Minister Yun Ho-jung Attends Opening Ceremony of World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea: “An Opportunity to Showcase the Value of Islands to the World”

[Financial News] Minister Yun Ho-jung of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea, held on the 5th in Yeosu, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, and expressed his intention to support the exhibition’s successful hosting. The exhibition will run for two months through November 4, with 34 overseas local governments and organizations taking part.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 6th, Minister Yun, who attended the opening ceremony, said, "I hope this exhibition will help our beautiful islands become a global center for marine tourism and serve as a new growth engine for Yeosu."
The opening ceremony was attended by Min Hyung-bae, mayor of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City; Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-hak; Park Soo-gwan, civilian chair of the organizing committee; National Assembly members Joo Cheol-hyeon and Cho Gye-won; and approximately 3,000 Yeosu residents.
Minister Yun also visited the exhibition site on the 28th of last month to inspect the final preparations at major facilities. MOIS has formed a joint inspection team with local governments and relevant agencies to review preparations involving facilities, transportation, and disaster safety.
The government provided a total of 19.2 billion won to prepare for the exhibition. It allocated 6.4 billion won in national funds to develop the main venue, 9.5 billion won in special local allocation tax for shaded rest areas, cooling fog systems, and access roads, and 3.3 billion won in national funds to improve convenience facilities on major tourist islands.
Held under the theme “Islands Connect the Sea and the Future,” the exhibition includes 34 overseas local governments and organizations, seven domestic local governments, 11 public institutions, and 15 companies. Six exhibition halls—including the Theme Island, Marine Ecology Island, and International Exchange Island—will operate at the main venue in the Yeosu Jinmo District of Dolsan-eup. A total of 133 performances, including a K-pop concert, are also scheduled.
Minister Yun said, "The government will work alongside you so that this becomes a meaningful opportunity to showcase the value and appeal of our islands to the world and bring new vitality to the region."


[email protected] Lee Bo-mi Reporter