Jeollanamdo and Busan Sign Partnership for Yeosu World Islands Expo

Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation Between the "Capital of Islands" and the "Maritime Capital"
Pursuing Joint Prosperity Through the Connection of Maritime Economic Zones
Kim Youngrok: "Designing the Future of Maritime Affairs Through Practical Alliance"

Jeollanamdo Governor Kim Youngrok is signing the "2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo Organizing Committee-Busan City Business Agreement" with Busan Mayor Park Hyungjun, Yeosu Mayor Jung Kimyeong, and Organizing Committee Chairman Park Sugwan at Yeosu Expo Convention Center on the 13th. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanamdo Province, Yeosu City, and the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo Organizing Committee signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Busan City at Yeosu Expo Convention Center on the 13th to ensure the successful hosting of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo and to strengthen maritime cooperation.

The signing ceremony was attended by Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanamdo and Co-Chairman of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo Organizing Committee, Park Hyungjun, Mayor of Busan, Jung Kimyeong, Mayor of Yeosu, Park Sugwan, Chairman of YC-TEC, and about 40 other officials, who declared a new beginning for maritime cooperation between the two regions.

This agreement is significant as it aims to establish a strategic partnership to connect the southern coast of Korea as a unified maritime economic zone and pursue joint prosperity, leveraging the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo, the world's first international event themed around islands.

Governor Kim emphasized, "This agreement goes beyond simple regional exchange and declares a practical alliance for marine tourism, marine environment, and fostering new industries centered on the southern coast. Jeollanamdo, the capital of islands, and Busan, the maritime capital, will together design Korea's maritime future."

Mayor Park Hyungjun stated, "Busan is a global hub for maritime logistics, including the world’s second-largest transshipment port, while Jeollanamdo is a treasure trove of marine ecology with the largest island resources in Korea. By combining the complementary maritime capabilities of both regions, we will create a leading model for balanced national development centered on the ocean."

The main points of the agreement include: ▲ developing new coastal cruise routes linked to island tourism ▲ jointly planning tourism products based on the attractions of both cities ▲ joint marketing of major events ▲ and collaborative efforts to vitalize the Southern Coast Maritime Economic Belt.

In particular, the coastal cruise route between Busan and Yeosu is a key element of this agreement. The two cities plan to launch the coastal cruise service in time for the Expo and jointly develop port-of-call-based tourism courses to expand the scope of marine tourism. Linked content reflecting regional characteristics, such as island experiences, healing content, and nighttime tourism, will also be promoted.

Jeollanamdo and Busan will also join forces in the field of maritime administration. To improve regulations in maritime industries, such as port development authority and marine tourism permits, which are currently concentrated in the central government, they will establish a joint response system to secure maritime autonomy and actively promote the necessity of maritime decentralization through the Expo.

The 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo, a government-approved international event, will be held from September 5 to November 4, 2026, at Jinmo District in Dolsan-eup, Yeosu World Expo site, Geumodo in Nam-myeon, and Gaedo in Hwajeong-myeon, Yeosu.

Jeollanamdo plans to use this Expo to elevate Yeosu as a world-class marine tourism city and to present a sustainable model for a maritime nation.