On May 12th, Korea's second world's fair officially opened. Korea's second world's fair (after Expo '93), Expo 2012 celebrates the world's oceans and coasts. One hundred five nations are participating in this BIE-recognized celebration. Organizers project eight million visitors by closing day, August 12th.
The 25 hectares (62 acres) site is the largest permissible size for a smaller sized international exposition. The foreign nations share a central International Pavilion with separate pavilions for Korea, a theme pavilion, an aquarium, corporate pavilions, and performance venues. Outside the site, a new Expo Town has been built for the exposition's workers.
The Museum of History & Industry is hosting exhibits and presentations for the 50th anniversary in the International Fountain Pavilion that served as the Sweden Pavilion during the exposition
Naturally, the Space Needle and monorail are also celebrating the anniversary.
Visit the new ExpoBids.com site (presented by ExpoMuseum.com) for updated information on who is bidding for a recognized world's fair in 2017 and the larger sanctioned world's fair of 2020.
The World's Fair Podcast
The World's Fair Podcast is a project of ExpoMuseum's Urso Chappell and John McGregor of Foundation Expo 88. Recent episodes have covered the role of public diplomacy at international expositions as well as the United States Pavilion at Yeosu's Expo 2012.
Find out more about our new podcast and listen at WorldsFairPodcast.com.You can comment or ask a question on our 24-hour phone line at +1-650-ASK-EXPO. Your thoughts and queries could appear in an upcoming episode.
ExpoMuseum has partnered with WorldsFairCommunity.org to discuss world's fairs... past, present, and future. I invite you to join the dialogue or ask a question. It now has nearly 800 members with a wide breadth of world's fair knowledge, interest, and experience. It's located at: WorldsFairCommunity.org or click the "Discussion Group" tab at left when you visit the site.
You can also join our audio discussion through The World's Fair Podcast. We talk about world's fairs, past and future and you can add to the discussion by calling +1-650-ASK-EXPO any time, 24 hours a day. Go to the Discussion Boards.