EVENT: Expo 2012 Yeosu, Korea

Come and encounter the “ocean of the future”, join in the festivities of the 2012 World Expo as Yeosu, Korea hosts the most stylish and sophisticated World Fair from 12 May – 12 August 2012.

Expo 2012 is Korea’s second expo to be recognized by the BIE (Bureau of International Exhibitions), following the Daejeon Expo in 1993.The seaside Yeosu City venue highlights the main focus of the expo: the ocean and its value as a natural resource.

“The Living Ocean and Coast” is the hopeful theme of this year’s marine-focused World Expo showcasing floating pavilions, dazzling offshore multi-media shows, a vast Ocean Experience Park representing the world’s five major oceans and various forms of architectural grandeur which includes a mock-up, high-tech coastal city of 2050.

Exhibition centers include the Theme Center, Korea Center, Sub-theme Center (Climate Change & Environment, Ocean Industry & Technology, Ocean Civilization, Ocean City and Ocean Creatures), International Center, and Aquarium.

The 250,000 square meters exhibition area and auxiliary facilities have the geographical edge that comes from being adjacent to the ocean, and thus, is ideal for realizing the Expo theme. The site overlooks Hallyeosudo Marine National Park and Odong Island, and is surrounded by 317 jewel-like islets, having the perfect natural conditions to make the Expo’s theme come alive.

All these wonderful creations support the idea that human prosperity is inextricably tied to a healthier planet. This event is expected to draw 100 participating countries, generating millions of tourists who will be purchasing air tickets to Korea to attend the fair.

The expo theme aims to shed light on humankind’s knowledge and advancement of technology concerning the ocean and coast, and identify ways to resolve the challenges facing the ocean. It will serve as a timely reminder to the global community of the value of the sea, which is closely linked to the very existence of the human race. Many also hope that the expo will be a chance for nations to come together and discuss a new, unified vision for the world’s ocean environment.