Busan Welcomes Foreign Reporters to Showcase Preparations for 2030 World Expo

Busan City has welcomed 14 foreign reporters in Korea to showcase its plans and preparations for the 2030 Busan World Expo. The press tour aimed to demonstrate the strengths and attractions of Busan as a candidate city for the 2030 World Expo to foreign reporters before the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on-site inspection in early April.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, the government, the Bid Committee, and key executives of Busan City attended the event. Journalists from various global media outlets, including The Washington Times (USA), The Daily Telegraph (UK), NHK (Japan), Xinhua (China), EFE (Spain), CNA (Singapore), and Politiken (Denmark), also attended.

The group of foreign journalists was transported on an eco-friendly hydrogen electric bus wrapped with promotional text for the 2030 Busan World Expo prepared by the city to the Busan North Port Promotion Center. At the center, they saw the site of the 2030 Busan World Expo. Mayor Park Heon-joon then provided an overview briefing on Busan's hosting capabilities and attractiveness, followed by a Q&A session. The group was guided by Cho Yoo-jang, the head of the Busan Metropolitan Government's 2030 Expo Bid Promotion Headquarters, as they toured the venue.

The group then proceeded to the Gamcheon Cultural Village, where a community of Korean War refugees settled on a hillside that has since transformed into a vibrant cultural village garnering global acclaim. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Busan Mayor Park Heong-jun personally guided the journalists, elaborating on Busan's unique features, allure, and rationale for hosting the event.

After visiting Gamcheon Cultural Village, the journalists set out on a trip to Haeundae to witness the breathtaking night scenery of Busan, including the magnificent Gwangandaegyo Bridge, from the LCT Observatory 'Busan Exceeds Sky.' They then attended a dinner reception at the Signiel Hotel to participate in a Q&A session about the tour and confirm the government's enthusiasm and willingness to host the 2030 Busan World Expo.

To conclude the tour, the journalists boarded a yacht in the evening, departing from Diamond Bay (Yongho Bay) and arriving at Busan Station. This final leg of the tour allowed the delegation to reflect on the significance and content of the press tour, as they toured the Busan North Port Redevelopment Area, revisited the site of the 2030 Busan World Expo, and once again explored the city of Busan.

"In Busan, history and future converge, as it was the very first landing site of the United Nations Allied Forces, including the U.S., British, and French forces, during the Korean War. Moreover, it played a crucial role as a port for relief supplies after the war," stated Mayor Park. "As Busan gears up to host the 2030 World Expo, which will exhibit the universal values of civilization to the world, we call for your unwavering support for Busan's bold bid."

With the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on-site inspection looming in early April, Busan City's efforts to publicize its bid for the 2030 World Expo have intensified. The press tour aimed to directly introduce Busan's potential as a candidate city and showcase its hosting capabilities and attractiveness. The participation of major foreign journalists from various media outlets has garnered significant attention, and it is anticipated to augment Busan's bid.