ISLAMABAD - The International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 opened for three months on May 12 in the New Port area, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province). The International Exposition is intended to enhance the mutual understanding of humanity, improve welfare and present a future vision for humanity. It is not an ordinary trade exhibition like others: It is an entirely global affair that represents countries, not corporations, and it promotes the name branding of every participating country. For this reason, the Expo is often referred to as “the economic and cultural Olympics,” and even called, “one of the three major international festivals,” along with the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. More than 100 countries are participating in Expo 2012 Yeosu to present their latest ocean technologies and join the discussion to improve the ocean environment. The International Exposition is authorised by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). Expo Yeosu 2012 has special meaning to the Republic of Korea as hosting event proves that it has gained a significant presence in the international community, which enables it to present to the world critical issues facing humanity and seek common solutions to them with other countries. The theme of Expo 2012 Yeosu is “The Living Ocean and Coast.” Issues concerning ocean environment, such as worsening ocean pollution, destruction of ocean ecosystems and rise in sea level, affect the entire world. Expo 2012 Yeosu seeks to find a solution for such common challenges and present a new vision for the ocean environment and a new ocean culture. It is boosting the development of the domestic marine tourism and ocean science and technology. Needless to say, such development of the new marine industry would help realise low-carbon, green growth. Another benefit of Expo 2012 Yeosu would be more balanced development of the country. The Expo would catalyse economic expansion of south coast region. It would provide an opportunity to develop Yeosu and the south coast into an ocean cultural and marine tourism area, leveraging the splendid scenery including Hallyeohaesang National Park and Odong Island. With the hosting of Expo 2012 Yeosu, Korea has hosted three major international festivals, following the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Korea proved its potential with the successful hosting of 1988 Summer Olympics and surprised the world by making it into the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.