So what is a World Expo, and why does Busan want to host it?
According to the Korea Society, World Expos are “a global gathering of nations dedicated to finding solutions to pressing challenges.” In a video posted to the Busan World Expo official Twitter account, RM further explained, “The World Expo is a global festival started in 1851 that brings together countries under the theme of industrial, technological, and cultural development. We are very honored to be named ambassadors for such a meaningful event.”
“If the World Expo opens in Busan in 2030, Korea will be the seventh country to have held the world’s three mega events along with the World Cup and the Olympics,” Jimin added. “I’m so excited that it could be held in my hometown of Busan, and we’ll strive to show the world Korea’s beautiful nature and cultural power.”
World Expos are held every five years, and countries can submit a bid to host the event and choose its theme. In June 2021, Korea bid to host the World Expo in Busan based on the theme “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future.”
The host country for the World Expo will be selected by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in November 2023. Besides Busan, other candidates in the running for the 2030 World Expo are Rome; Odessa, Ukraine; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Moscow also submitted a bid, but they withdrew it in May 2022.
If Busan is chosen for the World Expo, the city’s mayor said he hopes the event will “serve as an opportunity to showcase Korea’s strength not only in its advanced technologies, but also in its cultural strength.”