Preparations for the 2026 Pre Wando International Seaweed Expo Progressing Smoothly

Final Report Meeting Held for Establishment of Basic Plan

Wando County, Jeonnam announced on the 21st that it held the final report meeting for the establishment of the basic plan for the '2026 Pre Wando International Seaweed Expo' in the county office situation room.

This meeting was attended by about 30 people, including County Governor Shin Woochul, department heads, and representatives from the consulting agency. The consulting agency gave its final report on the basic concept of the expo, followed by discussions, Q&A, and collection of opinions.

Wando County held the final report meeting for the establishment of the basic plan for the '2026 Pre Wando International Seaweed Expo' at the county office situation room. Photo by Wando County Office

The Wando International Seaweed Expo, which was held twice in 2014 and 2017, promoted the value and excellence of Wando's clean sea seaweed to the world and laid the foundation for the development of the seaweed industry. In particular, the 2017 expo attracted 940,000 visitors, greatly contributing to revitalizing the local economy and boosting national seafood exports, with gim emerging as a leading export product.

To ensure the continued development of the seaweed industry, Wando County is preparing the '2026 Pre Wando International Expo' as a preliminary event, aiming to host the '2028 Wando International Seaweed Expo'. The upcoming expo, themed 'Climate Leader, The Future of the Ocean Opened by Seaweed,' will be held from May 2 to 7, 2026, in the area of Wando County's Beach Park.

The event will feature four exhibition halls, including the Seaweed Understanding Hall, Theme Hall, and Industry Hall, and will be held as an industry-oriented expo with an international seaweed symposium and export consultation meetings. Wando County plans to finalize the basic plan by the end of this month and will thoroughly prepare for the expo in cooperation with related marine and fisheries organizations and companies.

Governor Shin Woochul stated, "We will carefully review and incorporate the opinions and detailed action plans proposed at the final report meeting, and will successfully host the expo so that it can greatly contribute to the seaweed industry and the local economy."