By Kim Seon Ah

Domestic corporations are preparing a flurry of events this month to promote Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, with just over three weeks left before the announcement of the host city.

Hyundai Motor Group on Nov. 2 announced that it is showing large billboard ads in Paris, where the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) is headquartered, to promote the campaign.

Through Nov. 30, the ads appear on about 270 digital screens including those on buildings around BIE headquarters, leading tourist attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower, and areas near embassies and those with high floating populations.

The ads feature key symbols of Busan such as seagulls and the Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the slogan "Busan is Ready" to host the expo. 

Samsung Electronics on Nov. 2 said it is promoting the bid at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. 

The corporation is running ads on 14 screens at the arrival section of the airport's 2E Terminal, where many passengers on flights of leading airlines such as Korean Air, Delta and Air France pass through.

A 100 m-long section of the airport shows promotional images of Busan's World Expo bid through illustrations of the port city's impressive sights. 

LG Group on Oct. 26 said that since Oct. 23, it has run 210 double-decker buses in London inscribed with messages supporting Busan's bid.

The conglomerate's Expo Bus roams throughout the British capital to greet locals and tourists. The ads on the vehicle feature images of Busan's leading landmarks such as the skyscraper Haeundae LCT The Sharp, Gwangandaegyo Bridge and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Paris will also see this bus on its streets. 

Domestic companies will also promote Busan's bid at home as well as abroad.

Lotte Property & Development on Oct. 30 said it will screen messages supporting the campaign through Nov. 28 on the media facade of the outer walls of Lotte World Tower in Seoul's Songpa-gu District.

Messages such as "Busan Is Ready," "Hip Korea" and "2030 Busan Expo" appear every 10 minutes every hour on the hour after sunset. Lights symbolizing Taegeuk (yin and yang symbol in red and blue) will also be illuminated on the lantern section atop the skyscraper.

The BIE at its 173rd general assembly in Paris on Nov. 28 will announce the host city for the 2030 World Expo.

sofiakim@korea.kr