Happy New Year 2012... at Yeosu !

As everyone knows, the major event for the new year will be the International Expo in Korea, Yeosu in the south of this country.


Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, this is its official name, will be held from May 12 to August 12, 2012 ...


So I wish you all a happy new year 2012, while its share of joy and good news ... I extend my best wishes for 2012 Yeosu Expo, that this event is a success worldwide, for the benefit of coastal and ocean!


Laurent ANTOINE LeMog

December 23, 2011...

As of December 23, 2011, 106 countries, 9 International Organizations and 8 million visitors are expected for the Expo 2012 Yeosu - Korea !

Yeony and Suny Wallpapers n°5, 6, 7 & 8

Thailand Experience, 16 - 18 december 2011, CentralPlaza Changwattana

Come and Experience the wonders of Thai FantaSea at Mini Thailand Pavilion Exhibition before being held at International Exposition 2012 Yeosu, Korea 

16-18 Dec. 2011, CentralPlaza Changwattana

Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Preecha Rengsomboonsuk blow off steam after months of flooded situation; holding project "Mini Thailand Pavilion Exhibition," giving Thais to be the first to experience Thailand Pavilion before the actual exhibit in International Exposition 2012 Yeosu, Korea. Expose to deep-under Thai ocean with the new sensation of 360 degree LED screen and the first human-liked Thai mermaid robot. Only from 16 to 18 Dec. 2011 at 5th floor, CentralPlaza Changwattana. Don't miss the chance or you might have to travel all the way to Korea to see it !

For more information:

Naipaporn (May) 083- 989 6783

Juthakarn (Obb) 083-9896819 

Jitsiri (Ae) 0839896769

http://www.thailandpavilion2012.com/en/news/news-detail-11.html

Danish pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu

The design and concept of the Danish pavilion at EXPO 2012 is based on the winning project “Denmark // Horizon” by COBE Architects.

“Denmark // Horizon” restores the Danish horizon and lets the visitors experience the Danish coastal life, our joy for water and water-related technical capacities. It tells the story about a modern Denmark.

The focal point of the pavilion is a circular “horizon room”, in which the visitors will find themselves encircled by a 360º projection showing a variety of selected movie sequences of the Danish sea and coast. The sensation of the coastline illustrates and brands the Danish values and know-how within the sea and coast related themes in a subtle manner, and use the “horizon” as the narrative framework for the overall concept and the storyline.

The images merge with a shiny floor that simulates a water reflection, mirroring the images and the visitors. The ceiling is constructed as an illuminated sky, which will complete the illusion of standing on the water surrounded by the Danish ocean and coast.

Five themes / five stories / five experiences

Prior to the “horizon”-room, the visitors will enter the exhibition area, where five themes/ stories/ experiences can be explored on individual exhibition walls. In an involving manner, each of these themes/ stories/ experiences will communicate examples of a sustainable Denmark.

EVOLUTION OF SHIPPING

The sea is where everything started. And to Denmark, with its 135 meters of coastline per inhabitant, the sea is also a colossal resource. More than a thousand years ago we started traveling, discovering and trading with the entire world. We made the world smaller by expanding the horizon.

WATER – A SCARCE RESOURCE

Water not only connects countries, cultures and continents. Water is also a resource – from a global perspective a scarce resource. In Denmark, careful planning, a wide horizon and a number of political, technological and infrastructural initiatives have reduced the water consumption significantly.

EVOLUTION OF WIND ENERGY

Another natural resource in Denmark is wind – lots of wind. For the last 25 years Denmark has led the global development of windmill technology. The world’s 8 largest windmill producers all have R&D facilities in Denmark. They are seeking new horizons by constantly searching for new ways of exploiting the wind – one of the most sustainable energy resources.

WALL OF CREATIVITY

In Denmark we have succeeded in making the most of the few natural resources, we have had at our disposal. The process of creating has been our survival strategy and has called for originality, innovation and creativity – it has caused us to expand our collective horizon.

