Expectations for Yeosu Expo
With less than one month remaining before the opening of the Yeosu Expo, or the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012, ticket sales remain low, raising fears that the event might fail to draw the expected attention both at home and abroad.
According to press reports, domestic ticket sales remain at about 425,000, only 14 percent of the organizer’s goal of 3 million. Overseas sales targeted 500,000 but only 37,000 tickets have been sold so far. The organizing committee says this week a contract to sell 100,000 tickets to China will be finalized.
People’s interest in the Yeosu Expo is generally low as it is to be held in the remote southwestern city. Even those who are interested are reluctant to go due to possible inconveniences arising from transportation and accommodation.
The expo organizing committee has dismissed these concerns, saying preparations have been made thoroughly so that visitors can enjoy the event to the fullest. Roads and railways have been refurbished. The main route linking Suncheon to Yeosu was completed last week, making it possible for people in Seoul to get there within four and a half hours. It will be a two hour drive from Busan to Yeosu. The KTX bullet train might be the most convenient mode of transport. If Seoulites take the KTX train from Yongsan, they can arrive at the expo site in two hours and 57 minutes.
The Yeosu Expo will be held from May 12 through Aug. 12 on 2.72 million square meters of land with 105 countries and 10 international organizations taking part. The events will be spread across 23 exhibition halls, including the International Pavilion, three times bigger than the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul.
On Sunday, the ``O’’ landmark was disclosed to the public amid cheers from spectators. Visitors can see the large circle-shaped water screen that projects various images onto the space inside it using lasers, holograms and projectors, after passing the park’s main gate.
It goes without saying that the exhibition will serve as a forum for educating children and youngsters. Now is the time for the nation to join forces to make the Yeosu Expo a success.