Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea  – The Organizing Committee (OC) for the highly anticipated 2026 Taean International Horticulture Therapy Expo has officially launched its advisory framework, a crucial step towards ensuring the resounding success of the global event. A significant milestone was marked on April 16th with the ‘2026 Taean International Horticulture Therapy Expo Advisory Committee Appointment Ceremony and 1st Advisory Committee Meeting,’ held at the Chungcheongnam-do Provincial Government Office in South Korea.

This pivotal event brought together a diverse and distinguished group of 57 experts spanning a wide array of critical fields, including horticulture, therapeutic practices, academic research, event management, marketing and public relations, exhibition design, and transportation and safety protocols. Their collective expertise will be instrumental in shaping the expo into a world-class spectacle that not only showcases the therapeutic power of horticulture but also attracts a significant international audience.

The ceremony and inaugural meeting were attended by approximately 60 key stakeholders, including Chungcheongnam-do’s Vice Governor for Political Affairs, Mr. Jeon Hyung-sik, senior officials from Taean County, members of the Expo’s Organizing Committee, and the newly appointed advisory committee members. The agenda for the day was structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the expo’s current progress, introduce the various advisory divisions, formally appoint the expert members, and facilitate initial discussions within specialized working groups.

Vice Governor Jeon Hyung-sik delivered a keynote address emphasizing the paramount importance of the advisory committee in realizing the ambitious goals of the 2026 expo. He stated, “The inauguration of this Advisory Committee represents a vital starting point for the triumph of the 2026 Taean International Horticulture Therapy Expo. By diligently incorporating the diverse insights and recommendations of these esteemed professionals, we are committed to transforming this event into a globally recognized and impactful exposition.”

The 57 appointed advisory committee members represent a wealth of knowledge and experience across six distinct yet interconnected divisions:

Event & Operation: Focusing on the seamless planning, execution, and overall management of the expo to ensure a positive and efficient experience for all participants and visitors. This division will address logistical challenges, visitor flow, and operational efficiency.
Horticulture & Therapy: Dedicated to curating and showcasing innovative and effective horticultural therapy practices, demonstrating the profound connection between nature and well-being. This division will oversee the selection of plant exhibits, the design of therapeutic gardens, and the integration of therapy programs.
Academia & Attraction: Tasked with fostering academic engagement, attracting research institutions and universities, and developing intellectually stimulating content to enhance the educational value of the expo. This division will focus on seminars, workshops, and the presentation of cutting-edge research in horticulture therapy.
Public Relations & Marketing: Responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to raise international awareness, attract a large and diverse audience, and effectively communicate the unique value proposition of the expo. This division will handle media relations, digital marketing, and promotional campaigns.
Exhibition & Presentation: Focused on the creative design and impactful presentation of exhibits, ensuring an engaging and visually compelling experience that effectively conveys the themes of horticulture and therapy. This division will oversee the layout of the expo grounds, the design of individual exhibits, and the overall aesthetic appeal.
Transportation & Safety: Crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of visitors and participants, this division will address traffic management, parking logistics, on-site safety protocols, and emergency preparedness.
Following the formal appointment ceremony, the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Committee commenced. Key updates on the expo’s progress were shared, and the overarching objectives and strategic directions were outlined. This initial session provided a platform for open dialogue and the exchange of preliminary ideas and recommendations from the advisory members.

The afternoon session was dedicated to focused discussions within the individual advisory divisions. Notably, relevant team leaders from the Expo’s Organizing Committee actively participated in these in-depth meetings, fostering a collaborative environment for the generation of specific and actionable advice. These specialized discussions allowed for a more granular examination of the challenges and opportunities within each domain, ensuring that the expo’s planning and execution are informed by expert insights at every stage.

The Advisory Committee, now officially operational, is poised to play a pivotal role throughout the entire lifecycle of the expo, from the initial planning stages to its conclusion. Their mandate includes providing professional guidance, offering practical implementation strategies, and ultimately contributing to the unique character and elevated quality of the 2026 Taean International Horticulture Therapy Expo.

Vice Governor Jeon reiterated his confidence in the advisory body, stating, “We firmly believe that the collective wisdom and experience of this distinguished Advisory Committee will be invaluable in shaping the 2026 Taean International Horticulture Therapy Expo into a truly world-class event. We are committed to actively listening to and incorporating their diverse perspectives to ensure an unforgettable and impactful experience for all attendees.”

The 2026 Taean International Horticulture Therapy Expo, a collaborative endeavor between Chungcheongnam-do Province and Taean County, is scheduled to take place over a month, from April 25th to May 24th, 2026. Under the overarching theme of ‘Healthy Future Found in Nature: Horticulture & Therapy,’ the expo aims to highlight the profound benefits of integrating horticulture into therapeutic practices for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Organizers anticipate attracting a significant international audience, with projections estimating approximately 1.82 million visitors from 40 countries, underscoring the global interest in the burgeoning field of horticulture therapy and the potential of this unique exposition. The establishment of this robust advisory framework signals a strong commitment to ensuring that the 2026 Taean International Horticulture Therapy Expo will be a resounding success, leaving a lasting positive impact on the fields of horticulture, therapy, and international collaboration.