- The World's First Travel-Oriented Expo Dedicated to Islands Offers Immersive Experiences for All Five Senses
- Generous Free Services and Refund Benefits, Plus Recommended One-Day and Three-Day Budget-Friendly Itineraries

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, the world's first international exposition dedicated to islands, will run for 61 days, from September 5 to November 4, 2026, in Yeosu, a jewel of Korea's southern coast.

Following the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, which introduced the value of the ocean to the world, this international event will showcase Yeosu's 365 islands and diverse island cultures from around the globe.

■ The World's First Travel-Oriented Expo Dedicated to Islands

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is a government-approved international event with a total budget of KRW 70.3 billion. Unlike conventional expos centered on one-time visits to indoor exhibition halls, this event is fundamentally different: it is an experiential, travel-oriented expo that encourages visitors to explore actual islands on foot and stay overnight.

The main venue in Dolsan's Jinmo district, however, will feature cutting-edge exhibitions presenting the past, present, and future of islands at a glance.

The landmark Theme Island is a massive 3D media facade structure measuring 40 meters wide, 40 meters long, and 20 meters high. Inside, a large tree installation and immersive videos will create a fantastic experience, taking visitors on a journey beneath the sea, from the birth of islands into their future.

At Future Island, visitors can see actual urban air mobility (UAM) aircraft and hydrogen-powered vessels, highlighting innovations in future island transportation. Treasure Island, designed for children and families, is expected to be especially popular with its combination of interactive missions, trick art, and augmented reality (AR) adventures.

In addition, cultural performances representing islands from 16 countries will take place throughout the event at a 3,000-seat outdoor performance venue overlooking the sea. At Restaurant & Market Island, visitors can sample an abundance of dishes prepared with distinctive recipes and specialty ingredients from islands in Korea and abroad.

■ Don't Miss the Gaedo and Geumodo Satellite Venues: Island Life and Relaxation
After exploring the main venue, visitors can take a ferry to the islands themselves and experience their unique cultures and pristine natural surroundings with all five senses.

On Gaedo (Experiences & Relaxation), visitors can explore the Island Fishing Village Culture Center, Romantic Island Cinema, and Manyeomok Park, while enjoying marine leisure activities, camping, graffiti, and traditional games against the spectacular scenery of Cheongseokpo.

On Geumodo (Ecology & Trekking), visitors can hike the renowned Bireong-gil Trail along steep coastal cliffs before unwinding with a footbath and refreshments featuring bangpung, a local specialty herb.

Eight islands, including Geumodo and Geomundo, will also offer the Island Healing Table and One Night, Three Meals on an Island programs. The latter is an overnight experience combining accommodation at a designated property with breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared from seasonal local ingredients and seafood.

■ Travel Smart and Save More: Visitor Benefits and Recommended Routes
Yeosu City will offer substantial transportation and accommodation rebates to reduce visitors' expenses and revitalize businesses across the region.

Visitors from outside Yeosu who stay overnight on an island can receive a refund of half their travel expenses, up to KRW 100,000, in Yeosu Love Gift Certificates. Passenger ferry and shuttle boat fares will also be discounted by 50%. A half-price yacht tour between Gukdong Port or Expo Port and the main venue will provide gift certificate rebates of KRW 5,000 to 10,000, while the Island Yacht Tour connecting different islands will offer rebates of up to KRW 50,000.

In particular, 17 city bus routes heading toward Dolsan and 15 free shuttle routes, served by up to 100 buses, will connect major transportation hubs—including Yeosu Expo Station, the intercity bus terminal, and the airport—to the main venue. The city has also designated 155 selected accommodation establishments, and parking fees at nearby public parking lots will be reduced by 50%.

■ Recommended One-Day and Three-Day Itineraries
One-day itinerary: Morning—explore the main expo venue in Dolsan's Jinmo district → Afternoon—enjoy the Musulmok coastline and ride the Yeosu Marine Cable Car → Evening—visit the Romantic Pocha food stalls in the old downtown area and stroll along Yeosu's night sea.

Three-day, two-night itinerary: Day 1—fully explore the main venue, travel to Gaedo via Baegya Port in the afternoon, enjoy marine leisure activities, and stay at the Seomseom Campground → Day 2—hike Geumodo's Bireong-gil Trail and enjoy the Island Healing Table and One Night, Three Meals on an Island program → Day 3—depart via Yeocheon Port, visit Hyangiram Hermitage and Odongdo Island, and return home.

Meanwhile, Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-Hak stated, "Through the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, an unforgettable celebration of islands and the sea, we will give visitors their most memorable experiences of this autumn."

※ Inquiries: Yeosu City Hall (1899-2012 / 061-659-2114)
Office Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Public Holidays, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.