The Great Voyage Toward the Islands: Yeosu World Island Expo 2026

“Islands, Connecting the Ocean and the Future” — A 61-Day Journey Through the Official Roadmap

Why Yeosu, and Why Islands?

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is the world’s first specialized exposition dedicated to islands, bringing together island-owning nations from around the world to share the value of islands and present a blueprint for the future. Yeosu, which introduced the importance of the ocean to the world through the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, now steps onto the global stage once again, this time with “islands,” the territories scattered across the sea, as its central theme.

• Official Name: 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, also known as Yeosu World Island Expo 2026

• Event Period: September 5 to November 4, 2026, for 61 days

• Core Theme: Islands, Connecting the Ocean and the Future

• Venues: Main Site, Dolsan Jinmo District / Sub-Venues, Yeosu World Expo Site, Geomun-do, and Gae-do

• Event Status: An internationally approved event by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, expected to host more than 30 countries and attract over 3 million visitors as a large-scale global exposition

Yeosu’s Three Mascots: Symbolism and Roles of the Expo Characters

This Expo introduces the official character “Dasumi,” alongside Yeosu City’s newly created mascots “Janggun-i” and “Odong-i,” who all come together to welcome visitors. Each character represents Yeosu’s history, nature, and future, enriching the storytelling experience of the exposition.

Official Character “Dasumi”: The Bridge to the Future

“Dasumi” is the face of the Expo, designed to symbolize Yeosu’s 365 islands. It serves as a messenger of harmony, connecting island to island and people to islands. As a symbolic bridge of unity, Dasumi communicates the vision of the Expo to the world and represents the idea of connection across the sea.

Yeosu’s New Pride: “Janggun-i” and “Odong-i”

The newly introduced mascots of Yeosu City play an active role in engaging directly with visitors at the Expo site.

• Janggun-i:

Janggun-i symbolizes the heroic spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and Yeosu’s tradition of national defense. With a strong and dignified presence, Janggun-i serves as a guardian of safety and a veteran guide who helps visitors navigate the exhibition routes.

• Odong-i:

Odong-i is inspired by the camellia flower, the official flower of Yeosu. Representing the passionate red bloom, Odong-i delivers warmth and hospitality, and is especially beloved by younger visitors as a friendly ambassador of joy and welcome.

Official Guide: In-Depth Structure of the Eight Thematic Exhibition Halls

According to the official implementation plan, the main venue at the Jinmo District in Dolsan is organized into eight specialized exhibition halls that trace the past, present, and future of islands through a continuous narrative.

• Island Climate & Environment Hall:

This hall addresses the realities faced by islands in the era of climate crisis and highlights the urgency of marine ecosystem preservation. It emphasizes environmental vulnerability and global responsibility.

• Island Culture & Landscape Hall:

This hall presents the unique lifestyles, traditions, and material cultures formed by geographically isolated island communities. It showcases the ethnographic diversity of island societies around the world.

• Island Ecological Restoration Hall:

This hall exhibits efforts to restore uninhabited island ecosystems and conserve native plant species. It focuses on technological and scientific approaches to coexistence between humans and island nature.

• Future Island Hub Hall:

This hall introduces the concept of smart islands and carbon-neutral island systems. It also features simulated future transportation models, including drone logistics and UAM, or Urban Air Mobility, visualizing how islands may function as future innovation hubs.

Sub-Venues: A “Living Expo” Where the Islands Themselves Become Exhibition Spaces

The Expo is not confined to the Jinmo main site. It expands across Yeosu’s beautiful islands, realizing a field-based exposition where the islands themselves function as exhibition spaces.

• Geomun-do, Wellness Zone:

Visitors experience true island healing through ecological trekking along the dramatic cliffs of Bireong-gil and meditation programs held in forest healing centers. This zone emphasizes wellness and restoration through immersion in untouched island nature.

• Gae-do, Gastronomy & Family Zone:

This zone features a food-focused festival centered on Gae-do’s traditional makgeolli and island-style seafood cuisine. It also offers coastal camping programs designed for families, blending leisure with local culinary culture.

• Yeosu World Expo Site, Global Zone:

This site serves as the international hub where experts from around the world gather to discuss island preservation strategies. It hosts ongoing global island forums and academic conferences dedicated to sustainable island futures.

Real Guide: The Journey to Yeosu

STEP 1: Entering Yeosu Expo Station from Seoul

Travelers can reach Yeosu, the gateway to the southern coast, via the Jeolla Line departing from Yongsan Station.

• KTX: Approx. 3 hours and 10 minutes / KRW 46,000, the fastest option

• ITX-Saemaeul: Approx. 4 hours and 40 minutes / KRW 41,100, a scenic and relaxed train journey

• Mugunghwa: Approx. 5 hours and 30 minutes / KRW 27,600, the most economical route

STEP 2: Moving from Yeosu Expo Station to the Venues

The organizing committee and Yeosu City have established an official transportation system to ensure smooth visitor access throughout the Expo.

Access to the Main Site, Jinmo District

• Shuttle Bus Operation:

Dedicated Expo shuttle buses will operate intensively between Yeosu Expo Station, major transport hubs such as bus terminals and parking areas, and the main venue. This system is designed to maximize accessibility for public transportation users.

• Park & Ride System:

Peripheral parking lots will be operated for private vehicle users. Shuttle buses will connect these parking zones to the main venue, minimizing congestion in central Yeosu.

Access to Sub-Venues, Geomun-do and Gae-do

• Expanded Maritime Transport Services:

During the Expo period, ferry services from coastal terminals and major ports will be significantly increased to accommodate visitors heading to the island venues.

• Diversified Sea Routes:

Ferry routes connecting islands and mainland areas will be optimized and expanded, ensuring smoother and more flexible maritime mobility across the Expo network.

EPILOGUE: The Question Yeosu Puts Before the World in 2026

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is not merely a regional festival. As stated in its official vision, this event represents a civilizational promise to shift the global paradigm “from isolated islands to connected islands.”

It is a space where humanity pledges a sustainable future for islands standing on the frontlines of the climate crisis and existential risk, and where the value of all life sustained by the ocean is reaffirmed.

In Yeosu, where Dasumi’s gentle smile, Janggun-i’s steadfast presence, and Odong-i’s warm hospitality await, visitors are invited to witness firsthand a new horizon for humanity’s shared future.

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