Participation Confirmed from 9 Countries...
Negotiations Underway with 21 More
Focusing on Ticket Sales Strategies for a Successful Expo
Yeosu City held an emergency meeting on the 31st of last month with the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo Organizing Committee to urgently review the progress of the expo, discuss expanding the number of participating countries overseas, and explore revenue-generating projects. Photo by Yeosu City
On July 31, the city of Yeosu, Jeollanam-do held an emergency meeting with the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo Organizing Committee (hereafter referred to as the Organizing Committee) to urgently review the progress of the Expo, discuss strategies for attracting more participating countries, and deliberate on revenue-generating projects.
According to the Organizing Committee on August 1, participation from nine countries, including the Philippines, Palau, Peru, Greece, Timor-Leste, and France, had been confirmed by the first half of this year. However, the participation rate has been lower than initially expected. As a result, the city is currently negotiating participation with 21 countries, including Thailand, the United States, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles. As the recruitment of overseas participants faces unexpected difficulties, concerns among citizens about the smooth operation of the Island Expo are growing.
The city is also accelerating the development of strategies for revenue-generating projects, such as ticket sales. The Organizing Committee has been conducting promotional activities targeting local organizations such as Saemaeul Association and Residents' Autonomy Council, as well as educational institutions and the public officials' labor union. The Organizing Committee plans to launch full-scale ticket sales to local governments and public institutions nationwide in September, coinciding with the 'D-365 Event.'
Mayor Jung Kimyung emphasized, "The ticket sales target of 9.6 billion won is a core financial resource for the total project cost," and added, "With creative and effective sales strategies, we will work together with citizens to successfully lead the Expo."
Meanwhile, under the theme 'Connecting Islands, the Sea, and the Future,' this Expo is expected to serve as a global festival sharing the cultures and visions for sustainable development of islands worldwide, and as a bridgehead for Yeosu's leap forward as a marine tourism hub.
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