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Busan Metropolitan City Successfully Concludes “WATER KOREA 2026”… Mayor Park Heong-joon: “Reaffirming the Importance of Water Management in the Era of Climate Crisis”

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Busan Metropolitan City Water Authority (hereinafter referred to as “the Authority”) announced that it successfully concluded “WATER KOREA 2026” (hereinafter referred to as “the Expo”), held at BEXCO from March 18 to 20 over three days.

The Expo attracted more than 20,000 visitors, including representatives from central and local governments, academic societies and organizations, water-related companies, and relevant institutions, and was held on a scale of 216 companies and 609 booths.

In addition, more than 30 diverse side events—including export and purchase consultations, various seminars, water and wastewater facility tours, sports competitions, job fairs, and thesis contests—were held simultaneously, providing participants with a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

The Expo, held annually since 2002 and jointly organized by the Korea Water and Wastewater Works Association and seven metropolitan cities, returned to Busan for the first time in 10 years since 2016, adding further significance.

Under the theme “Smart Water Blue Future,” the Expo presented a variety of technologies and solutions centered on responding to climate change and digital transformation.

Furthermore, through programs such as World Water Day events, the Environmental Industry Youth Job Fair, export and purchase consultations, seminars, and thesis contests, the Expo contributed to promoting smart water management technologies that integrate infrastructure expansion with research capabilities in the water industry.

In particular, the “Environmental Industry Youth Job Fair,” organized in collaboration with the Busan Economic Promotion Agency, saw participation from 635 young job seekers, facilitating connections between companies and applicants, with 694 interviews and consultations conducted. The city plans to continue supporting job creation through platforms such as the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s Employment24.

Over the three-day period, more than 30 side events provided both industry professionals and citizens with diverse opportunities for participation and enjoyment.

A total of 18 seminars, including international sessions such as the Korea-U.S. Water Industry and Technology Conference and the International Wastewater Surveillance Symposium, shared domestic and international policies, the latest industry information, and various technologies and strategies to address the climate crisis.

To promote exchange and unity among water and wastewater professionals nationwide, a “Member Harmony Sports Competition” was held, with 155 participants from 40 teams competing in table tennis, foot volleyball, and badminton over two days.

In addition, various programs were conducted, including the Water Korea Leaders Reception, water and wastewater facility tours, and group tours of the exhibition hall.

Through the hosting of this Expo, the city reaffirmed the value of water and the necessity of sustainable management in the era of climate crisis, and plans to strengthen cooperation with water industry stakeholders while incorporating smart water management technologies to advance Busan’s future in water.

A participating company representative stated, “Through this event hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and the Korea Water and Wastewater Works Association, a wide range of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in the water industry were showcased, and programs such as job fairs, corporate support, and consultation services greatly contributed to market expansion, revitalization of the water market, resolution of labor shortages, and support for overseas expansion.”

Mayor Park Heong-joon said, “Through the 23rd ‘WATER KOREA 2026,’ we have once again confirmed the importance of water and the necessity of sustainable management in the era of climate crisis,” adding, “We will continue to cooperate and communicate with related industry stakeholders to not only expand overseas but also strive to create a safe and sustainable water environment for Busan’s future.”