Busan's Bid for the 2030 World Expo Hinges on Gadeokdo New Airport's Opening

The decision on which country will host the 2030 World Expo hinges on the opening of the Gadeokdo New Airport in Busan. In April, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) will conduct a due diligence visit to evaluate the transportation system, with the airport playing a pivotal role in Busan's bid to host the global event.

The method and timeline of the airport's construction are the critical issues that the South Korean government needs to address to ensure that the Gadeokdo New Airport is operational before the 2030 World Expo. The government has confirmed that landfill construction will be the chosen method for the airport's construction, but a plan to build the airport across Gadeokdo Island has emerged as a possible alternative that could reduce the construction period and expedite the airport's opening before the Expo. This alternative method is being considered as a way to meet the strict timeline requirements for the Expo.

The BIE's due diligence team will evaluate 61 items, including the transportation network, accessibility for visitors, the strategic location of the host city, expo site and construction plan, financing plan, political, economic, and social environment of the host country, expo theme and goals, national reasons for applying to host the EXPO, expected number and type of visitors, and accommodation plan. Additionally, the team will review the allocation of indoor and outdoor pavilions for exhibitors, space allocation, and exhibitor costs.

The international transportation network, with a focus on airports, is critical for the success of the 2030 World Expo. It must be planned at a national level and over an extended period of time to ensure that visitors can arrive at the event smoothly. The BIE's due diligence team has identified the transportation system as a key evaluation factor in Busan's bid to host the Expo, and it has been divided into five categories, including the host city's international transportation relations and visitor movement. Busan's transportation system will be assessed, including plans to build a large-scale airport with 24-hour operation and visitor movement between the airport and the host area.

The opening of the Gadeokdo New Airport will play a decisive role in Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo. The city is making every effort to meet the international transportation network standards, with the government, the city of Busan, and the Busan political leaders working tirelessly to ensure that the airport is operational before the BIE's due diligence visit in April. It is crucial to finalize a roadmap with a year-by-year plan for the opening of the airport before 2030 to meet the strict timeline requirements of the Expo.

The Yoon administration has set the 2030 World Expo as a national task, and the city of Busan is working closely with the political sphere to ensure that Busan meets the BIE's standards. Should Busan be selected to host the Expo, its modern infrastructure and advanced technology will position it as a premier destination for both business and tourism, showcasing the city's capabilities and potential to the world.

In summary, the opening of Gadeokdo New Airport is a crucial element in determining which country will host the 2030 World Expo. The BIE's due diligence team will evaluate Busan's transportation system, with particular focus on the airport's role in it. The South Korean government is making significant efforts to meet the international transportation network standards, and they are addressing issues such as the construction method and timeline of the airport. With Busan's advanced infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, the city is well-positioned to host the Expo, which would showcase it as a leading destination for both business and tourism.