EXPERIENCES FROM A GREEN NATION

Because of its unique position by the water Denmark has developed a sustainable and competitive society. Experiences from a green nation will serve as an introduction to the exhibition theme, as well as a demonstration of Denmark’s horizon broadening positions of strength. By comparing Denmark to the rest of the world – and especially Korea – illustrative info-graphic will present the visitors with information about coastline, population, wind energy, water consumption, amount of shipping etc.

Source : http://www.ebst.dk/expoinfo.english/Start/0/2

Korea at Paris 1900 World Expo

Let's talk a little history, World Expo history, but especially the history of Korea's participations in the World Expos.

French newspaper, color engraving, pavilion of Korea.

The first participation was in Chicago in 1893, but Korea doesn't have a real pavilion yet. The country products exhibited was gathered in a small booth that was inside the main palace of the Expo.

It wasn't until the second participation of Korea to a World Expo to see a real pavilion, which represents the country.

First project for Expo 1900, Delors de Gléon.

The first pavilion was the one of 1900 World Expo in Paris.
That we will find below is not the one expected. Indeed, it's french specialist of reconstruction , Mr. Delors de Gléon, who had a huge success at the Exhibition of 1889 with its reconstruction of the Street of Cairo. He had imagined a huge and magnificent palace to best represent Korea.

Pavilion of Korea, Expo 1900 - Champ de Mars.

Rapport général Administratif et Technique - Alfred Picard - 1903

Alas, Mr. Delors de Gléon died prior to the completion of this incredible palace, whose construction would be halted. And what had been achieved was destroyed.
It was finally decided, very late, it really had to build a pavilion, but this time would be much smaller and modest.

Interior of Korea pavilion - Paul Gers - En 1900 - Ed. Crété.

This pavilion, inspired by a former royal palace in Seoul, was located at the end of the Champ de Mars, behind the galleries on the side of the gallery of machines of the 1900 Expo.
We will have the opportunity to speak in an article a little longer.

His majesty Ry Hyeng.

U.S. envoy looks to Yeosu Expo

U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim (center) poses with Yeosu Expo organizing committee chief Kang Dong-suk (left) and Expo commissioner Lee Joon-hee after signing a U.S. participation contract for the expo in downtown Seoul on Monday. (Yonhap News)

New U.S. Ambassador to Korea Sung Kim said Monday that U.S. participation in the 2012 Yeosu Expo was another important example of its deepening partnership with South Korea. 

“Our relationship is more than a security partnership and encompasses many different areas like trade, people-to-people ties and, excitingly, more and more cooperation on issues of mutual concern,” Kim said.

The ambassador made the remarks during a signing ceremony for the U.S.’ participation contract with Yeosu organizing committee chief Kang Dong-suk at the envoy’s residence in downtown Seoul.

Focusing on the themes of diversity, wonder and solutions, the U.S. Pavilion at the Yeosu Expo aims to reach millions of visitors through a host of technologies and storytelling, U.S. organizers said.

“The pavilion will take relations that are so often diplomatic and trade, and create a one-on-one base, making it human and real. This is our opportunity to speak directly to Koreans,” said Philippe Cousteau, the chief spokesperson for the pavilion.

To elevate the U.S.’ involvement in the expo while highlighting its diverse coasts, the Yeosu organizing committee partnered with Cousteau, who is an explorer, social entrepreneur and environmental advocate.

Through its diversity, the pavilion plans to convey the vibrant nature of U.S. life using the voices of its people from coast to coast. 

He also said the pavilion would showcase unique elements of U.S. culture and private and public initiatives that they hope will inspire personal action and positive change. 

To add a personal touch, 40 college-aged U.S. student ambassadors proficient in Korean will be selected to serve as representatives, engaging directly with visitors and supporting the U.S. pavilion operation, he added.

