Inside Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2030
As the race to host World Expo 2030 intensifies, Busan, Korea’s vibrant coastal hub, has emerged as a strong contender to host the historic event.
A historic legacy
With a history spanning 150 years, The World Expo has its roots in the first-ever World Fair, which took place in London in 1851. An extraordinary showcase of human innovation on a scale never before seen, the World Fair marked the birth of a recurring event where nations could display their technological, cultural, and artistic prowess.
As years have passed, the aims of what is now the World Expo have broadened, seeking to promote international progress in various domains. From tackling world hunger to finding common ground on climate change, the World Expo has become a forum where countries can showcase their vision for the future – to crowds of around 25 million visitors.
With the bidding process to host World Expo 2030 open, attention is turning to potential host countries. Alongside Italy and Saudi Arabia, Korea is seeking to position Busan as the ideal candidate to host this prestigious event.
Korea’s formula for success
As the world’s twelfth-largest economy, and ninth on the UN’s Human Development Index, Korea is a global powerhouse.
Its culture of innovation has led to some of the most important technological innovations of the 21st century – including in the development of AI, 5G, and electric vehicles. With such a strong reputation, it’s no wonder Korea has carved out a place at the forefront of world-leading industries, housing iconic brands like Samsung, Hyundai, and Kia.
In addition to its technological prowess, Korean culture is taking the world by storm. Hallyu – or The Korean Wave – is the collective term for the cultural phenomenon that has seen the region’s music, fashion, films, games, and cuisine captivate the globe.
The country’s impressive track record in hosting large-scale international events further adds to its bid: The 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and the 2018 Winter Olympics were global success stories.
While some might assume that Seoul, Korea’s metropolitan capital, would host the Expo, all eyes are turning to Busan, the country’s dynamic coastal city.
Why Busan?
It may not be as familiar to the world as some of its regional counterparts, but Busan is a city brimming with energy and potential. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 25 cities to visit and by Lonely Planet as one of Asia’s best destinations, the city boasts a vibrant landscape of picturesque mountains, pristine beaches, and cultural sites.
The city’s connectivity is equally impressive. Having undergone a remarkable transformation from humble fishing town into the seventh-largest container port and second-largest transhipment port globally, it is now an important cog in Korea’s economic machine. By air, Busan’s Gadeok New Airport, scheduled to open in 2030, will offer access to 167 cities across all six continents. By sea, international ferries and cruises bring regular visitors.
Once travelers have arrived, an easy-to-follow transit app takes the stress out of navigating the city. Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2030 prioritizes visitor experience, promising ambitious new modes of transportation, including urban air mobility, amphibious buses, a new airport, and a 15-minute train service, all of which will seamlessly connect visitors to the expo.
Beyond its economic prowess, Busan retains the charm, drive for progress, and passion for innovation that is deeply rooted in Korean culture. It’s a city where visitors can immerse themselves in K-culture; from dazzling K-pop performances represented by the One Asia Festival in Busan and Busan International Film Festival, to delicious cuisine and shopping for its famous skincare products.
As the campaign to support Busan’s bid to host 2030 World Expo continues, it’s evident that Busan, with its coastal charm, modern infrastructure, and rich cultural tapestry, is well-prepared to welcome the world to the best of Korea.
