Benchmarking Post-Expo Utilization Plans
and Development of a Marine Tourism City
Yeosu Mayor Jeong Gi Myung visited the Japan "Osaka-Kansai Expo" on the 20th, listened to the expo operation know-how, and introduced the main contents of the "2026 Yeosu Island Expo," requesting much interest and participation. Provided by Yeosu City
Jeong Gi Myung, the mayor of Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, who is currently on a business trip to Japan, has begun exploring various content ideas to ensure the successful hosting of the "2026 Yeosu World Island Expo."
According to Yeosu City on June 23, Mayor Jeong visited the "Osaka-Kansai Expo" on June 20, held a meeting with Ichinoki Manatsu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, listened to the expo operation know-how, and introduced the main contents of the "2026 Yeosu Island Expo," requesting much interest and participation.
In response, Deputy Secretary-General Ichinoki stated, "The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which discusses humanity's sustainable development and responses to climate change, shares a common theme with the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, which focuses on the future of islands and oceans," and added, "We will actively promote and cooperate to ensure the successful hosting of the Island Expo."
On June 21 and 22, Mayor Jeong toured the Expo '70 Commemorative Park and Wakayama Marina City in Japan to benchmark post-expo utilization and the development of a complex marine tourism city.
The Expo '70 Commemorative Park is a 2.6 million square meter park developed on the site of the Osaka Expo, the first world exposition held in Asia in 1970. The park features the "Tower of the Sun," which symbolizes the spirit of the expo, as well as recreational facilities, exhibition halls, and museums, and is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
Wakayama Marina City is a resort-type destination built on a 490,000 square meter artificial island for the 1994 World Resort Expo. It features a traditional market selling local seafood and fruits, a European-style village, hotels, hot springs, a marina, and a fishing park.
Mayor Jeong stated, "We plan to closely review various cases, including the Expo '70 Commemorative Park, to consider the creation of an urban forest garden and a park golf course as post-expo utilization options." He added, "Since Wakayama Marina City is very similar to the complex marine leisure tourism city project currently being pursued by the city, we will keep all options open, listen to many opinions, and continue to review with working-level staff to determine the optimal plan."
Meanwhile, in April, Yeosu City submitted a proposal for the "Complex Marine Leisure Tourism City Project" hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, which includes a complex marine leisure town, exhibition and experience halls, and a floating marina. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to select and announce two locations in the first half of this year.
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