Park Hyung-jun "Expo Bid in a Neck-and-Neck Race... Inspection Team Will Fully Enjoy Busan"

Park Hyung-jun, Mayor of Busan, analyzed the situation regarding the bid for the '2030 Busan World Expo' as a "neck-and-neck race." He also expressed his intention to showcase Korea's enthusiasm for the bid to the onsite inspection team of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) to win their favor.

On the 15th, the Special Committee for Supporting the Bid for the 2030 Busan World Expo was held at the National Assembly to review the progress related to the Expo bid. The committee particularly examined the preparations for the onsite inspection team's visit to Busan, scheduled for the 3rd to 7th of next month.

Regarding the bid status, Mayor Park stated, "Korea is visiting each country to gather agendas," and added, "We are finding agendas suitable for each country and cooperating accordingly." He emphasized, "It is important to fully activate unofficial diplomatic network lines," and requested, "I ask for the active cooperation of the lawmakers."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also expressed his intention to make the most of Busan's strengths in the presentation to the inspection team. Mayor Park introduced, "When hosting the Expo, factors such as weather, surrounding environment, accessibility, overall city safety, and content are comprehensively considered," and added, "Compared to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which is a competitor, Busan is much more interesting and the location is right in the middle of the city with the sea nearby, so the inspection team's route itself will allow them to fully enjoy Busan."

He also revealed plans to boost enthusiasm for the Expo bid. Mayor Park said, "The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education is making efforts to increase students' interest and participation ahead of the Expo inspection," and added, "Support was discussed at the Council of Governors, and they agreed to actively cooperate."

On the same day, lawmakers also checked on the status of securing and opening infrastructure such as the Gadeokdo New Airport and railways.

Meanwhile, the special committee also passed a resolution titled ‘Resolution for the Successful Bid and Hosting of the 2030 Busan World Expo’ on the day.