Expo 2012

Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea (Hangul: 2012 여수세계박람회; Hanja: 2012 麗水世界博覽會) was an International Exposition recognized by the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) held in Yeosu, South Korea which opened May 12, 2012 and ran until August 12, 2012. The theme of the Expo was “The Living Ocean and Coast” with subthemes of “Preservation and Sustainable Development of the Ocean and Coast,” “New Resources Technology,” and “Creative Marine Activities.” The organizers anticipated participation of more than 100 countries and international organizations, and 8 million visitors.

The Expo 2012 Yeosu was the first-ever world fair held on water, it opened on May 12 in the southern coastal town of Yeosu, approximtely 455 kilometers south of Seoul. It was the second international fair hosted by Korea, after the Taejŏn Expo '93.

The Yeosu Expo, among others, distinguishes itself from previous international fairs by being the first world fair to be held on the water. There were some event with the ocean theme but the Yeosu Eopo is the first to have the ocean as its venue.

The entire expo site for 80 exhibition halls stretches out alongside the sea with promenades and exhibit spaces extending all the way to the island of Odongdo and the seawalls.

The Yeosu Expo also received positive comments for addressing global issues like climate change and the protection of the ocean through story-telling events.