“A First Step in Promoting the Value of Islands to the World, and a Powerful Departure Toward a New Future”

World’s first international exposition themed around "Islands"… 32 overseas local governments and international organizations participated, drawing a cumulative 2.54 million visitors
A 61-day record filled together by island residents, citizens, volunteers, and artists… Concluded safely as a successful expo
Continuous discussions on post-expo utilization of the venue and the "Yeosu Island Declaration," extending the value of the fair through an international island network

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Fair, the world’s first international exposition themed around "Islands," has concluded its 61-day journey.

The Organizing Committee for the 2026 Yeosu World Island Fair (hereinafter referred to as the Organizing Committee) announced on November 5 that the fair, which opened on September 5 under the theme "Islands, Connecting the Sea and the Future," wrapped up its 61-day schedule with a closing ceremony on November 4. The committee noted that this expo served as a global stage to promote the value and future of islands both domestically and internationally, and plans to translate the achievements of the fair into island tourism and international exchange.

■ The 61 Days in Numbers: 2.54 Million Visitors

The exposition took place from September 5 to November 4 at the main venue in Dolsan Jinmo District, Yeosu World Expo venue, and sub-venues in Gaedo and Geumodo. Thirty-two overseas local governments and international organizations possessing islands participated, gathering the stories of the world’s islands in one place.

From the early days of opening in September until before Chuseok, daily visitors numbered around 10,000. Reflecting visitor feedback, the Organizing Committee significantly expanded attractions—such as the seahorse aquarium, floating wish boats, and weekly concerts—while reinforcing convenience measures like deploying AI docents, adding guiding routes, and attaching explanatory information boards to each exhibition hall. As a result, the number of visitors grew rapidly. The expo surpassed 1 million visitors on October 10 (the 36th day of the opening) and 2.0 million visitors on October 29 (the 55th day). It took 19 days to reach the second million.

During the National Foundation Day holiday (October 2–5), 261,000 people visited, and on October 4, approximately 132,000 people visited in a single day, setting the highest daily record since the opening. Following facility maintenance and enhanced attractions during the interim closure on October 6, the daily average number of visitors surged to around 50,000, accompanied by a continuous stream of group tours. The cumulative number of visitors over the 61 days was recorded at 2.54 million.

■ The World’s First Island-Themed International Exposition… Meaningful Achievements Demonstrating the Value of Islands

The Island Fair combined the natural environment of islands with cutting-edge technology to showcase the past, present, and future of islands in one location. The Theme Island, shaped as a "brightly shining island on the sea" with dimensions of 40m width, 40m length, and 20m height, served as a landmark of the expo venue with its LED media facade, providing diverse visual attractions. The Marine Ecology Island featured exhibitions on 91 marine protected species and a digital aquarium, while the Future Island showcased the future of islands through Urban Air Mobility (UAM), real hydrogen vessel models, island energy self-sufficiency, smart aquaculture technology, and a 360-degree panoramic video. Eight exhibition spaces, including the Culture Island, Treasure Island, International Exchange Island, and Food & Market Island, welcomed visitors.

The 2nd exhibition of the International Exchange Island, newly opened on October 7, focused on environmental challenges faced by islands. While the 1st exhibition introduced islands known for their cultural heritage and tourism, the 2nd exhibition involved a total of 32 overseas local governments and international organizations, including overseas local governments such as Hawaii (USA), Havana (Cuba), Zanzibar (Tanzania), and Kochi Prefecture (Japan), as well as island nations like Palau, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands. Solutions from islands experiencing climate crisis on the front lines—such as Hawaii’s volcanic ecosystem preservation, the Marshall Islands’ climate change response, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ coral reef restoration—were brought together.

Exchanges with overseas island regions also continued. Participating overseas local governments showcased their island cultures and values at the International Exchange Island, and hosted cultural performances from various countries through "Island Friends Day." On October 27, President Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar, Tanzania, visited the expo site, followed by Governor Seiji Hamada of Kochi Prefecture, Japan, and an assembly delegation on the 28th. Nearing the closing ceremony, the footsteps of international cruise tourists, such as the U.S. vessel "Westerdam" and China's "Adora Mediterranea," also followed. Incorporating discussions held with the international community at the World Island Cities Forum and the International Island Forum, the Organizing Committee announced the "Yeosu Island Declaration" at the closing ceremony on the 4th.

