US Navy to Promote Busan as Candidate City for 2030 World Expo

Busan City Conducts Busan Tour for Nimitz-Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Crew Members

Busan City is set to promote Busan, a candidate city for the 2030 World Expo, to U.S. Navy personnel who have docked at the naval operations base.

Busan City (Mayor Park Hyung-jun) will conduct a "City Tour" on April 1 for the crew of the U.S. Navy Nimitz aircraft carrier, showcasing representative tourist attractions in Busan.

The Nimitz, part of the U.S. Navy's 11th Carrier Strike Group, is a fleet that defends the eastern Pacific U.S. mainland. After participating in the ROK-U.S. joint exercise "Freedom Shield," commemorating the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance, the Nimitz has been docked at Busan Port since the 28th. The U.S. Navy will open the Nimitz aircraft carrier to the public on April 1 for pre-registered citizens.

This city tour was organized to encourage the embarked personnel on the Nimitz aircraft carrier upon its arrival at Busan Port and to introduce them to representative tourist sites that highlight the charm of Busan, the candidate city for the 2030 Busan World Expo. A total of 230 exemplary crew members aboard the Nimitz will participate in this city tour, with participants selected internally by the U.S. Navy.

On the 28th, the US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz docked at Busan Naval Base. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The city tour course is designed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance in the international peace city of Busan and to reflect on the significance of the Korean War. It includes visits to ▲ the UN Memorial Cemetery and ▲ Haeundae Beach, the Movie Street, and the International Market, which are representative cultural and tourist destinations promoting Busan’s culture and tourism.

Jo Yoo-jang, head of Busan City’s 2030 Expo Promotion Headquarters, said, “Most of the personnel aboard the Nimitz aircraft carrier have limited experience visiting Korea. Through this city tour, we plan not only to encourage the hard work of the U.S. Navy personnel but also to introduce them to the charm of Busan as a green smart city they were unaware of, promoting Busan as the optimal site for hosting the 2030 World Expo.”

Prior to this city tour, Busan City held a welcome dinner on the evening of the 29th, hosted by An Byung-yoon, Deputy Mayor of Busan, inviting Christopher Sweeney, commander of the U.S. 11th Carrier Strike Group, and about 10 related officials.