The 2026 Yeosu World Island Exposition Organizing Committee (hereafter referred to as the "Committee") held a press day on the morning of September 1 at the press center in the main venue of Jinmo District, Dolsan, Yeosu, providing an official briefing to the press on the preparation status ahead of the opening. Around 100 reporters from media outlets across the country attended the event, showing great interest in the world's first exposition themed around "islands."

Following the preview day held on the 29th, where some 5,000 citizens participated in a preliminary rehearsal, this press day consisted of an official briefing on the island exposition, a question-and-answer session, and a tour of the exhibition halls for the press. Through the briefing, the Committee introduced the main venue facilities, including eight exhibition halls, and stated that all safety measures against typhoons, heavy rain, and heatwaves, as well as admission and transportation operation plans, are fully established.

 At the sub-venues of Gedo and Geumodo, hands-on programs unique to actual islands, such as Island Island Camping and Birong-gil Trekking, were prepared, alongside linked benefits to enjoy the entirety of Yeosu's islands, including half-price ferry fares and the "Island Half-Price Travel" program. For this exposition, 30 overseas local governments from countries such as Greece, Japan, Ecuador, Tanzania, and Palau, along with three international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, are participating.

The Committee aims to attract a total of 3 million visitors. Kim Jong-ki, Secretary-General of the Committee, stated, "The opening is now just four days away," adding, "During the remaining period, we will meticulously recheck all sectors including facilities, content, safety, and transportation to safely and successfully host the world's first island exposition." 

Following the briefing, the attending reporters toured key exhibition halls such as the Theme Island, Marine Ecosystem Island, Future Island, and Culture Island to check the core content.

The landmark Theme Island exhibition hall unraveled the past, present, and future of islands through a 360-degree media facade and the media art show "Tree of Life," while the Marine Ecosystem Island is organized with experiential exhibits on ecological crises and the resilience of nature.

The Future Island showcases the future envisioned by islands and advanced technology through actual UAM and hydrogen vessels, and the Culture Island introduces stories of islands in popular culture—such as Seopyeonje, MapleStory, and Mamma Mia—through interactive content.

Meanwhile, the 2026 World Island Exposition Yeosu will embark on a 61-day journey from its opening ceremony on September 5 through November 4. Under the theme "Island, Connecting the Sea and the Future," the opening ceremony will feature a themed performance based on the mermaid folklore of "Shinjikki" from Geomundo, a lighting drone performance, and celebratory stages by popular singers, held across Jinmo District in Dolsan, Yeosu World Expo venue, and areas of Gedo and Geumodo.

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