■ A Safe Exposition Safeguarded by 20+ Organizations and 448 People Daily for 61 Days

The Organizing Committee worked closely with around 20 related organizations, including police stations, maritime police stations, fire stations, and public health centers, to successfully conclude the expo without major accidents over the 61-day period. Every day, 448 personnel (270 operating staff, 52 administrative staff, and 126 volunteers) were deployed to protect the site, in addition to 226 volunteers active daily, totaling 11,363 person-days of volunteer work.

Crowd safety management was also strictly enforced. Thirty-five CCTV locations with 128 cameras were operated inside the venue along with two dedicated personnel, and crowd density was monitored in real-time using the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s crowd-congestion alert system.

Visitor convenience was meticulously managed. Advanced technologies such as AI real-time translation kiosks and 600 smart-web QR codes were utilized to provide guide information to domestic and international visitors. Favorable reviews were received for thoroughly addressing heatwave responses, restroom cleanliness, and accommodating visitors with pets.

■ A Participatory Fair Created Together with Citizens and Island Residents

The expo venue was also a stage for the citizens. Starting with "Boying Day" operated by the public-private partnership model "Boying Group," participation from local artists and small business owners continued until the closing. Fireworks and performances by the Turtle Ship Festival Preservation Association filled the expo grounds. Yeosu citizens also held a success resolution rally during the expo period to lend support.

About 900 volunteers nationwide, known as "Dabongi," maintained various spots on-site through interpretation, tour guidance, and shuttle bus boarding assistance.

Citizens and artists also contributed. During the Chuseok holiday, through "CAMPAIGN FOR YEOSU" carrying the message "Yeosu raised us, we step up," local artists and citizens—including the Yeosu Udopungmuldan, Yeosu Samdongmaegu, B-boy Yun Il-ro, and trumpeter Lee Hak-kyung—presented about 10 free relay talent-donation performances. Small business owners also participated, with the Dolsan Musulsori Cafe donating 200 beverage vouchers.

General Director Park Myung-sung’s troupe also engaged in talent donations, holding a musical performance featuring musical actors Choi Jung-won, Luna, and Won Ki-joon (October 5) and a Big Show with Ivy and Park Kyung-rim (October 10) on the open stage. Artist Kang Jong-yeol donated 12 limited-edition print works of the "10 Scenic Views of Yeosu" for visitor events.

Inside and outside the expo venue, participation continued from those who cherish islands and Yeosu. Seventeen island residents from Shinan, Jindo, Wando, Goheung, Boseong, and Yeosu served as "Island Coordinators," directly introducing the unique culture, tourism resources, and vivid stories of the islands to visitors at the International Exchange Island. Every Saturday, about 1,000 people received their guidance across 42 sessions.

Residents of Gaedo, the sub-venue, hosted a village party at the Island Island Camping Ground lawn square to greet visitors directly. Residents shared food prepared in the village and told stories of living on the islands by the campfire. The Gaedo pungmuldan, consisting of about 10 residents, dedicated their weekends to perform welcome shows matching the arrival times of boats to the island.

Island resident organizations, such as the National Island Village Lee-Tongjang Federation and the Korea Island Central Association, took the lead in promotion, stating, "The Island Fair is not just an event for Yeosu, but a stage for the islands and island residents of South Korea." Island residents from various parts of Jeonnam and Gwangju also gathered in Yeosu to build the expo together as a "stage for all island people."

■ Beyond Exhibition Halls to Actual Islands, Savoring Island Charms

The exposition led visitors' footsteps directly to real islands. At the sub-venues of Geumodo and Gaedo, special programs and performances unique to islands were operated, including Birong-gil trekking, island camping, boat fishing, yacht tours, island healing meals with 3-meals-a-day lodging packages, and stargazing.

