KTO Mission: Yeosu Expo 2012 International Pavilions

Expo 2012 Yeosu, Korea

As I mentioned, I was chosen to join the Korean Tourism Organization as a K-Supporter at this year's Expo in Yeosu, an international event that focuses on the international community's responsibility to the marine sector. There were so many things to do that the weekend was not enough time to explore the entire expo, but below is the list of international pavilions that we were able to journey into and my favorites:

Peru                         Argentina

Thailand                   Korea

Singapore                 Denmark

USA                          Israel

Philippines               Turkmenistan

Italy                         Spain

Belgium                   Pacific Ocean Joint Pavilion

France                     Russia

Singapore - They had multiple rooms, each teaching visitors something unique. The tour began with a brief introduction to Singapore (below left). They had an entire room showing ocean pollution (below right). Fun fact: Singapore has a floating landfill island that will last the country until 2050!

Singapore also focused on how important one droplet of water can be with an exhibit that visitors created by writing a wish and placing a drop of water onto their paper. Truly a thing of beauty.

Philippines - This was an interesting one for me because I got to learn more about a country that I will be visiting in August! It was beautifully designed and shared knowledge with the visitors about the Philippine marine life. They also had different colored sand to be admired: black, white, pink and brown; the kids loved it. Below are ceiling shots.

France - This was a smart pavilion. They had eye-catching rooms (below left), as well as just downright interesting concepts that were portrayed in fun ways. France is currently working with robots in their marine sector, but showed them off in an audience-friendly way by having them play guitars and swing on swings (below right). They certainly have a sense of humor!

Korea - It's not surprising that Korea had their pavilion in the largest building, and it did not disappoint. It highlighted how the oceans have helped shape Korea's history, in both good and bad ways. They also had traditional Korean dancers come out, and guess who they chose to dance with them?! That's right, ME - the foreigner in the front row. Overall, there were 5 traditional dancers and 5-10 audience members dancing around the entire group. It was so much fun to dance around a group of people where the mood was so positive (and this is coming from someone with zero dancing ability). If you get a chance, get up there! No skill required :)

Denmark - If there was ever a country to get their viewpoint across, it was Denmark. They put their money where there mouth is by promoting green energy at the Expo this year. They were voted as 2011's happiest country and I can see why: because they get to play with legos! Okay, that may not be the only reason, but seeing as how legos were invented here, I'm glad that they showed off their skills with some fun exhibits (below).


Highlighted on one of the walls (and one of my new life quotes): "Systematic Creativity: A particular form of creativity that combines logic and reasoning with playfulness and imagination." 

Spain - I'm not going to lie, I was really excited about visiting the Spain Pavilion. It's my next destination after my year in Korea, so I was thrilled about being able to ask questions about my soon-to-be home country. Hence the photo of me!

Russia - The Russian Pavilion was really well executed. And their mascot was adorable (below)! The tour began with a brief introduction video and a walk through an 'ice cave' that also had displays about Russia's history with the Arctic. We then moved onto their movie, which was shown in a boat-like atmosphere. After the movie concluded, we walked around to the other side, and they've completed the vision - it's a boat on the outside too. Just great execution (and that's the advertiser in me talking, apologies).

Overall, it was an eye-opening experience and I'm glad that I was able to partake in it (particularly because I was provided with everything except transportation and food). However, I'm not quite sure that it was worth the 5+ hour journey for a day trip from Gyeongju; this would definitely have to be a full weekend adventure! It made me want to travel to these countries more than anything, which may have been the countries' goals! Here's to international cooperation and exploration!

xo