The world's largest international fair in 2012, Expo 2012 Yeosu has opened in Korea on May 12. Last Sunday, 27 May the Australian Pavilion hosted Australian national day at the Expo and had the opportunity to show the world what Australia has to offer. With famous international model Jessica Gomez, pop sensation Jessica Mauboy and several other Australian performers they shone the light on the Australian pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu.
The Australian pavilion has won popular appraisal from visitors who are warmly welcomed by 'Alpy' the mascot, an Australian little penguin. The theme of the Australian pavilion is 'In Harmony with the Ocean' where visitors can learn and enjoy many aspects of Australia's high environmental, scientific and technical capabilities in marine conservation and its commitment to sustainable development of our vast natural resources.
Expo 2012 Yeosu runs for three months until the 12th August. The Expo is drawing great interest from international visitors to its pavilions. From the world's first off-shore exhibition hall to Korea's largest aquarium and an International Pavilion which houses Australia's exhibition hall to the 'Big O', a 43metre tall structure over water is drawing great interest from around the world.
The 'Big O' is the place to enjoy the beautiful fountain show that features the world's first hologram video technology. The 'Big O' is an oval shaped steel structure that has an enclosed water screen that shows videos, while the outer rim is installed with devices that produce water jets, mist, flames, lights, lasers etc.
The Expo Digital Gallery is where Korea's world first digital technology shines, a giant LED display covers the entire ceiling and walls of the main street of the Expo site. Through diverse exhibitions, the Digital Gallery aims to highlight the importance of nature to humanity.
The amazing structure of the world's first pavilion to be built offshore is the Theme Pavilion exhibition with the theme of the Expo 'The Living Ocean and Coast'. Different images of the five oceans are shown on the 20 metre long video wall display and the half moon five metre diameter video screen creating an amazing underwater experience
The Korean pavilion built in the shape of a 'taeguk' or yin-yang symbol features an exhibition hall showcasing various media presentations using digital and analogue technologies and a media hall showing films about the future of Korea's role in the global marine industry.
The Aquarium/Marine Life Pavilion at over six thousand square metres is the largest in Korea where visitors can observe rare marine life like beluga whales, Baikal seals and penguins etc.
The Marine Life Pavilion allows visitors to interact with sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, jellyfish and more. The Eco-Terrarium simulates the ecological features of the Amazon. The pavilion also houses a mudflat ecosystem centre and a 4D submarine simulator to explore the aquatic life 6,000 metres under water.
There are a total of 106 participating countries in the International Pavilion which is divided into five sections each named after the earth's five oceans. The Australian Pavilion is located here. This pavilion also features a second floor restaurant hall serving and selling specialty dishes from around the world.
The Expo Hall showcases diverse cultural performances where visitors to the country will be able to enjoy Korea's traditional music and dance performances. Also there are five themed Expo Plazas which have daily entertainment and events to enjoy.
The Corporate Pavilion depicts the future of the shipbuilding, marine, IT and green-growth industries. It is comprised of seven individual company pavilions representing GS, Hyundai Motor, LG, Lotte, Samsung, SK and POSCO.
The Energy Park is designed to demonstrate the vision of 'Low Carbon, Green Growth' The Renewable Energy Production facility houses a solar power plant and energy promotion centre and the Experience Zone provides platforms for energy education through energy orchestra, water cannon bikes and a dance floor.
A big drawcard for visitors to the event is the many K-POP Concerts being held at Expo 2012 Yeosu over the next two and half months. The line-up includes some of Korea's biggest stars such as Wonder Girls, BEAST, SHINee, 2AM, Miss A, Super Junior and MBLAQ.
A Hallyu (Korean wave) concert scheduled for June 9 and sponsored by Korea Tourism Organization will include BEAST, Jay Park, A Pink, BTOB. Big Wave concerts will be held on June 15, 19, 26, July 5, 21 and on August 11 prior to the Expo closing on August 12.
Many other K-POP concerts are being held from now until close of the Expo on August 12, the best way to check the latest schedule of upcoming events is via the official Expo 2012 Yeosu website: http://eng.expo2012.kr
A standard one day pass to Expo 2012 costs 33,000 Korean won for adults (approx. A$28) and children/Seniors 19,000 Korean won (approx. A$15.80) Tickets can be purchased online on the Expo 2012 website.
Tour packages from Australia are available through CTS Tours who have tours starting at $2,300 per person twin share for a 6day/5night package tour to Seoul and Yeosu including return airfares Australia/Korea, accommodation, city tour of Seoul, two days at Yeosu expo and return KTX express train tickets from Seoul to Yeosu return.
Contact: CTS Tours by email: ctstours@chinatravel.com.au
Website: http://www.chinatravel.com.au
Legend Asia have a three day/2night package from Seoul to Yeosu starting at $380 per person twin share including return KTX train to Gwangju, free shuttle bus from Gwangju to Yeosu, two nights accomodation with daily breakfasts and Expo admission for two days.
Further information: Legend Asia Email: bookings@legendasia.com.au
Website: www.legendasia.com.au
Lotte Travel have three day land only packages from Seoul-Yeosu including return KTX and accommodation from Seoul for $329 per person twin share depending on accommodation choice. Packages with return airfare to Korea starts from $1,599 till 17 June.
Website: Lotte Travel www.lottetravel.com.au Email: info@lottetravel.com.aU
Smile Travel also have a three day/2nights package from $299 per person twin share including staying in either Suncheon or Gwangju nearby the Expo, return KTX from Seoul and free shuttle to Expo site.
More information: Smile Travel Email: smiletravelcity@yahoo.com.au
Website: http://www.smiletravel.com.au
For more information on travel in Korea or Expo 2012 Yeosu contact the Sydney office of Korea Tourism Organization to request information, travel guide book etc.
Email: visitkorea@knto.org.au Phone: 02)9252-1717
Official travel website for Korea: www.visitkorea.or.kr
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