Oh Se-hoon "The Start of Regional Coexistence is the Han River"... Promise to Support Yeosu Island Expo

Agreement Signed for the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo
Joint Promotion and Major Event Marketing Initiatives
Mayor Oh Announces Han River-Centered Marine Network
"Goal is to Establish an International Marine Tourism Network"

On June 7, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "The answer to regional mutual development is connection," adding, "That path is the sea, and its beginning will be the Han River." Mayor Oh promised various supports for the successful hosting of the world's first 'World Islands Expo' to be held in Yeosu in 2026, and plans to establish a marine tourism network centered around the Han River as a result.

On the same day, Mayor Oh signed the 'Seoul-Yeosu World Islands Expo Cooperation Support Agreement' at Seoul City Hall with Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, and Jeong Ki-myeong, Mayor of Yeosu, agreeing to provide various supports.

The 'World Islands Expo' is an international expo where countries share the charm of their islands and explore their development potential. The Yeosu World Islands Expo, themed 'Islands, Connecting the Sea and the Future,' will be held for 61 days from September 5, 2026, in areas including Jinnmo District in Dolsan-eup, Gaedo, and Geumo-do in Yeosu. It is expected to attract participation from 30 countries and over 3 million visitors.

Seoul City will set up a promotional popup zone for the 'Yeosu World Islands Expo' at the regional tourism antenna shop scheduled to open in July within the 'Seoul Urban Architecture Exhibition Hall' in front of City Hall, introducing key contents such as expo programs and island travel courses near Yeosu to Seoul citizens and domestic and international tourists.

Seoul will also develop linked tourism products between Seoul and Yeosu. The plan is to activate mutually beneficial tourism through continuous visits by foreign tourists during and after the expo period. When holding the '2026 Seoul Excellent Tourism Product Contest' for inbound travel agencies based in Seoul, linked products between Seoul and Yeosu will be given preferential treatment, and overseas travel agencies that have agreements with the city will also receive support when developing linked products.

Based on cooperation with Yeosu City, Mayor Oh also presented a 'Vision for Building a Marine Tourism Network' utilizing the Han River. He noted that top global cities in terms of competitiveness are connected to rivers or seas, and Seoul can become a global capital beyond being an inland capital. Referring to the 'Han River Bus' scheduled for regular operation in the first half of this year, Mayor Oh said, "On February 27, two boats entered the Han River and are preparing for trial runs. Citizens will experience new transportation by boat along the Han River in the first half of this year."

The course touring the West Sea along the Ara Waterway, including Palmi-do and Deokjeok-do, starting from Yeouido by boat, will operate this summer. The 'Yeouido Cruise Terminal,' capable of docking large cruise ships, and cruise ships of 1,000-ton and 600-ton classes are scheduled to operate. Additionally, 'Seoul Port,' located at the southern end of Mapo Bridge and set to become an international marine tourism hub, is expected to establish an international marine network. Mayor Oh stated, "The boats departing from Yeouido will extend beyond the West Sea to the South Sea, from the South Sea to the East Sea, and eventually from the East Sea to the world," adding, "Ultimately, the goal is to form an international marine tourism network connecting to Shanghai, China, and Fukuoka, Japan."

West Sea tourism course utilizing the Ara Waterway planned by Seoul City. Provided by Seoul City