2026 Yeosu World Island Expo opening weekend sees low attendance, dissatisfaction spreads over 'admission fee not being worth it'

The initial box office outlook for the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, which has begun its two-month journey with the goal of attracting 3 million visitors, is bleak.

Despite some positive reviews about the media façade, which combines with the night view of the sea as a background, word of mouth has spread, saying, "It's not worth the admission fee," and "There are not enough things to see," so improvements are urgently needed.

According to the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo Organizing Committee on the 7th, the number of visitors on the first weekend of the Island Expo was 35,668, including 25,417 on the 5th, Saturday, and 10,251 on the 6th.

Considering that the opening ceremony and a congratulatory performance by a popular singer were held, this figure is difficult to satisfy.

As severe congestion was expected in areas such as Dolsandaegyo Bridge and Geobukseondaegyo Bridge, which connect the Jinmo district of Dolsan-eup, the main event site, the organizing committee considered traffic measures, but it was unfounded.

Based on traffic simulations and advice from police and experts, Yeosu City said that it promoted various traffic measures, including one-way traffic on the 1.8km section of the main entrance road, adjustment of the signal system at major intersections, creation of temporary parking lots around the event venue, provision of real-time traffic information, and management of illegal parking and stopping.

The traffic volume in this area was not much different from a normal weekend, and there were no parking inconveniences.

The island expo, which became famous due to the poor preparation revealed in the promotional video by ‘Chungju Man’ Kim Seon-tae and President Lee Jae-myung’s central government-level inspection order, did not appear to be able to dispel concerns.

One visitor, a citizen of Yeosu, said, "I toured the venue and had a meal, and it took less than an hour. I don't plan on coming again next time. I don't want to recommend it to people."

There was even a mocking review on social media regarding the reinforced tent structure-type exhibition hall installed at the main site, calling it a ‘luxury greenhouse.’

The pyramid-shaped 'Theme Island', created as the landmark of the Island Expo, continuously exposed the media façade on the wall and encouraged photo taking, but the exhibition content was not enough to attract visitors.

A visitor from Seo-gu, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do said, “There weren’t many people, so parking and viewing were easy. I stopped by with my family in my hometown of Yeosu, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that the admission fee was a waste.”

There was also strong criticism on social media, saying that the event, which cost 70.3 billion won, did not meet expectations and that a follow-up inspection, such as an audit, was needed.

In addition to favorable reviews of the night view that blends in with the sea, viewing tips are also being shared to use the night admission, which costs 4,000 won, rather than the regular admission, which costs 15,000 won for adults.

One Yeosu citizen advised, "Even before the competition was held, my pride as a citizen was hurt by being stigmatized as the 'second jamboree,' and it seems difficult to recover. Since it will be difficult to supplement the contents and facilities right away, I think we need to at least heighten the 'night sea festival' atmosphere, such as events held in tourist attractions and commercial districts, to increase viewing satisfaction."

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo will be held in Jinmo District, the World Expo Center, and Gaedo and Geumodo Islands until November 4 under the theme of ‘Connecting Islands, the Sea and the Future’.

The organizing committee plans to attract group visitors such as school trips, experiential learning, and corporate training, with a goal of 3 million people.