Yoon pitches Busan’s bid for 2030 World Expo in Paris

[Photo by Yonhap]

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made a final pitch for Busan’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in a banquet in Paris, France, on Thursday, which was attended by the member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

Yoon arrived in Paris on Thursday after his visit to the United Kingdom. A banquet was organized as the final effort to secure Busan as the host for the expo.

The banquet welcomed about 60 BIE representatives and diplomats. Korean business leaders accompanying the presidential visit were also present, including Samsung Electronics Co. Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, and Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin.

In his speech, Yoon emphasized Korea’s commitment to contribute to the international community through the Expo, envisioning it as a “platform for solidarity where each participating country showcases its unique culture and traditions.”

He vowed to share Korea’s development experience and take the lead in addressing global challenges such as the climate crisis.

The host city for the 2030 World Expo will be determined through anonymous voting by 182 member countries during the BIE General Assembly on November 28.

Busan is competing against Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Rome in Italy.