It kicked off with some grand opening consisting of President Yi Myeongbak's speech and some Big Bang performing. Yeah, huge. Somehow EXPO was never on top of my favorite events, although this one... this one will be the most ardently hated by me (and few others friends I know). Oh you know, June 26th, INFINITE and SHINee on one stage. One day... *shrugs* Third time the charm maybe. Maybe Europe somewhere?
Anyway, not to miaoul about that (although somehow SuJu KRY's Coagulation plays more often these days on my player, eh...) but to introduce this event.
Info on EXPO taken from Korea.net:
Along with the fireworks filling the night sky over the Big-O, the
International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 got underway, kicking off its
three-month run against the backdrop of a blue stretch of ocean.
The opening ceremony was held under the theme of “the Dreaming Ocean,” on the offshore Big-O stage. The world’s first International Exposition to ever take place offshore in the event’s 150-year-plus history invited visitors from home and abroad to preview the Living Ocean and Coast at the maritime city of Yeosu in Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province).
The undoubted highlight of that evening was the spectacle at the Big-O.
The Big-O Show, a vibrant blockbuster show, embroidered the night sky with a dazzling blend of fountain, fireworks, and laser lights using a water screen named The O. The spectacular multi-media show delights the audiences over its 17-minute run with the story of a young girl exploring the sea, saving the ravaged sea, and opening up a brighter future for the sea and humankind.
The opening ceremony was held under the theme of “the Dreaming Ocean,” on the offshore Big-O stage. The world’s first International Exposition to ever take place offshore in the event’s 150-year-plus history invited visitors from home and abroad to preview the Living Ocean and Coast at the maritime city of Yeosu in Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province).
The undoubted highlight of that evening was the spectacle at the Big-O.
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| (photo courtesy of the Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu) |
The Big-O Show, a vibrant blockbuster show, embroidered the night sky with a dazzling blend of fountain, fireworks, and laser lights using a water screen named The O. The spectacular multi-media show delights the audiences over its 17-minute run with the story of a young girl exploring the sea, saving the ravaged sea, and opening up a brighter future for the sea and humankind.
“If there's one thing you have to see at the Expo, it's the Big-O Show,”
said Steve Miller, a featured contributor of the Korea Blog (http://blog.korea.net).
“Some might call it just another fountain show, but it's so much more
than that. It is amazing, and aptly named -- since that's the shape your
mouth makes after the jaw-dropping performance.”
Nearly 2,000 people attended the opening ceremony to celebrate the eve of the global festival, including President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok as well as world dignitaries -- President Ollanta Humala of Peru, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, and Secretary-General Vicente Loscertales of the Bureau International des Expositions, among others -- as well as representatives of international organizations and participating nations.
On the first day after its official opening to the general public, the Yeosu Expo welcomed more than 35,000 visitors. The most popular attraction of the day proved to be the Aquarium -- home to a plethora of rare marine biodiversity, including endangered species from around the world. Visitors may find themselves standing in the middle of the ocean and indulge in the breathtaking maritime scenery.
Nearly 2,000 people attended the opening ceremony to celebrate the eve of the global festival, including President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok as well as world dignitaries -- President Ollanta Humala of Peru, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, and Secretary-General Vicente Loscertales of the Bureau International des Expositions, among others -- as well as representatives of international organizations and participating nations.
On the first day after its official opening to the general public, the Yeosu Expo welcomed more than 35,000 visitors. The most popular attraction of the day proved to be the Aquarium -- home to a plethora of rare marine biodiversity, including endangered species from around the world. Visitors may find themselves standing in the middle of the ocean and indulge in the breathtaking maritime scenery.
The Korea Pavilion emerged as one of the most popular destinations at
the Expo, alongside the Aquarium and the Theme Pavilion. The
eco-friendly Korea Pavilion invites visitors on a virtual journey, an
awe-inspiring moment that brings deep-sea creatures vividly to the dome
screen. Some even said the experience was more intense than the 3D
movie, Avatar.
“To some, Yeosu Expo 2012 may be a life-changing event,” said Magdalena Siemińska, one of the Worldwide Korea Bloggers of the Korea Blog, who made a visit to Yeosu Expo over the weekend.
“The entire complex looks amazing and futuristic, and all shows and attractions are good for people of all ages,” added Siemińska after visiting the site. “But what's most important -- it's not only entertainment, it's an eye-opening experience that outreaches to the world about oceanic issues and has a great impact on education. I'm glad I could attend the World Expo 2012 in Yeosu.”
The event aroused much attention from the foreign media as well. The AFP of France covered the opening of Yeosu Expo after four years of renovation work on a former cement terminal into a “glittering high-tech venue.” Quoting the Expo organizer, the media outlet predicted the event, which showcases marine conservation and green technology to bring economic benefits worth 19 trillion won ($17 billion), with an expected 10 million visitors.
“To some, Yeosu Expo 2012 may be a life-changing event,” said Magdalena Siemińska, one of the Worldwide Korea Bloggers of the Korea Blog, who made a visit to Yeosu Expo over the weekend.
“The entire complex looks amazing and futuristic, and all shows and attractions are good for people of all ages,” added Siemińska after visiting the site. “But what's most important -- it's not only entertainment, it's an eye-opening experience that outreaches to the world about oceanic issues and has a great impact on education. I'm glad I could attend the World Expo 2012 in Yeosu.”
The event aroused much attention from the foreign media as well. The AFP of France covered the opening of Yeosu Expo after four years of renovation work on a former cement terminal into a “glittering high-tech venue.” Quoting the Expo organizer, the media outlet predicted the event, which showcases marine conservation and green technology to bring economic benefits worth 19 trillion won ($17 billion), with an expected 10 million visitors.
With the participation of 104 nations and ten international
organizations, the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu highlights the balance
between the preservation of maritime and coastal areas and achieving
co-prosperity and sustainable economic development.
The cutting-edge technology and architectural grandeur will maximize exposition-goers’ coastal experience, culminated in a variety of exhibitions and open-air performances jazzing up the theme of the Expo.
Starting with Brunei Day on May 13, over 100 participating nations will host their own "national pavilion day," bringing the essence of cultural and traditional performances.
The cutting-edge technology and architectural grandeur will maximize exposition-goers’ coastal experience, culminated in a variety of exhibitions and open-air performances jazzing up the theme of the Expo.
Starting with Brunei Day on May 13, over 100 participating nations will host their own "national pavilion day," bringing the essence of cultural and traditional performances.
In line with it’s the expo theme, The Living Ocean and the Coast:
Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities, a symposium which
focuses on oceans as a central element in climate change takes place
from May 13 to 20. Over 500 marine scientists from 40 nations will
participate to share their current knowledge and technological
advancements concerning the ocean and coast and seek to resolve
challenges facing the ocean today.
Listed by CNN as the number one place to visit in 2012, and one of the "Top 10 things to do in 2012" by Lonely Planet, Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea runs until August 12, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Advance admission reservations can be made online or through a mobile application, with discount rates available.
For more information, go to the official website at www.expo2012.kr. You may also get the latest news through visiting the Korea.net Current Affairs menu at: www.korea.net/Government/Current-Affairs/International-Events?affairId=85.
By Hwang Dana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Listed by CNN as the number one place to visit in 2012, and one of the "Top 10 things to do in 2012" by Lonely Planet, Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea runs until August 12, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Advance admission reservations can be made online or through a mobile application, with discount rates available.
For more information, go to the official website at www.expo2012.kr. You may also get the latest news through visiting the Korea.net Current Affairs menu at: www.korea.net/Government/Current-Affairs/International-Events?affairId=85.
By Hwang Dana
Korea.net Staff Writer
