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Busan citizens give warm welcome to BIE delegation

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EXPO WEEK is underway as a delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions arrived in Busan on April 4 to assess the city’s bid to host the World Expo in 2030.

After being fêted by President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on Monday, the BIE delegation arrived in Busan on Tuesday morning. The city and the Citizens Committee World Expo 2030 Busan Korea greeted the envoys with a welcome gala at the Busan Eurasia Platform. More than 5,500 participants received the delegates. The event included a “pungmul” display, a traditional Korean performance of drumming, dancing and singing. Citizens also chanted “BIE (Busan is EXPO)” and “BIG (Busan is Good)” to express their excitement about possibly hosting the World Expo 2030.

The welcoming events continued citywide in each gu (district) visited by the BIE group. Dong-gu and Jung-gu prepared welcome banners, signs and promotional vehicles to receive the delegation. In Yeongdo-gu, citizens waved flags on the street connecting Busandaegyo Bridge and Namhangdaegyo Bridge to greet the BIE as it traveled through.

Saha-gu installed the statue of Gowooni, the district's mascot, and decorated the streets with flags of all BIE-member nations. The BIE delegation also participated in an event at the Eulsukdo Ecological Park, where the group helped return animals treated at the Wildlife Medical Center to their natural habitats.

In Nam-gu, the group was entertained by “samul nori,” a traditional percussion performance, in front of Daeyeon High School. In Haeundae-gu, where the delegation will stay during the week, a military band performed at Haeundae Square.

A farewell event will be delivered by citizens of Gangseo-gu on April 7 at the entrance of Gimhae International Airport to conclude the BIE visit.