Traveling to the islands also became much more convenient. Floating piers and other facilities were installed to enhance island accessibility for yacht tours, and island restaurants and accommodation environments were improved. The Island Village Culture Center campsite and Geumodo Birong-gil trail were newly renovated. Through the "Island Half-Price Travel" program, half of the expenses spent on accommodation, food, and ferry fares across 10 Yeosu islands—including Geumodo, Gaedo, and Geomundo—were refunded as Yeosu Love Gift Certificates up to 100,000 won per person. This lowered the threshold for island travel alongside half-price support for ferry fares.

The unique history and culture of the islands were also introduced to visitors. Folktales, traditions, and lifestyles preserved in each island—such as the Geomundo-based "Shinjikki" folktale-themed performance—were incorporated into performances, exhibitions, and interactive content, and the outdoor stage set against the sea received an enthusiastic response from visitors. Cultural programs celebrating the islands, such as the Nangdo Carnival (recreating a 50-year-old island festival), island photo exhibitions, and the Island-Island Arts Festival, reilluminated the value of islands not just as tourist destinations, but as living spaces where history and culture breathe.

■ Increase in Yeosu Tourists… Positive Spillover Effects on the Local Economy

The impact of the Island Fair extended to the local economy. Tourists visiting Yeosu during September and October, the period of the Island Fair, reached 3.90 million, an 83.1% increase compared to the same month last year and a 94.9% increase over the 5-year average. According to Yeosu City, external credit card spending in September recorded 48.8 billion won, of which spending in the food service sector rose by 25.9% compared to the same month of the previous year. This demonstrated a positive effect where tourist demand connected to local commercial district sales.

Jeonnam fishermen visited the expo venue bringing food products from the islands and the sea. From mid-October until right before the closing, consecutive events were held: the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives Special Seafood Discount Exhibition (October 17), a direct transaction market for local fishery companies (October 24), and a large-scale special seafood exhibition (October 30 – November 1) involving fishermen from 15 branches of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special Self-Governing City Federation of Korea Fishery Leaders. These special events, including seafood promotion markets, were evaluated as having contributed to supporting seafood sales channels and increasing income.

■ Island Stories Shared by Visitors

Those who visited the expo venue over the 61 days left behind their own island stories. Behind the records left in numbers were the daily lives of visitors. On a holiday in the second week of October when visitors surpassed 1 million, Mr. and Mrs. Jo and Yu, who visited from Suncheon, said, "We lost track of time watching Yeosu's beautiful islands and fun performances. It will be a day to remember for a long time." A 1st-year student at Yeosu Samil Middle School who became the 2-millionth visitor shared, "I came with my teachers and friends for a school field trip, and it's fascinating and joyful to become the 2-millionth guest."

The footsteps of the fair also extended to the islands. Mr. Jo Young-bok, a citizen of Suncheon who participated in the island spot tour at the Gaedo sub-venue, said, "Sitting on the pebble beach, looking at the artworks while listening to the sound of waves made time feel like it stopped. I would have regretted it if I had only seen the expo venue."

Ms. Kim Hee-soon, a Yeosu citizen who volunteered this time following the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, reflected on the fair, saying, "Since it's something happening in our Yeosu, I thought, 'Let's do it again this time.' Although I was so tired I couldn't stand and rest, I felt rewarded seeing people enjoying themselves."

There were also footsteps from across the sea. Mr. Futakami Atsushi, a Japanese expo mania who was the "No. 1 entrant" on the opening day of the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, revisited Yeosu after 14 years. He said, "I was born in an island nation, but I didn't know how islands were made. The Island Fair is my teacher. About 10 years from now, when bridges connect islands, the scenery will change. My dream is to come back 15 years later to see the sunset of Yeosu."

■ Falling Short of Early Expectations… Leaving Regrets Over Sluggish Business Revenue

There were also points of regret. In the early stages of opening, there were comments from visitors requesting more abundant exhibition and performance content. Although visitor satisfaction was enhanced by reinforcing interactive programs for each exhibition hall, opinions also suggested that expanding popular singer performances had low connectivity with the Island Fair.

