By Wang Yanbing   

The creativity of World Expo has broadened people's fantasy, aroused in them great passions to solve all the problems in their way and brought them plans to explore the future. This is even more significant for the Republic of Korea, which participated in the World Expo 1893, joined the Bureau of International Exhibition (BIE) in 1987 and successfully hosted Expo Taejon in 1993.

Having been paying attention to the site construction progress of the various pavilions at Expo Shanghai, Mr. Yang Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Shanghai, tried to present to us a wonderful blueprint of World Expo 2012 Yeosu.

1993's Challenges

"Korea has long been related to World Expo." From the conversation with Mr. Yang

Kim we know that as early as 1893 Korea participated in Expo Chicago, then participated in Expo Paris in 1900, joined the BIE in 1987 and successfully held World Expo Taejon in 1993.

What's the purpose of World Expo Taejon? According to Yang Kim, the then Korean government wanted to improve its international image in technology and culture and deepen the world's understanding of it. In addition, Korea also wanted to solve the then-existing domestic and international issues and blazed a new trail for smooth development and explored the new hopes brought about by the 21st century.

But why Taejon was chosen? Because of its favorable geographical location and its pioneering City of Science that suited the need of sci-tech development in the 1980s. Choosing Taejon as the Expo site has been proven to be beneficial to the further development of Taejon and exaltation of its status as a hi-tech center.

The Taejon International Exposition - Korea 1993 lasted for 93 days and boasted 108 participating countries and international organizations with "the challenge of a new road to development" as its theme and with "harmony between traditional technology and modern science" and "effective utilization and regeneration of resources" as its sub-themes, thus reflecting Korea's economic development achievements, mustering the strength of its people and reaching the goal of "colorful and happy life" by means of sci-tech progress and harmony between the nature and the mankind.

The successful holding of Taejon International Exposition has not only promoted the city to an important world-class Science City but also boosted the economic development of the whole country.

Expectations for 2010

When the topic was shifted to Expo Shanghai, Yang Kim had more to say.

"I know many pavilions of Expo Shanghai have started construction. They are a fusion of traditional and modern concepts. Just take the Theme Pavilion of Expo Shanghai as an example, its design has incorporated the traditional Chinese architectural elements and employed the 'paper folding' technique. It is really interesting!"

"Alongside the Huangpu River flowing through the modern mega-metropolis is the Expo site. I am longing for a visit around the Expo site to experience China's tradition, present and future and feast my eyes on the top-notch science and technology. I believe that will benefit me a lot."

"I am looking forward to the moment when Expo Shanghai's theme 'Better City, Better Life' will be vividly presented before us."

Yang Kim's delighted words showed his close attention to Expo Shanghai. It's his deep belief that a successful World Expo will promote the economic, social and cultural development of Shanghai, the Yangtze River Delta and even the whole of China to a new height. It will present to the world the future image of harmonious urban development. Meanwhile, "Korea will push forward win-win cooperation in some specific fields, not only in macro-economic cooperation, but also in the holding of World Expo!"

Indeed, Korea is one of the earliest countries to have confirmed to participate in Expo Shanghai and Seoul is the most preferred city for Expo Shanghai Asia Promotion Conference. Korean Government has actively been publicizing Expo Shanghai to its media and people. As a result, quite a number of Korean enterprises are eager to participate in World Expo directly. In fact, "Some Korean enterprises have taken part in the preparatory work," Yang Kim added, "Koreans have been focusing their attention on Expo Shanghai. The officials, ordinary visitors and reporters from Korea all expressed their desires to visit Expo Shanghai."

Covering 6,000 m², Korea Pavilion is one of the largest pavilions at Expo Shanghai. When the reporter showed surprise at Korea Pavilion, Yang Kim's answer was positive and expectation-arousing.

What is positive is "the budget Korean Government made for its Pavilion at Expo Shanghai is much larger than that for Korea Pavilion at any other World Expo." At World Expo 2005 Aichi, Korea Pavilion was appraised as "the Most Outstanding National Pavilion", and for the Korea Pavilion at Expo Shanghai, more efforts will be poured in.

While what is expectation-arousing is Korea Pavilion is still mysterious to us, for we can but imagine from Yang Kim's description. For example, "Korea Pavilion will be in line with the theme of Expo Shanghai, displaying to the world its splendid natural scenery"; in addition, "it will also represent the simplicity of Koreans and a new image of IT power to lead the world."

What impressed the reporter during the conversation were his words "The enthusiasm of Koreans to Expo Shanghai originated from the full preparation Shanghai has made, from the care and emotion of the Korean nationality to China's Shanghai and from their expectation that Expo Shanghai will set a good example for Expo Yeosu."

Blueprint for 2012

It is known that at the 142nd Session of BIE held in Paris, Yeosu won the right to host the recognized World Expo 2012, thanks to its advantageous natural conditions and advanced science and technology.

After the congratulatory words, Yang Kim elaborated to us on World Expo 2012 Yeosu. He hoped that both countries could share experiences and conduct profound exchanges in hosting World Expo.

With "The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable activities" as the theme, World Expo Yeosu will be held on 12 May 2012. It will be a smaller "recognized" exposition lasting just three months. The three derivative themes are: To enhance the understanding of the value and function of the oceans and coasts and exhibit the fruit of human efforts, as well as to provide a future vision; to display current or future state-of-the-art technology that allows the sustainable use of the many resources found in the oceans and coasts; to exhibit the outcomes of cultural activities such as the exchanges and cooperation that have been made towards the advancement of "The Living Ocean and Coast" and offer a future vision.

"At the venue for World Expo Yeosu they will build a Theme Pavilion, Theme Ocean Pavilion, National Pavilion, Pavilions of International Organizations, Corporate Pavilions, Symbol Tower, Oceanarium and many more."

"It is expected that 80 countries and 10 international organizations involving 8 million visitors will participate in the Expo."

While the interview was drawing to a close, Yang Kim added that 2008 is the 16th anniversary since China and Korea resumed their diplomatic relations. During this period, the relationship between the two countries has been developing rapidly. They have jointly created a golden age with the trade volume topping "US$150 billion and the number of visitors hitting 5 million." While half of Korea's trade promotion and one third of its investment in China concentrated in Shanghai and the adjacent areas, which shows how important Shanghai is towards the strengthening of ties between the two countries. It is estimated that about 1 million Koreans visit Shanghai per annum and more Koreans will visit Shanghai and the Expo site during the pageant. 

From the above data we can see, no matter how much worthy reference the Expo Taejon has brought along to Expo Shanghai or what kind of new model ExpoShanghai will provide to World Expo Yeosu, the ever-developing relationship between the two countries and the plentiful and substantial achievements made are worth rejoicing, and the hosting of the future World Expos will open in anew age for the two countries.