People on March 30 look at LED roses at a lighting ceremony to promote Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. (Yonhap News) 

By Lee Kyoung Mi

A lighting event at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul has promoted Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo. 

The Bid Committee for World Expo 2030 Busan, Korea, and Busan Metropolitan City on March 30 jointly hosted the ceremony "Light it UP EXPO" at the square. The event's purpose was to showcase at home and abroad the nation's desire to host the global event before an inspection team from the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) visits Busan next month.

Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, concurrently co-chair of the committee, and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-Yang attended the event to light sculptures like blue LED roses and a replica of the Eiffel Tower. 

Sculptures of landmarks in countries that previously hosted the expo like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Statue of Liberty in New York, as well as those of historic inventions that debuted at the event including the telephone, phonograph and airplane, decorated the night sky over the square. 

Major domestic conglomerates like Samsung, SK and LG through April 3 will host promotional events for the bid. Samsung Electronics allows visitors to take instant printed photos at a neon-lit photo zone on night streets in Busan, while an SK interactive hall features eco-friendly clean energy.

Hyundai Motor Group is displaying its electric vehicle EV9, along with a promotional video of Busan residents introducing their city's intent and capacity to host the expo in 15 languages. 

Prime Minister Han Deok-soo (at the wheel) and other attendees on March 30 put on a commemorative performance at the ceremony "Light it UP EXPO" held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul's Jongno-gu District to promote Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo. (Official Facebook page of Office for Government Policy Coordination of Prime Minister's Secretariat)

"Through this event, we must demonstrate the Republic of Korea's enthusiasm for hosting the World Expo to the whole world," the prime minister said. "We ask for the public's active encouragement and support." 

Starting with this event, the government will launch a full-scale campaign for the bid to prepare for the BIE inspection team's visit, hanging welcoming placards and banners in the city center and major transportation facilities like Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station. 

km137426@korea.kr