While opportunities for island residents to participate were arranged, regrets remained regarding the limitation in translating this into sustainable income generation after the close. Business revenue reached 5.87 billion won, falling short at 48.8% of the target (12.0 billion won). The proportion of paid visitors decreased due to the expansion of free admission policies. However, positive evaluations noted that expanding admission fee reductions so that more people, including island residents and family visitors, could enjoy the fair was a meaningful free opening that upheld the public purpose of the island exposition.

With various negative issues prominently highlighted at the early opening stage, limitations remained in completely dispelling the negative image despite prompt factual responses and efforts to spread positive content. The Organizing Committee plans to incorporate these various points of regret into a closing report to serve as assets for preparing future international events.

■ After the Closing, the Road to Islands Has Just Begun

The closing ceremony, held on the afternoon of the 4th at the open stage of the main venue, was attended by about 1,000 guests, citizens, and volunteers—including Joint Organizing Committee Chairpersons Min Hyung-bae (Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special Mayor), Seo Young-hak (Mayor of Yeosu), and Park Su-gwan (Private Chairperson)—who gathered to wrap up the 61-day journey. The "Yeosu Island Declaration," recited together by the attendees, contains five commitments: ▲Preservation of island nature and culture, ▲Joint response to island crises caused by climate change, ▲Improvement of the quality of life for island residents, ▲Sustainable development, and ▲Requesting international community participation in designating the UN International Day of "World Island Day." A resolution rally pledging Yeosu's bid to host the 33rd UN Climate Change Conference (COP33) was also held together.

The Organizing Committee plans to continue efforts to sustain the value of the fair even after its conclusion. Exhibition and performance content showcased at the venue, along with island tourism resources such as Dolsan’s sunset and night views and the Geumodo Birong-gil, will be packaged into Yeosu island tourism products.

Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special Mayor Min Hyung-bae expressed his impressions, saying, "We have provided the first venue where people of the world meet centered around islands, sharing the history and culture of each country’s islands, while exploring the future of islands amidst the climate crisis and the future energy potential held by the sea, wind, and sunlight. Although the exposition has ended, the road to the islands has just begun."

International exchanges will also continue. The Organizing Committee will sustain cooperation with the 30 countries that participated in the expo, local governments involved in the International Exchange Island, and overseas island delegations that visited the venue. The achievements and content of the fair will also be shared with island regions and events nationwide. A closing report containing the operational results and tasks of the 61 days will also be published and made public.

Organizing Committee Chairperson Park Su-gwan stated, "Although the festival concludes today, we expect Yeosu to play a pivotal role as a world-class tourism destination opening the South Coast era." He added, "I sincerely thank the operating staff, volunteers, related public officials including police and firefighters, and the citizens for their cooperation."

■ Moving Beyond the Number of 2.54 Million, Connecting Interest in Islands to Island Development Support

The Organizing Committee selected as the most important task after the expo to move beyond the number "2.54 million" and connect visitors' interest in islands to support for island development. The expo must not end as a one-time event, but rather lead to a sustainable island development and support roadmap at the Yeosu City level.

Plans to foster the expo venue into a new tourism hub for Yeosu are also being promoted. The vision is to transform it into a space centered on visitors and citizens equipped with recreational, exhibition, and viewing functions, linked with Light Island Park and urban forests centered around surviving facilities such as the Theme Island and Island Theme Zone.

The execution of the "Yeosu Island Declaration" was also cited as a task. The plan is to continuously discuss the contents contained in the declaration with the international community and develop the International Island Forum into an annual venue for global international cooperation related to islands. Discussions starting from Yeosu's islands and seas will be expanded to environment and climate, leading to the bid for COP33 and elevating the status of Yeosu as a maritime city.

In his closing address, Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-hak expressed gratitude, saying, "What I felt most strongly while hosting this Island Fair was the power of the citizens. From the 2012 Yeosu World Expo to the 2026 Yeosu World Island Fair, and now COP33, I have gained the conviction that there is nothing we cannot do if we have the power of the citizens." He also emphasized, "Through the World Island Cities Forum and the International Island Forum, we have solidified global cooperative relations, and we plan to work jointly with the international community to enact 'World Island Day.' We will do our utmost to ensure that the achievements of the fair lead to tourism, MICE, and cultural industries."

