"We plan to use this expo as a springboard to formally propose to the UN the establishment of 'World Islands Day.' If the business world has the 'Davos Forum,' we will engrave on the world that the islands and oceans sector has the 'Yeosu Island Forum.'"
Chairperson Park Su-gwan of the Yeosu World Islands Expo Organizing Committee said in an interview with our paper on the 21st, "The Yeosu Islands Expo is not a one-off festival that ends after one event," adding that the goal is to build a "global platform" where countries with islands gather in Yeosu every year to discuss the climate crisis and marine ecology.
The Davos Forum is one of the official programs of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting. It is known as a venue where global policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders discuss future technologies and social change. In Korea, major leaders such as Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won (Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman), and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun are attending.
Chairperson Park emphasized, "There are islands in 104 countries around the world, but there has been no international forum to discuss their value," and added, "Since islands are where all the tragedies of modern society, such as rising sea levels and population decline, are reflected first, we will create a turning point in history to show that the 'problems of islands' are the 'problems of humanity.'"
The Yeosu World Islands Expo, to be held across Yeosu, South Jeolla, for two months from Sept. 5 to Nov. 4, is a large-scale international event with 30 island-holding countries participating. The goal is to showcase to the world not only the ecological, historical, and cultural value of islands, but also their limitless potential as a future energy resource.
Preparations are in the final stage. With Dolsan Jinmo District as the main venue and Gaedo and Geumo Island as secondary venues, the entire city of Yeosu will be formed into a massive expo site. The construction progress is currently 41%, with completion in July, test operations in August, and visitors welcomed in September. Chairperson Park said, "Through this expo, we expect an economic ripple effect of about 400 billion won and a chance for the southern coast to leap forward as a global marine tourism destination." The following is a Q&A with Chairperson Park.
―What sets the Yeosu World Islands Expo apart from past expos.
"The key is an 'immersive, hands-on festival.' While past expos focused on exhibits and viewing, this expo centers on walking, feeling, and experiencing the islands directly. At the Dolsan main venue, we will display AAM (advanced air mobility), a future mode of transportation, and offer virtual island tours through the Metaverse. Each themed pavilion will allow visitors to experience islands in new ways using immersive media art and LED technology, and the Island Future Pavilion will introduce renewable energy, while the Island Marine Ecology Pavilion will feature blue carbon restoration technologies."
―The expo will also be held on Geumo Island and Gaedo.
"On Geumo Island, visitors can walk the Bireong-gil trail and take in the superb views of the South Sea. On Gaedo, we will create an island campground and run programs to experience islands with all five senses, such as kayaking and mudflat activities. We also plan programs where island residents serve as village guides to introduce their lives and culture."
―How will the facilities be used after the expo.
"We will not dismantle the themed pavilions but use them as a legacy of the Islands Expo. We expect them to become a marine landmark that attracts citizens and tourists."
―How are you promoting participation by the 30 countries.
"Recently, Yeosu City visited its sister cities in China and signed participation agreements. We also invited a famous influencer from India to promote Yeosu's sea and islands. We are conducting recruitment efforts by highlighting that we provide each participating country with space to promote its own islands, marine resources, and culture."
―What is the economic impact of the Yeosu World Islands Expo.
"The 2012 Yeosu World Expo generated an economic effect in the 10 trillion won range. For this expo, we aim to attract 3 million tourists and expect an economic ripple effect of more than 400 billion won. More important than the numbers, however, is structural change. The southern coast stretching from Yeosu to Busan has exceptional tourism resources. Using this expo as a starting point, we will comprehensively improve island tourism infrastructure and create momentum for the southern coast to become a global marine tourism destination."
―Will the economic benefits also reach island residents.
"We expect an increase in island residents' income. If models in which residents participate directly—such as guesthouses, restaurants, sales of local specialties, and operating experience programs—take root, the island economy will gain new vitality. We believe the infrastructure and content left by this expo will be an asset that drives the regional economy for decades to come."
―You have focused on managing a company as the 'YC Tech' owner. What led you to take on the role of expo organizing committee chairperson this time.
"Although I have run corporations in Busan, my ties to my hometown of Yeosu have always continued. I have consistently engaged in community contributions such as donations. Fourteen years ago, when the 2012 Yeosu World Expo was held in my hometown, I lent support from the bid stage as a businessperson from Yeosu and also served as co-chair of the Yeosu Expo Preparatory Committee.
Watching Yeosu develop into one of Korea's leading tourist cities through the international event brought me great pride and a sense of accomplishment. Afterward, we began preparing an international event themed on 'islands,' the first of its kind in the world, in Yeosu, and based on my affection for islands and my hometown, as well as my experience and network, I joined the organizing committee from the early preparation stage."
―You emphasized climate change and the crisis facing islands. As a businessperson, what efforts have you made to respond to climate change.
"As someone born and raised on an island, I have always found it regrettable to see the sea and islands become polluted. I believe climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but a core task that corporations must take responsibility for.
In the industrial field, we have gradually shifted management structures toward improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. We have also continued to focus on environmental protection with local communities and on public-interest activities that raise awareness of the severity of the climate crisis. In the same vein, I strongly agree with the values pursued by the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo."
―Any final thoughts.
"With this event, we plan to formally propose to the UN, together with participating countries, the establishment of 'World Islands Day.' Like the 'Davos Forum' in the economic field, we are envisioning the 'Yeosu Island Forum' as a venue for global discussions in the islands and oceans sector. We aim to create an international platform where countries and cities with islands gather in Yeosu every year to discuss the climate crisis, marine ecology, and sustainable development."