Press Conference Held in Osaka During the Expo
Leading the Korea Pavilion as Government Representative
Korea Pavilion Draws Huge Crowds... About 320,000 Visitors
"An Opportunity to Showcase Outstanding Industries and Culture... A Turning Point in Korea-Japan Relations"
"Japan Revives Manufacturing, Excels in Technology and Materials
Companies Realign for Japanese Market... KOTRA Also Provides Support"
At a press conference held on the 12th at the Osaka Prince Hotel in Japan, where the 2025 Osaka·Kansai World Expo (World Exposition) is taking place, Kang Kyungseong, President of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), emphasized, "Participating in the Expo is an opportunity to promote our country to the world and enhance the value of our national brand." He added, "Given the current global market with heightened uncertainties such as U.S. tariffs, this will be of great benefit to our country and companies."
Kang Kyungseong, President of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), is delivering opening remarks at a press conference held on the 12th at the Osaka Prince Hotel in Japan. Photo by KOTRA
According to KOTRA on the 13th, President Kang summarized the significance of Korea's participation in the Osaka Expo in three main points. He highlighted that Korea's participation in the Expo is "an important opportunity to showcase our outstanding industries, technologies, and culture to the world." He also assessed it as "a groundbreaking turning point in Korea-Japan relations and a crucial opportunity for companies to advance into new markets."
During the Osaka Expo, President Kang is serving as the government representative for the Korea Pavilion, overseeing the overall operation of the pavilion at the Expo venue. Beginning with the 'Korea Day' event on this day and continuing through the 'Korea Week' running until the 17th, he is also leading a series of side events organized by KOTRA.
The Korea Pavilion is enjoying great popularity at the Expo site. Since the Expo opened on April 13 and through May 11, a total of 323,065 visitors have visited the Korea Pavilion. This accounts for approximately 13.4% of all Expo visitors. Word of mouth and positive reviews about the abundance of attractions and experiences have been drawing local visitors, according to observers. With 'Korea Week' officially starting from this day, there is potential for the number of visitors to increase even further.
President Kang explained, "It seems that the Korea Pavilion is perceived as the place that best embodies the theme of the Expo while also offering its own unique interest and fun." He continued, "Alongside Japan, the United States, Germany, and France, our Korea Pavilion is being evaluated as one of the 'top five' at the Expo." He added, "At the Expo site, not only is the Korea Pavilion being operated, but many side events related to the economy and technology are also being held. These events increase interest in our country and attract overseas buyers who come to see our companies. This can translate into export opportunities and entry into the Japanese market for our companies."
Kang Kyungseong, President of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), is delivering opening remarks at a press conference held on the 12th at the Osaka Prince Hotel in Japan. Photo by KOTRA
In particular, President Kang predicted that cooperation between Korean and Japanese companies would expand further after the Expo. He noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, and he expects the two countries to pursue an even more advanced cooperative relationship, with businesses at the center. At the Expo site, under KOTRA's leadership, the 'Korea Excellent Products Exhibition' is being held, where 93 Korean companies and 160 Japanese local buyers are engaging in export consultations.
President Kang described Japan as "a powerhouse that has revived its manufacturing sector and excels in original technologies and materials, parts, and equipment (so-bu-jang)." He emphasized, "Japan is now accelerating its digital transformation and its transition to green, climate-responsive energy, making these two areas a matter of national priority. The optimal partners to address these challenges are our companies." He continued, "Not only large corporations such as Samsung and SK, but also Korean companies across the board have redefined their strategies targeting Japan and have completed their market realignment." He added, "KOTRA will also focus on supporting Korean companies' entry into the Japanese market, exports, and relocation of overseas bases in line with this trend."
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