The 2026 Yeosu World Archipelago Expo, the world's first expo themed on "islands," is 200 days away. The organizing committee said it will prepare the event as a "citizen-centered global event." The plan is for citizens, including volunteers and an online promotion squad, to take part directly and become the face of the expo.
◇ Recruiting 1,200 citizens to promote the island expo on- and offline
Yeosu City said it will recruit "Dabongi," expo volunteers, through Feb. 28. The number of recruits is 1,200. "Dabongi" is a name derived from "volunteering together."
They will be active throughout the venue from Sept. 5, the opening day, to Nov. 4, the closing day. Divided into general and interpreting categories, they will handle interpreting, guiding visitors, assisting with shuttle bus boarding and drop-off, and supporting event operations at 40 main venues and 19 auxiliary venues. A Yeosu City official said, "The number 1,200 means more than a simple headcount," adding, "They will become Yeosu's face in welcoming people from around the world."
Online promotion will also be strengthened. In Aug. last year, the organizing committee selected 16 "Seomporters," social networking service (SNS) supporters, from across the country and has been promoting the expo. Through various channels such as Facebook, Instagram, blogs, and YouTube, they are introducing news of the expo along with the charms of Yeosu's islands and its sights, foods, and activities. To expand promotion, the committee also plans to recruit 2,026 members for "Seom Friends," a creative network.
◇ From youth to seniors: a cross-generational promotion squad
A feature of this volunteer corps is that it spans all generations. Anyone age 20 or older can apply to be a "Dabongi," enabling participation from young adults to middle-aged and seniors. The SNS supporters also comprise a wide range of ages, from people in their 20s to their 60s.
The organizing committee expects diverse content creation, given that different generations see things differently. The idea is for younger people to promote the expo with content reflecting the latest trends, while middle-aged participants deliver deeper storytelling.
Synergy linking on-site and online efforts is also anticipated. The 1,200 volunteers will support the operation of the international event and enhance credibility, while the SNS supporters will convey the on-site atmosphere in real time to audiences worldwide. In particular, through "island-related coverage," they plan to spotlight Yeosu's islands inside and outside the expo grounds. Representative islands of Yeosu such as Geomundo, Geomodo, and Ando will be presented from a fresh perspective.
An official with the organizing committee said, "The sincerity of citizens who love Yeosu will be felt by visitors from around the world," adding, "Over the remaining 200 days, we will rally the power of citizens to deliver a successful expo."