YEOSU

Executive summary by darmansjah

A coastal city in the South Jeolla province of South Korea, Yeosu consists of the Yeosu peninsula as well as 317 islands. Long a favourite summer destination of the locals, in part thanks to its favourable climate of cool summers and mild winters, the city is also renowned for its delicious seafood, inviting beaches, and splendid marinas. Yeosu is also a city of history, where the headquarters of South Jeolla Province Navy Base was located, and where, to save the country during the Japan invasion of the 16 century, the Great Admiral Yi invented the Geobukseon or ‘a turtle ship’ – a full-sized replica, which can be found at the harbor today.

Yeosu’s rich maritime history and resources make it the perfect host of this year’s World Expo. Taking place from 12 May to 12 August, the Yeosu Expo centres on the theme ‘The living ocean and the coast’, with participants from around the world gathering to expound on the need to balance the preservation of the ocean with economic development.

From both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, fly first into Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, before connecting to the Seoul-Gimpo Airport and flying into Yeosu with either Asiana Airlines (flyasiana.com) or Korean Air (koreanair.com).

The Ocean Resort is a luxury hotel complex with sleek, minimalist décor and top-notch amenities and facilities (from US$250; theoceanresort.co.kr).