It was a rare good news at the crack of the dawn. Yeosu's successful bidding for the 2012 World Expo was further encouraging as it, albeit temporarily, outcast the relatively gloomy atmosphere due chiefly to the stagnant presidential campaigns replete with seemingly less qualified candidates. Signs of an economic slowdown originating from the mortgage crisis in the United States have been depressing the nation and its stock market. We believe it was a result of ``total diplomacy'' with the government, businesses and the Yeosu citizens having combined forces over the past 500 days. They deserve acclaim.
Yeosu's glorious victory is all the more meaningful as it came from hard-fought challenge since the southern coastal city was defeated by Shanghai, China five years ago. The world expo will have the effect of generating 10 trillion won ($11 billion) worth in production and wages plus an added value of four trillion won. It will also create some 90,000 new jobs. Some eight million people from home and abroad are expected to visit Yeosu for the event that will last for three months.
Yeosu and nearby areas of South Jeolla Province are poised to become famous tourist destinations, with beautiful landscapes that will further be developed with projects for expansion of infrastructure facilities such as highways, a railroad and airport at the cost of more than 12 trillion won. The event will likely have greater economic ripple effect compared with the Olympics and World Cup games.
Now the relevant authorities must immediately begin preparation for the expo as they have four and a half years before the event. A special law should be established to provide assistance, and the inauguration of an organizing committee to integrate organizations and roles now divided up among the central government, South Jeolla Province and Yeosu. As the assessment team pointed out during its visit to the site, a budget is needed for the construction of various facilities, roads and accommodation. The extension of the high-speed KTX and other railway connections is also essential for easier access to the thus far reclusive area.
The authorities are asked to learn a lesson from the case of Daejeon Expo in 1993, which largely failed to attract foreign tourists, to utilize the newly constructed facilities after the event. They need to refrain from attempting excessive development with the focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable projects. Yeosu has managed to win support with its theme of ``The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities.'' The theme is very proper and timely given the growing worries over global warming. Yeosu needs to abide by its promise to the world by concentrating on the significant global issue without exploiting its scenic environment.