Domestic and International Press Flock as Expo Draws Great Interest
Mayor Noh Presents Milestone for Future City
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] The Suncheonman International Garden Expo Organizing Committee (Chairman Roh Gwan-gyu, Mayor of Suncheon) announced that the 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo 'Press Day,' marking the start of a seven-month-long grand journey from April, was held on the 10th at the Seoul Press Center.
On this day, more than 70 domestic and international journalists and influencers gathered, showing great interest in the 2023 Garden Expo.
The event proceeded with the appointment of promotional ambassadors, a briefing on the expo by Mayor Roh Gwan-gyu, and a Q&A session with the press.
Appointed as promotional ambassadors were Baek Il-dong (Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 5) master singer and popular domestic broadcasters Daniel Lindemann (Germany), Alberto Mondi (Italy), and Lucky (India), who all voiced their support for the successful hosting of the expo.
Following the appointment ceremony, Chairman Roh Gwan-gyu (Mayor of Suncheon) gave a briefing, stating, “This expo aims to create a future city model through creative urban planning,” and emphasized, “In the era of climate crisis, the 2023 Garden Expo will be the most realistic and effective alternative for practicing carbon zero.”
He then introduced differentiated core contents such as ▲ ‘Ocheon Green Plaza,’ which transformed a flood control reservoir into a communication and cultural space ▲ ‘Green Island,’ which converted asphalt roads into vast grassy paths ▲ ‘Garden Stay,’ a special overnight experience within the garden ▲ ‘Earthing Path,’ promoting health through barefoot walking ▲ and ‘Garden on Water,’ the nation’s first floating garden on a river.
In particular, Chairman Roh confidently responded to a question about the economic impact of the expo, saying, “The expected effects of this expo are difficult to quantify in monetary terms.”
He added, “The ripple effects on social structural changes through climate crisis response and the spread of garden culture, as well as the mental and emotional health that all citizens have experienced at least once, will exceed imagination.”
Regarding the expected number of visitors, he said, “As the first international event held after the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 8 million people are expected to visit,” and added, “About 2,000 German students entering the country to participate in the Saemangeum Jamboree have already reserved their expo admission.”
Furthermore, he stated, “Suncheon is seeking new changes through this expo. We are willing to share this experience and know-how with all cities at any time,” and requested active promotion of the 2023 Garden Expo.
Meanwhile, promotional ambassador Baek Il-dong drew enthusiastic responses with an impromptu pansori performance themed on the black crane and Suncheon, saying, “Since pansori is registered with UNESCO, I will use my voice to showcase Suncheon’s beautiful spirit and ecological environment to the world.”
Daniel said, “I was especially pleased with Ocheon Green Plaza, inspired by the flood control reservoir in Bonn, Germany. I hope many people come to this garden expo to heal in nature.”
Alberto said, “I especially like Suncheon’s sunset. I hope Suncheon becomes known worldwide as a representative sunset spot. As a promotional ambassador, I will work hard to promote the expo.”
Lucky also expressed strong support for the expo, saying, “I will take the lead in promoting so that many people can visit the beautiful gardens of Suncheon.”
The 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo will be held from April 1 to October 31, expanding the expo venue to include Suncheonman National Garden, Suncheonman Bay Ecological Park, and the city center.
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