Korea is gearing up to host Expo 2012 Yeosu - The Living Ocean and Coast from 12 May to 12 August next year.  More than one hundred countries will participate with an expected eight million visitors to the Expo which will also feature an Australian pavilion.  Expo 2012 Yeosu is an international exposition centred on the theme of 'ocean' and 'coast'.  It will contribute to finding a brighter future for humankind by highlighting the importance of achieving co-prosperity of the sea and humans and provide the vision for building a green economy that keeps the ocean healthy through clean technologies.

It will also be a culturally stimulating expo offering a series of inspiring programs with over forty performances and events taking place every day for the entire ninety-three day period.  It will feature large-scale events such as the state-of-the-art night multi-media show, world class performances and concerts of popular singers from Korea and around the world.

The Big-O will be the centrepiece of the Expo where the nightly multi-media show will take place providing a dazzling display of laser lights.  The Fountain Show takes place on a stage constructed on the sea.  It will be shown through the world's first 'Living Screen' at night, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. The Big Ocean Show is a performance utilising the sea, the beach and ships.  It will be staged on a weekly basis with different performances that reflect the theme of the Expo.  The World Ocean Performance features performances of artists from Korea and abroad and will take place on the floating stage utilizing the sea as a  platform for cultural activities. 

Today's exposition-goers are not content with simply remaining an onlooker, they are more than willing to become part of the exposition.  Korea's leading information technologies are shifting the paradigm of an exposition.  Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea is a ubiquitous Expo that can be accessed and enjoyed online anytime and anywhere.  Spectators can take part in the programs through interactive communications enabled by super high speed integrated information systems and real-time mobile broadcasting.  Expo 2012 Yeosu is a ubiquitous Expo than can be viewed, heard, explored and enjoyed anytime and anywhere via smartphones and the internet. Visitors will be able to book tickets, search for the quickest way to get to the Expo site and check out tourist attractions near Yeosu all at the touch of their smartphone.

Expo 2012 will also add style and sophistication with the entire Expo site an open-air gallery housing artworks of architectural grandeur, and providing a glimpse of a high-tech city of 2050 against the backdrop of the sea.  Each and every corner of the Expo site will be filled with attention-grabbing sights and innovative designs.  Architectural highlights include a Theme Pavilion - Korea's first offshore pavilion, the Korea Pavilion will be an embodiment of Korea's vision and future, the International Pavilion modelled after the seascapes of the Dadohae archipelago and the Sky Tower adorned with a huge harp will all be outstanding structures.

There will be several 'ocean' and 'coast' experiences to enjoy such as the Ocean Experience Park and a Marine Life Pavilion representing life in the five major oceans of the world.

Yeosu city is located in the southern coastal area of Korea and information on transport to Yeosu and accommodation in the area are detailed on the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea website above for the interest of international visitors.

Tickets are on sale online now for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea and tickets purchased prior to the 31st December, 2011 attract a 10% discount.  Visit the Expo homepage for details and ticket sales.  

For general travel information on Korea and Yeosu and surrounding regions obtain your free 230page colour Korea guidebook from Korea Tourism Organization.