2026 Pre-Wando International Seaweed Expo: What to Expect and How It Benefits Local Economy

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[iNews24 reporter Han Seung-yeop] Wando County in South Jeolla Province completed final checks to ensure it is fully prepared for the opening of the ‘2026 pre-Wando International Seaweed Expo.’

On April 22, county officials convened a final review of priority expo initiatives in the county government’s situation room. The meeting, chaired by Wando County Mayor Shin Woo-cheol and attended by department heads, verified that each department’s plans were coordinated and finalized items requiring interdepartmental cooperation. Officials reported on 44 priority initiatives.

Key plans include constructing exhibition facilities such as a Seaweed Experience Hall, a Theme Pavilion, and an Industry Promotion Hall; operating 12 hands-on programs, including traditional bamboo sea fishing; staging a barefoot walking festival in partnership with the Wando Marine Healing Center; and hosting export meetings with invited overseas buyers as well as an international symposium.

Mayor Shin urged officials to prepare thoroughly so the expo can showcase the excellence and blue carbon value of Wando seaweed and help the county capture leadership in the global seaweed market.

The county plans to station professional interpreters at major venues and provide multilingual materials appropriate for an international event. In the remaining days, it will focus administrative resources on final rehearsals and facility inspections.

‘The 2026 pre-Wando International Seaweed Expo’ will run six days, from May 2 to 7, at Wando Beach Park and the Wando Marine Healing Center. The theme is ‘Climate Leaders: The Seaweed-Led Future of the Ocean.’

The county aims to use the expo to expand seafood exports, revitalize the local economy, and help secure international approval for the ‘2028 Wando International Seaweed Industry Expo.’