The 2026 World Island Exhibition will transform Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, into the world’s first large-scale “island exhibition” from September 5 to November 4, 2026. Over 61 days, the event will utilize the city’s 365 islands and surrounding seas as a living exhibition space, centered on the theme “Island, Connecting the Ocean and the Future.”
Rather than a traditional single-venue expo, the exhibition operates as a multi-venue, experiential festival where islands themselves serve as the primary stage. This innovative approach aims to reposition islands from perceived geographical isolation into testing grounds for sustainable development, marine ecosystem preservation, and future innovation, addressing growing global concerns over climate change.
The exhibition has attracted significant international interest, with 18 countries and one international organization already confirming participation, including Cebu City from the Philippines, Palau, Peru, Kochi Prefecture in Japan, and Corsica in France. Organizers target up to 30 participating countries and expect approximately 3 million visitors throughout the exhibition period.
The event spans three distinct venues, each offering unique experiences. Dolsando serves as the main venue, featuring eight pavilions across 182,000 square meters including the Theme Pavilion, Island Marine Ecology Pavilion, Island Future Pavilion, and Island Culture Pavilion. These state-of-the-art facilities showcase island life and innovation through media art and advanced technologies, with the Island Future Pavilion demonstrating cutting-edge transportation solutions such as advanced air mobility aerial taxis and wing-in-ground vehicles.
A Theme Zone will present representations of iconic global island destinations including Santorini, the Maldives, and Jeju Island. Geumodo offers the scenic 18.5-kilometer Bireong trail, designated as one of Korea’s 100 most beautiful roads, while Gaedo features immersive activities including camping, kayaking, and mudflat experiences designed to engage all senses. Expo Ocean Park serves as the hub for academic events and global forums, including the World Island Cities Conference and International Island Forum in September 2026, as well as the seventh Island Day celebration in August.
To support the expected increase in daily traffic from 13,600 to 22,700 vehicles, organizers are preparing temporary parking for 7,000 additional vehicles and will operate 2,310 shuttle buses across 12 routes between venues, backed by a 4 billion won investment. Yeosu is simultaneously undertaking significant environmental restoration efforts aligned with the exhibition’s sustainability mission. In 2026 alone, two cleanup vessels collected 389 tons of marine debris, while 15,000 citizens participated in large-scale coastal cleanup operations. Recovered waste is processed by certified contractors, with styrofoam recycled for reuse. The recent designation of Baekriseomseom-gil coastal road, connecting Yeosu and Goheung as Korea’s first official tourist road, further establishes Yeosu as a premier marine tourism hub.
Strong community engagement reflects widespread local support for the event, with residents across Yeosu’s 27 districts participating in relay support campaigns, pledge ceremonies, and ticket pre-purchases. Local agricultural, fisheries, and sports groups have contributed their support, while service providers have joined collective initiatives to enhance visitor-friendly services throughout the exhibition.