World Expo 2030: Korea's Bid Under Inspection as BIE Delegation Arrives in Seoul

Seoul - A delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the world's top intergovernmental organization overseeing world expositions, touched down at Incheon International Airport on Sunday. Led by BIE Administration and Budget Committee President Patrick Specht, the envoys arrived to assess Busan and Korea's ability to successfully host the 2030 World Expo.

Upon arrival, the delegation checked in at The Shilla Seoul in central Seoul. Their itinerary includes meeting with ministers and business leaders in Seoul today, such as National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin. They will also attend a business luncheon hosted by Chey Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and SK Group, before visiting Gwanghwamun Square for a weeklong event expressing Korea's desire to host the 2030 Expo.

On Tuesday, the BIE representatives will head to Busan, the southeastern port city bidding to host the World Expo 2030. After checking in at Signiel Busan in Haeundae District, they are scheduled to meet Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon and Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Cho Seung-hwan. The delegation will assess Busan based on presentations and dossiers provided by the central government and Busan Metropolitan City before returning to France on Friday.

President Yoon Suk Yeol's office expressed their dedication to catering to the BIE delegation, with leaders across the country playing their part in supporting Busan's bid. Prime Minister Han emphasized the significance of the delegation's visit, as their enquiry report will heavily influence the decision of the 171 BIE member states in the November general assembly.

Should Busan win the bid, the Expo will run for six months from May 2030 at the North Port, an old shipyard currently undergoing redevelopment. Hosting the World Expo would further solidify Korea's track record of mega-event organization, making it the 12th country and fourth in Asia to host a World Expo.

Korea's ambitious Expo plans include simultaneous metaverse exhibitions, eco-friendly technologies, and extensive outreach to developing nations. The 100th anniversary of the BIE's founding adds to the nation's determination to make a lasting impression.

Following the Busan examination, promotional presentations by bidding cities are scheduled in Paris in June, with the host city selection set for a November general assembly vote among 171 member states.