This is the exhibition hall under the theme of marine ecology islands unveiled on Sept. 1 at the main venue of the inaugural World Island Expo in Jinmo District of Dolsando Island off the coast of Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Province. (Yonhap News)

By Park Soo Kwan

Organizing committee chair of 2026 World Island Fair

When it comes to islands, isolation and disconnection initially come to mind for most people. But islands have long served as crossroads where people and cultures crossing the sea meet, as well as hubs connecting the mainland to the open sea.

The inaugural World Island Fair, slated to begin on Sept. 5 in the southern port city of Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Province, is the world's first global expo dedicated to the theme of islands.

The vast majority of Earth's surface is covered by oceans, where countless islands are scattered. While islands have long remained on the periphery of development and public attention, they are also places where the most pressing questions facing humanity today are focused.

Islands are where people's livelihoods are threatened by rising sea levels, yet also treasure troves of biodiversity and unique cultures. Languages, songs, religions and lifestyles passed on by generations on these islands are precious heritage that all humanity must share.

Yeosu, which is home to 365 islands and host city of the 2012 World Expo under the theme of the ocean, is again the stage to tackle these contemporary challenges with the global community.

The theme of this expo is "Island, Connecting the Ocean and the Future, " a vision of reimagining islands not just as isolated points but connecting nodes linking oceans and land among nations and the present and future.

The aim is to share the value of islands with the world, exchange related cultures and work together to devise answers to the challenges they face. The prime goal of the fair is to rediscover the ecological and cultural significance of islands and jointly design a sustainable future amid the climate crisis.

The venue will be filled with spaces where people can see and experience this message firsthand. Visitors to the marine ecology section will view endangered marine life and listen to the warnings sent by the ocean.

Another pavilion will allow people to imagine the islands of the future and oceans through eco-friendly technologies such as urban air mobility and hydrogen-powered ships. A gathering of 34 local governments from abroad and international organizations will share their unique stories and solutions drawn from their respective seas, along with their wisdom and culture, and share them across borders.

Sixty-one days of performances, festivals, culinary delights and hands-on experiences will ensure that everyone can enjoy this meaningful dialogue.

From the exhibition hall in Jinmo District of Dolsando Island to the open-air stage set against the backdrop of the sea, and all the way to the islands of Gaedo and Geumodo, Yeosu has meticulously prepared for this event over the past few years.

The fair's main venue, overlooking the waters off Yeosu, is famous for its picturesque sunsets. After exploring the exhibition halls, visitors can gaze at the sea as it turns crimson at dusk and savor the region's fresh seafood and traditional Jeollanam-do cuisine. As an old port city long accustomed to welcoming guests, we hope that visitors from around the globe discover not only the intrinsic value of islands but also the unique tourism appeal of Yeosu.

This event is not just for Yeosu but also serves as a platform for global cooperation where nations, cities, businesses, people and future generations gather to discuss and implement island sustainability. This stage is brought to life by island cities worldwide, international organizations and every single visitor either from home or abroad. We hope that the countries and cities represented here bring the bonds formed in Yeosu back to their own shores, becoming partners in safeguarding a healthy future for islands everywhere.

From Sept. 5 to Nov. 4, the waters and islands of Yeosu will open themselves wide to the world. We sincerely invite global citizens to join us on this extraordinary journey where small islands come together to usher in a brighter future. Please be part of this story of connecting islands, seas and the future, and the new island narrative beginning in Yeosu will serve as the opening chapter in linking our shared seas and future.

Appointed in December 2023 as co-chair of the organizing committee of the 2026 World Island Fair, Park Soo Kwan has since strived to ensure the event's success. He previously led both the bidding and preparatory committees for the 2012 Yeosu World Expo.

arete@korea.kr