The 2026 Yeosu World Island Fair Organizing Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Committee") has decided to allow island residents nationwide to enter the exposition venue for free starting on the 24th.

Previously, free admission was limited only to residents of islands within Yeosu City, excluding those connected by bridges for more than 10 years. However, the Committee comprehensively considered that even for islands connected to the mainland by bridges for a long time, the island remains an important living foundation for its residents. Sharing the ecological, cultural, and historical value of islands aligns with the theme and purpose of the exposition, leading to the decision to expand free admission to island residents nationwide.

Under the theme "Islands, Connecting the Sea and the Future," the exposition aims to share the value and future of islands together, promote sustainable island development with residents living on islands as their livelihood, and broadly share the significance of the world's first international event themed around islands.

The Committee has widened its doors so that island residents, who are the protagonists of the exposition, can visit the venue without burden and share the value and future of islands. Currently, about 820,000 residents live across 484 inhabited islands in South Korea.

An official from the Committee stated, "This decision is to broadly implement the theme and purpose of the island exposition," adding, "We hope that island residents nationwide will use the island exposition as an opportunity to think about the present and future of islands together and share each other's experiences and values."

Meanwhile, the Committee also arranged for visitors whose birthday falls on the day of their visit to enter for free, along with one companion.

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