The 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo officially opened on September 5 in Yeosu, South Korea. Themed "Connecting Islands, Oceans, and the Future," the Expo will run for 61 days until November 4. As the world's first international expo centered on the theme of islands, the event not only shatters the conventional perception of islands as isolated spaces but also repositions them as vital hubs connecting oceans and cities, humanity and nature, culture and future industries. The Expo brings together local governments from 30 countries, including Tanzania, Italy, and the Solomon Islands, along with three major international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund. Together, they are hosting an unprecedented grand celebration of island culture and development across the main venue in the Dolsan area of Yeosu, as well as on Gaedo and Geumoh Islands.
On the opening day, the atmosphere was vibrant, with hundreds of visitors lining up early to enter. At 10:00 a.m., the opening ceremony commenced with a lively parade featuring the mascot "Dado," followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the guests of honor, officially opening the Expo gates to the public. Notably, Joo Seo-hyun, the first ticketed visitor to enter after waiting for 10 hours, shared excitedly, "I dreamed of being Visitor Number One since I was young. Today, that dream came true at the Yeosu World Islands Expo, and I feel incredibly honored."
At 6:30 p.m. that evening, a grand opening gala elevated the atmosphere to a climax. Over 5,000 domestic and international guests and attendees gathered at the main stage to enjoy a spectacular performance divided into four chapters: "The Flow of Islands," "The Opening of Islands," "The Narrative of Islands," and "The Expansion of Islands." The Yeosu Municipal Traditional Music Orchestra performed "Arirang Fantasy," followed by the traditional cultural piece "Geomundo Boat Song" and the Expo's theme song "You Are an Island," each earning rounds of applause. The original musical "Shinjigi: The Last Mermaid," directed by Park Myung-sung, reinterpreted the local Yeosu mermaid legend from a modern perspective, greatly igniting the audience's enthusiasm. As the performance concluded, a drone fleet took to the skies, outlining the silhouettes of Yeosu's 365 islands in a dazzling light show, delivering a visually stunning representation of the islands' future vision. Subsequently, singers such as Park Ji-hyun, Kiki, and Jeon Yu-jin delivered a 65-minute crossover concert featuring ballads and dance tracks, setting the crowd ablaze with cheers.
In terms of exhibition layout, the main venue features eight meticulously designed themed pavilions, offering visitors an immersive, multi-dimensional experience. The "Theme Island," the iconic space of the Expo, boasts a unique architectural design complemented by a large-scale media facade, presenting strikingly different digital art landscapes by day and night. The "Marine Ecology Island" focuses on climate change and marine pollution, exploring the symbiosis between humans and nature through interactive experiences. The "Future Island" offers a forward-looking showcase of Urban Air Mobility and hydrogen-powered vessels, painting a picture of tomorrow where cutting-edge technology empowers island development. The "Culture Island" gathers island legends and cultural customs from around the world, while the "Treasure Island" is specially designed for families with rich interactive activities. The "International Exchange Island" showcases innovative cooperative projects between overseas local governments and enterprises. Additionally, the "Dining and Market Island" serves as a global culinary carnival. Visitors can savor local delicacies from the Jeolla region, such as Geomundo blood clams, crab paste, and Yeosu sunset-dried pollock, alongside international dishes like Sicilian olive oil pasta, specialty platters from Guam and Tahiti, and Indian Ocean tandoori chicken.
Beyond the rich content within the pavilions, the Expo has innovatively introduced the "Experiential Island Tours" program. Visitors can head to Gaedo Island for island camping and beach tours, or visit Geumoh Island to participate in forest trail hiking, stamp collecting, and makgeoli brewing experiences in Ando Village. To encourage in-depth exploration, the organizers jointly launched the "Jeonnam-Gwangju Half-Price Island Travel" initiative, offering a 50% fare subsidy on all passenger ferry routes within the Yeosu jurisdiction. Additionally, up to 100,000 KRW in half-price rebates for accommodation, dining, and ferry tickets are available across 10 islands, including Geumoh and Geomundo, truly achieving a seamless transition from the exhibition grounds to the actual islands.
Regarding transportation and security, the organizing committee has made meticulous arrangements. On-site, 11 free shuttle bus routes have been launched, along with 22 temporary parking lots providing a total of 9,951 parking spaces. A three-stage traffic operation system tailored to the characteristics of the Dolsan area has also been implemented. Meanwhile, comprehensive information desks, a Happy Mom Center, a pet care facility, and dedicated services for the elderly, the disabled, and expectant mothers are all in place. In response to potential extreme weather, the organizers have established a robust emergency response mechanism. Leveraging an AI-powered intelligent safety control system and a comprehensive situation room, they are collaborating with fire, police, and coast guard departments to ensure the utmost safety of visitors.
Prior to the official opening of the Expo, the "2026 World Islands City Conference" was held in Yeosu from September 3 to 5. Themed "Islands of the World, Promises for the Future," the conference brought together representatives from island regions worldwide, officials from international organizations, and industry experts to jointly explore the challenges facing island cities and pathways to sustainable development. Speaking at the opening of the Expo, Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-hak said, "The massive turnout of citizens and visitors on the very first day marks a successful launch for this Expo. I hope all visitors can personally experience the unique charm and rich offerings of Yeosu's islands and oceans. Throughout the remainder of the event, we will continue to conduct meticulous inspections to ensure the Expo operates safely, smoothly, and comfortably."