Cousteau is the grandson of French naval explorer Jacque Cousteau, a filmmaker, scientist, photographer, researcher and inventor of the regulator used in scuba diving.

“With the legacy of my family being such a part of my life, I’m personally grateful to Korea for recognizing the importance of oceans and coast as a life support system of this planet,” Cousteau said.

For more information on the U.S. Pavilion, visit www.pavilion2012.org or follow them on Twitter at Twitter.com/usapavilion2012.

Source: Y.Cerralbo http://www.koreaherald.com

Expo 2012 Yeosu and tourism...

Yeosu in Korea is not only the site of the International Expo of 2012 in Korea, it's also a tourist destination that is intended.


This little film invites you to discover the riches of Yeosu and the surrounding area ... So why not take advantage of Expo 2012 Yeosu and do some sightseeing?

SNS Supporters in Hong-Kong

They're spreading the good message about the Expo 2012 Yeosu !

Kindness and happyness... eveyrwhere !

New Website for Thailand Pavilion

Go to Thailand...

The Thailand Pavilion for Yeosu Expo 2012 will feature a creative range of exhibits that come together under the theme

"Colors of Diversity: Capacity of Thailand"

Fascinating stories about the Thai seas will be conveyed to the Expo audience through design elements in graceful shapes of foamy surf and Siamese cultural identities. The upcoming world-class exposition, which is to be held in the city of Yeosu, South Korea, will be organized around the theme of The Living Ocean and Coast.

Overall Theme of Exhibits in Thailand Pavilion

1 From oversea to Thailand Overview

Three leading characters from the Thai classical epic Phra Aphai Manee -- Sud Sakhon, the Dragon-horse, and the Mermaid -- will be the pavilion’s genial hosts, taking Expo visitors on journeys through spectacular seascapes showcasing the richness of Thailand’s marine resources, and informing them of the development potential of
Thai seas for tourism, fishing and food supplies. Also to be highlighted are Thailand’s on-going efforts to conserve the seas and coastal ecology, based around the successful initiatives of Their Majesties the King and Queen. The exhibits will delight the international audience with their unique creative expressions and renderings; the unmistakable hallmarks of Thai artistry.

2 Hall1: The Secret of Nak-varinthu-sinsamuth
Experience the rich assets of Thailand’s seas in all their natural beauty and abundance; together with the most desirable coastal destinations. Visitors will enjoy Thailand’s captivating sea views, beaches of white sand and crystal-clear waters, and, for those sportingly inclined, refreshing dives into a magical under-water world to experience dazzling colors and awe-inspiring works of nature.

3 Hall2: Deep Journey to Diversity of the Sea
The last exhibit sums up the topics featured in the pavilion. Sustainability of the sea and how to maintain its natural beauty and bio-diversity amid the tides of global change, are the issues to be featured; together with highlights on measures for harnessing the sea’s potential in the development of tourism, fishing and food security -- initiatives of Their Majesties the King and Queen, Thailand’s role models for work in conserving marine resources and coastal ecology. Stories of the fruitful relations between Thailand and South Korea will be woven into the exhibit’s theme.

Other information in the Thailand Pavilion Website : http://www.thailandpavilion2012.com

Yeony and Suny Wallpaper n°2, 3 & 4

Four the fun... the next wallpapers with Yeony and Suny... hope you like ! and do not hesitate to spread ;-)

Here on my desktop....

With Haibao, Shanghai Expo 2010 mascot, who seem to say Welcome Yeosu !

Presenting the model of Korean pavilion at the Paris Expo 1900... 

It's the first pavilion of Korea of its history, but Paris 1900 was the second participation.

The first time Korea was represented in a world expo was in 1893 in Chicago... with a little stand.

Yeosu 2012 at 150th BIE General Assembly...

The second day of the 150th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Exposition was very dense and busy, with a total of 10 presentations, but also the election of the various committees, as well as the new President of the BIE, Mr. Ferdinand Nagy (Romania).