<Key 2026 Achievements Fair Island World Yeosu of the>

1.Internal and External Diffusion of Island Values and Promotion of Public Interest through the Hosting of the Island Fair o Participation of 32 overseas local governments and international organizations, creating a venue for international exchange (World Island Cities Forum, International Island Forum) o Announcement of the "Yeosu Island Declaration" containing five provisions including a request to designate the UN World Island Day o Continued overseas visits by overseas island regional delegations and resident government ambassadors o Participation of 17 "Island Coordinators" as guides protecting the islands (operated 42 times) o Support for revitalizing island tourism and enhancing interest through the designation and operation of the "Year of Island Tourism" by the government and the unified city

2. Overcoming Early Opening Sluggishness, Reflecting Visitor Feedback, and Attracting 2.54 Million Visitors o (Early Opening) 10,000 per day ➡ (After Chuseok) 37,000 per day ➡ (Reopening Oct 7) Increased to 50,000 per day o Actively responding to insufficient content, lack of attractions, and negative issues while supplementing shortcomings

Significant increase in attractions such as the seahorse aquarium, floating wish boats, Island Makgeolli Festa, and weekly concerts
Reinforcement of conveniences such as deploying AI docents, adding guidance routes, and attaching explanatory information boards to each exhibition hall o Intensive online and offline promotion of the fair's dual charms: exhibition experiences by day and sunset night views by night

3. Operated with the Island Itself as the Venue and Stage, a Special Fair Maximizing Island Charms o The expo site featured spaces harmonized with the open stage in front of the sea and the island theme zones, with evening sunset performances gaining popularity o Selection of Gaedo and Geumodo as sub-venues, maximizing island charms and adding meaning to the fair

Operation of island experience programs such as Birong-gil trekking, island healing meals, 3-meals-a-day lodging packages, and boat fishing
Spreading traditional island cultural values through Geomundo folktale-based theme performances and the Nangdo Carnival

4. A Participatory Fair Created Together by Citizens, Artists, and Volunteers o Approximately 900 national volunteers participated in on-site operations to improve visitor service (interpretation, tour guidance, shuttle bus boarding/alighting assistance) o Realization of a citizen-built fair through "Campaign for Yeosu" talent donations (about 200 people including artist Kang Jong-yeol) o Expansion of citizen and local community participation starting with "Boying Day" (Sep 19) operated by Boying Group donations o Talent donations by cultural artists such as Choi Jung-won, Ivy, and Park Kyung-rim from General Director Park Myung-sung’s troupe

5. Contributing to Island Tourism Revitalization through Expansion of Island Marine Tourism Infrastructure and Improvement of Living Environments o Improvement of island infrastructure through the construction of the Island Village Culture Center, creation of island campsites, and installation of floating piers

Island Village Culture Center (2 floors above ground), Island Camping Ground (68 sites), floating piers (7 locations), and moorings (8 locations) o Improvement of island living environments and tourism conditions, including upgrading island restaurants and accommodations and maintaining the Birong-gil trail

5. Accident-Free Fair Concluded through Collaboration with Related Organizations and Meticulous Preparation for 61 Days o On-site response by 448 daily operating staff for 61 days (270 operating staff, 52 administrative staff, 126 volunteers) o Safety management in cooperation with about 20 related organizations including police, maritime police, fire stations, and public health centers o Provision of convenience and information to domestic and foreign visitors utilizing cutting-edge technology such as AI real-time translation kiosks and 600 smart-webs o Favorable visitor evaluation through meticulous care for heatwave response, restroom cleanliness, and pets

120 cooling forks, 600 parasols, umbrella provisions, restroom cleaning 13 times a day, pet shelters, etc.

6. Positive Spillover Effects on the Local Economy through Increased Yeosu Tourists and Local Consumption o Expansion of tourist influx and connection to increased consumption, recording an 83.1% increase compared to the previous year (Sep–Oct)

Food establishment card spending increased by 25.9% compared to September of the previous year, with total card payment amounts also rising by 11% o Contribution to supporting fishery sales channels and increasing income by operating linked events such as seafood promotional exhibitions

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