Yeosu World Island Expo Surpasses 1 Million Visitors, But Over 80% Entered for Free

Despite facing criticism over a lack of content and sluggish box office concerns, the Yeosu World Island Expo has surpassed 1 million cumulative visitors on the 36th day since its opening.

According to the Yeosu World Island Expo Organizing Committee, a couple in their 50s visiting from Suncheon on October 10 became the 1 millionth visitors to arrive at the main venue.

Flowers and a prize were presented to them, and consolation prizes were also given to visitors who entered immediately before and after them.

The visitor target set by the Island Expo, which opened on September 5, is 3 million.

With the event scheduled to run for two months, roughly one-third of the target has been achieved past the halfway point.

In the early days of the opening, controversies over box office struggles and various criticisms persisted, such as a performance featuring a 1-ton truck decorated like a ship. However, as the organizing committee subsequently reinforced performances and expanded free admission benefits, the number of visitors has been increasing.

Combined visitors to the main venue and sub-venues such as Gaedo, Geumodo, and the World Expo venue recorded about 132,000 on October 4, and 126,000 on October 9, Hangeul Day.

During the October holiday alone, 544,000 people flocked to the event.

However, as the organizing committee expanded free admission benefits, including two guardians accompanied by children under 12, it was found that more than 80% of total visitors entered for free.

A significant portion of previously sold tickets has also not yet been used.

Out of approximately 403,000 tickets sold, about 70% reportedly remain unused.

As the expo is still ongoing, there is a possibility that these tickets will be used going forward, and expanding free admission also has the significance of providing viewing opportunities to more people.

The organizing committee stated that it is making efforts so that more visitors can enjoy content embodying the value of islands.

The Yeosu World Island Expo runs through November 4.

(Reported by Sim Yeong-gu | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.