At 10:00 a.m. on September 5, the highly anticipated 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo officially commenced at the main venue in the Dolsan-Jinmok area of Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Centered on the core theme of "Islands," this international event will run for 61 days, concluding on November 4. As the world's first expo dedicated to the island theme, the event has drawn significant attention from domestic and international visitors as well as industry experts. On its opening day, it was greeted by a surge of enthusiastic attendees, officially embarking on a two-month-plus journey of island culture and ecological exploration.
Although the official opening was scheduled for 10:00 a.m., hundreds of eager visitors had already gathered outside the main venue well in advance. Queuing in long lines, they waited to be among the first to step into this cultural hub of island heritage. As the opening moment approached, the expo's official mascot, "Dadohae," made a lively and adorable debut, guiding visitors in an orderly manner and instantly energizing the crowd.
Stepping into the main venue, visitors' eyes were immediately drawn to the giant media facade in the Theme Island zone. The facade featured a meticulously designed animation of leaping dolphins welcoming guests. Coupled with dynamic visual effects and integrated sound, light, and visual technologies, it extended the warmest greetings to every attendee. This interactive design, brimming with marine ambiance and island ecological features, sparked enthusiastic responses and waves of admiration from the crowd, with many stopping to take photos. In the presence of distinguished guests and visitors, Park Soo-kwan, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Yeosu World Islands Expo, Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-hak, and other dignitaries participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official launch of the 61-day program. Notably, the event also specially invited the first online ticket purchaser and the first on-site attendee to witness this historic moment, highlighting the expo's modern operational philosophy of integrating online and offline experiences.
In terms of exhibition content and spatial layout, this year's expo centers on the "Theme Island," comprehensively showcasing the unique ecosystems and profound cultural heritage of islands to the public. Starting from the entrance of the Theme Island zone, the meticulously curated exhibition content unfolds the natural landscapes, folk customs, and sustainable development concepts of islands through various formats such as multimedia interactive installations and physical displays.
To ensure a seamless experience for the hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of visitors over the 61-day run, the organizing committee has undertaken meticulous operational and logistical preparations. Addressing the expansive exhibition space and lengthy visitor circulation routes, the organizers have launched multiple shuttle bus services to facilitate convenient travel between exhibition zones and transportation hubs. Additionally, in consideration of the unpredictable autumn weather, ample complimentary umbrellas have been provided on-site for visitors to borrow. Inside the venue, staff have scientifically planned and monitored visitor flow in real time, conducting continuous inspections to maintain orderly conditions and ensure the safe and smooth circulation of crowds.
At the opening ceremony, a senior official from the Organizing Committee for the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo told the media, "As the world's first expo centered on the core theme of islands, we are acutely aware of our immense responsibility. Islands are not only a vital component of marine ecosystems but also unique carriers for the integration of diverse human cultures. Over the next 61 days, the organizing committee will prioritize visitor safety and convenience, ensuring that all operational management and service guarantees are flawless. We hope that through this expo, global audiences will rediscover the value and charm of islands."
In his speech, Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-hak also emphasized that Yeosu boasts abundant island resources. The hosting of this expo is not only a major boost to the local culture and tourism sector but also a crucial window to showcase South Korea's achievements in island ecological conservation and sustainable development to the world.
At a time when global climate change and marine ecological conservation are receiving increasing attention, islands, as unique geographical units where the ocean meets the land, are increasingly highlighting their ecological vulnerability and cultural uniqueness. The inception of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo fills a void in the global MICE sector regarding the island theme. The expo not only gathers island conservation cases, marine technological achievements, and unique cultural and creative products from around the globe, but also establishes a high-end dialogue platform for international island cultural exchange and ecological cooperation.
With the successful conclusion of the opening ceremony, the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo has fully entered its full-scale operational phase. Over the next 61 days, the main venue will roll out a rich array of themed events, including the World Islands Food Festival, the Marine Ecology Forum, and intangible cultural heritage craft showcases. This international event, using the sea as its medium and the islands as its soul, is captivating the world with its unique charm, telling compelling stories about islands, the ocean, and the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.