Osaka Expo Immersed in Hallyu... "Korea Day" Events Held

Commemorative Ceremony and Diverse Events Held at Korea Pavilion for "Korea Day" at Osaka Expo on May 13
Joseon Tongsinsa Procession and K-pop Concert Draw Attention
"Korea Week" Continues Until May 17, Showcasing K-Content

The "2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo," currently being held at Yumeshima in Osaka, Japan, was filled with a variety of events promoting Korean culture on the occasion of "Korea Day" on May 13.

Yoon Inchon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, visited the Korean Pavilion at the Yumeshima Expo Site in Osaka, Japan, on the 13th to observe the exhibition in celebration of "Korea Day" at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo. Photo by Yonhap News

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced that they hosted a range of events in Osaka, Japan, on this day. The Expo officially holds "National Day" events, where each participating country takes the spotlight in turn and receives focused attention for a day. Marking one month since the opening, it was Korea's turn to be featured on this day. Until May 17, "Korea Week" will be held, with various side events to promote Korea.

Political and business leaders also visited the site. At 2 p.m., the official "Korea Day" ceremony took place at the Ray Garden (National Day Hall), attended by government officials including Ahn Dukgeun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Yoon Inchon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, Lee Wonjin, President of Samsung Electronics, Sung Kim, President of Hyundai, and Kang Kyungsung, President of KOTRA, along with other business leaders. A total of about 350 people attended the event. From the host country, Japan, Koji Haneda, the Japanese government representative for the Osaka Expo, Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary-General of the Expo Organizing Committee, and Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture, were also present.

Prior to the ceremony, in the morning, a reenactment of the Joseon Tongsinsa procession was held. This event, which symbolizes the history of traditional diplomatic missions between Korea and Japan and the commitment to modern diplomacy, drew significant attention and positive response from Expo visitors.

Additionally, at the Expo Hall, the "Korea Collection" program ran throughout the day, featuring K-beauty makeup shows and Hanbok fashion shows. In the evening, the "Korea Day M Concert" was held at the Osaka Expo Arena, offering a stage to experience the excitement of K-pop.

Events promoting Korean culture and technology will continue until May 17 as part of "Korea Week." In particular, the "Korea Excellent Products Exhibition" held at the Wasse (Exhibition Hall) at the Expo site is regarded as an event showcasing Korea's latest trends and technological prowess. A total of 93 Korean companies and 160 buyers are participating, operating programs such as exhibition marketing and local market entry consulting in fields including healthcare, beauty, living, information technology (IT), home appliances, and mobility, thereby fostering cooperation and exchanges between Korean and Japanese companies.

The event runs until May 16.

On the 13th, during the "Korea Day" event at the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo, a reenactment of the Joseon Tongsinsa procession took place at a local port in Osaka. Photo by Kim Hyungmin

Meanwhile, the Korean Pavilion at the Osaka Expo, themed "With Hearts," is operating as an experiential space combining advanced technology and emotional content. As of May 13, the pavilion had surpassed 350,000 cumulative visitors, establishing itself as one of the most popular attractions.

Kang Kyungsung, President of KOTRA, who prepared the "Korea Day" ceremony, said, "Starting with Korea Day, I hope visitors will fully enjoy Korea's outstanding cultural content throughout Korea Week until May 17," adding, "We will do our best to foster a favorable atmosphere for Korea, leading to increased tourism and industrial exchange."