' was held in Yeosu, seeking solutions to protect the sustainable development of islands and the lives of their residents.
Organized by the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo Committee, the forum took place on October 13 at the Sono Calm Hotel in Yeosu, featuring participation from domestic and international experts and island residents under the theme 'Vibrant Islands, Meeting on the Ground.'
This forum aimed to shift away from viewing islands merely as tourist and development targets, focusing instead on finding sustainable development paths that preserve the lives of residents and the ecological and cultural values of the islands while revitalizing local economies.
The keynote address on the first day was delivered by Christopher Cocker, the representative of the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) from Tonga, who discussed 'Vibrant Islands through Sustainable Tourism,' outlining the future direction of island tourism.
Cocker emphasized that tourism based on the participation of local residents and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage should not only stimulate the local economy but also lead to sustainable community development.
Subsequent sessions discussed ways to leverage island resources for economic revitalization, including marine leisure, wellness tourism, and fisheries.
Professor Jo Woo-jung from Korea Maritime and Ocean University suggested expanding tourism that connects islands and promotes longer stays, advocating for a structure where tourism revenue is shared with local communities.
Discussions also centered on the theme 'Sustainable Islands, Finding Answers on the Ground,' focusing on improving living conditions for residents.
Professor Yoon Byung-guk from Kyung Hee Cyber University highlighted that islands should be seen as living spaces where residents' lives and ecosystems coexist, stressing the need to consider environmental capacity and uniqueness during tourism development.
Specifically, the forum proposed four strategic islands reflecting the characteristics of the Yeosu region: Geumo Island for wellness and slow tourism, Gaedo for stargazing and extended stays, Nango and Sado for geological and educational tourism, and Geomundo and Baekdo for ecological and cultural heritage tourism.
The aim is to connect specialized tourism for each island and establish a tourism network that extends visitors' stay, ultimately benefiting local incomes.
Lee Woong-kyu, an advisor to the Korean Island Studies Association, emphasized the need to shift island policies away from a focus on population influx and facility expansion, advocating for improved access to essential infrastructure such as healthcare, education, and transportation for island residents, while also considering job creation, community, and cultural values for sustainable living.
This international island forum distinguished itself by moving discussions from the conference room to actual island sites. On the second day, October 14, discussions will continue at the Gaedo Island Fishing Village Cultural Center, focusing on the preservation of ecological and cultural heritage and the real lives of residents.
Kwak Eun-joo, head of the hosting cooperation department, stated, “This international island forum views islands not merely as targets for tourism and development but as spaces where the lives, culture, and nature of residents coexist, seeking a sustainable future for islands. We will continue to facilitate various discussions and exchanges to ensure the island expo becomes an opportunity for islands worldwide to share experiences and wisdom and rediscover their unique values.”
Meanwhile, the forum expanded its discussion space beyond expert-centered policy discussions to include the actual living environment of island residents in Gaedo. The organizing committee plans to share various opinions presented at the forum regarding tourism, living conditions, and ecological and cultural preservation while exploring sustainable development and cooperation among islands worldwide.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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