Seaweed expo-opening
WANDO, South Korea, April 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 5,000 tourists, government officials and businessmen from around the world gathered on this island off South Korea's southern coast Friday to attend the world's first international seaweed-themed expo.
Under the theme of "seaweeds and their role in mankind's future," the Wando Seaweeds Expo 2014 kicked off its month-long run on Wando Island. At the opening ceremony, Kim Jong-sik, the governor of Wando and the chief of the event's organizing committee, said that the goal of the expo is to foster the development of the seaweed industry. "Let's make history by successfully hosting the world's first seaweed-themed expo and eventually develop the seaweed industry and dominate the international seaweed market," Kim said.
Some 60 companies from more than 20 countries showcased new technologies, products, materials, and services related to the seaweed industry at the expo's main exhibition hall. Besides the main hall, four other halls such as "experience sites," were opened where visitors touched and saw various seaweeds such as kelp, sea mustard, and laver. There will be various workshops, exhibitions and forums held during the 31-day expo, including discussions among experts and officials from companies dealing with the marine plants about the future course of the seaweed industry, the organizers said.
The committee expects the number of attendees to top its goal of 700,000 throughout the event, including some 640,000 locals and 30,000 foreigners. The organizing committee said the expo will be a great opportunity to explore Wando since ticket holders are allowed free admission to tourist attractions near the island.
