Korea`s southern-coast city, Yeosu, is ready to officially start preparations for constructing the site for the 2012 World Expo, the organizing committee said yesterday.
"We are excited to say today that development procedures will officially enter full swing on Aug. 16, which we have marked as the 1,000-day countdown - or D-1,000 - to the World EXPO," said Shin Hwang-ho, director for public relations of the Organizing Committee for The EXPO 2012 Yeosu Korea.
The maritime city in South Jeolla Province will be hosting the global exposition in 2012 from May 12-Aug. 12. The international fair stands as a great feat for Yeosu because it was its second time running in the World Expo competition. It earlier lost a bid to host the World Expo in 2010 to Shanghai.
International expositions carry great significance because the Korean government believes they help spur not only regional economic development but also balanced national development.
But, won't it improve Yeosu's international image and brand?
The government believes hosing such a grand-scale international event would contribute to elevating its international brand value[.]
Whew, I was worried there for a second. There are quite a few changes in store for Yeosu between then and now. Arguably the biggest is the overhaul of the "New Harbor" (신항) where the audiences will gather. I visited the area in May for the Tall Ships Festival:
Not exactly the best shot, but it's the best I could do. And here's what it's expected to look like:
And, while we're here the mascots for the Yeosu Expo and the 2010 one in Shanghai were on display Tuesday at Seoul Station.
귀엽다고? Meh, not really. The Yeosu ones, Yeoni and Suni are on the outside and the Shanghai one is in the middle.
1 comment:
Man, that's going to be a GREAT expo.
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