The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, the first of its kind focused on islands, has surpassed 1.25 million visitors in its first 40 days. The organizing committee is prioritizing the message of island value and sustainable futures over mere visitor numbers in the remaining three weeks.
According to the organizing committee, the total number of visitors reached 1.25 million as of October 14.
This expo was established to address issues faced by islands, such as climate change, rising sea levels, and population decline, with participation from 104 of the 195 countries that possess islands.
The core message of the expo is to view islands not just as tourist destinations but as spaces where the lives, ecology, and culture of residents coexist.
International exchange is also a key component of the expo. Since its opening, the main venue has hosted a first exhibition featuring 30 overseas local governments and international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
The second exhibition, which began on October 7, includes 17 overseas local governments showcasing their regional issues and solutions.
The Marshall Islands presented their efforts to combat climate change, while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines highlighted coral restoration and plastic reduction policies. Socotra in Yemen showcased a sustainable model that preserves its unique vegetation while promoting tourism.
Cultural exchanges from island regions are also engaging visitors. The 'Island Friends Day,' held every weekend, features traditional performances from participating regions such as Ghana, Vanuatu, Palau, and Hawaii, introducing the lives and cultures of island residents.
On October 13-14, the '2026 International Island Forum' took place under the theme 'Vibrant Islands, Meeting on the Ground.'
In his keynote address, Christopher Cocker, representative of the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), emphasized that tourism should be based on community participation and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, contributing to sustainable development for both the local economy and communities.
The second day of the forum shifted discussions to the sub-venue, the Gaedo Island Fishing Village Cultural Center, focusing on the preservation of island ecological and cultural heritage and the actual lives of residents.
Exhibition and experience content for visitors has also been enhanced since the opening. AI robot guides have been introduced at the theme island, while drone piloting experiences and a paper boat program have been added to the future island and cultural island sections, respectively.
The marine ecological island features an aquarium and expanded exhibition staff. Evening re-entry is allowed until 8:30 PM, enabling visitors to enjoy sunsets and performances.
The local community is also contributing to the expo's success, with local businesses providing talent donations and artworks, and over 1,000 volunteers from civic and self-help organizations participating. Musical theater actors such as Choi Jung-won, Luna, Park Kyung-rim, and Ivy have also performed through talent donation campaigns.
Major events will continue until the expo concludes. On October 15, free admission will be offered to visitors nationwide in celebration of Yeosu Citizens' Day, with cultural opening and closing ceremonies scheduled for October 17 and 19. Marching bands from home and abroad will parade through the expo site on October 23-24, and the Yeosu Night Sea Fireworks Festival and Island Food Festival are set for October 31. The 61-day expo will conclude with a closing ceremony involving Yeosu island residents on November 4.
There is also interest in the legacy that will remain after the expo. The Island Theme Zone, which introduces domestic and international islands, and the Gaedo Island Fishing Village Cultural Center will continue to operate as permanent facilities after the expo.
The organizing committee plans to promote the establishment of a council among global island cities and the adoption of the 'Yeosu Island Declaration,' as well as propose the designation of an 'Island Day' to the United Nations.
Kim Jong-ki, secretary general of the organizing committee, stated, “The island expo is the first platform to propose that islands should not just be seen as temporary tourist spots but as a future we must protect together. We aim for this proposal, initiated in Yeosu, to serve as a starting point for islands worldwide to find solutions together even after the expo concludes.”
The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, themed 'Islands Connect the Sea and the Future,' opened on September 5 and will run for 61 days until November 4, taking place in the Dolsan Jinmo area, Yeosu Expo site, and Gaedo and Geumo Islands.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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