Mr. Kang Dong-Suk

Chairman of the Organizing Committee for EXPO 2012 Yeosu Korea

Start at the beginning of the day ... presentation of Korea regarding the progress of the project work and various projects for the International Exposition in Yeosu 2012, the opening will happen very quickly now.

Amb. Lee Joon-Hee

Commissioner of the International Exposition 2012 Yeosu Korea

One thing is certain, Koreans work fast, and seriously good! Their actions and their explanations prove it. They are followed by photographs of the site that allow to see the progress of work, and how the site grows.

To date, Yeosu has 106 participating countries for EXPO 2012 with 23 pavilions of nations and 9 international organizations, it was noted that countries wishing to participate in the expo still had until the end of November to be know.

It was also revealed some of the major events taking place during the expo, entertainment, national days, symposia and forums.

Transport and access to the Exhibition were also discussed in detail, and the facilities to come to Korea to visit the Expo and the country.

It should be noted that 2012 Yeosu makes every effort to ensure good communication outside of Asia, particularly in Europe, enlisted the services of several "ambassadors" as the actor Jacques Perrin in France.

L'acteur français, Jacques Perrin, ambassadeur EXPO 2012 Yeosu Korea.

And finally, we saw that 17 countries had already responded positively to participating in Cyber ​​Expo, virtual version of the Yeosu Expo: Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Lithuania, Turkey, Romania, Japan, Singapore, Australia , Philippines, Peru, Oman, UAE, Vietnam, Angola.

Cyber Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea.

A point was also made regarding the declaration of Yeosu, on international cooperation for the protection of the marine environment.

In conclusion, this presentation was greatly appreciated by everyone, it seems to point to an Expo that will be a success, both in terms of the theme as the playful aspects of such a specific event.

Artist named honorary peace ambassador

Han Han-guk hoping to spread the message through his maps
'한석봉 후예' 한한국씨 "1000만원짜리 한지를 실수로…"

A Korean calligrapher and map artist who has been trying to spread messages of peace to the world through his art was named an honorary ambassador of world peace by the Korean government in early November.

Han Han-guk, 43, produces maps consisting of Korean words and phrases put together in the shape of a country. He has made 21 maps in all and each one contains letters, poetry and Bible passages that Han collected from people in the countries represented.

Han said he began making the maps to spread his message of peace to the world, adding that he hopes that people will one day stop generating meaningless disputes that incur unnecessary sacrifices.

“In collecting messages from people around the world for my art, I’ve been very surprised that everyone has the same hope, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, religion or culture,” Han said in an interview withe the Korea JoongAng Daily on Tuesday. “They all want to live in a place without religious or national disputes. I wanted to let them know that they have the same ideas.”

Artist Han Han-guk, 43, explains the idea behind his peace maps, which he created to emphasize the importance of world peace. Provided by the artist

He also said it was important to him that the maps contain the history and culture of each country, which he said he believes are the keys to promoting world peace.

Han started studying calligraphy when he was eight years old. He began by studying Hanja (Chinese characters) but switched to Hangul after feeling limited by his ability to express Korean culture and emotions through Chinese characters.

“I wanted to learn and practice something that would allow me to express my pride in my mother country and for me, that was Hangul,” Han said. “Through calligraphy, I wanted to work on the subject of peace and reunification of my country, which is the long-cherished dream of Koreans.”

Financial problems made it difficult for him to continue his study because the cost of the necessary materials, including hanji (traditional Korean mulberry paper), were too expensive for him. Not to be deterred, Han came up with his own method of study.

“I threw my brush away and grabbed a stick and I used the sand at Haeundae beach in Busan as paper,” Han said “People at the beach whispered to each other and stared at me as if I were a crazy person, but I couldn’t stop practicing because it was the only thing I could do.”

Han started making peace maps in 1997, and set out to produce nine maps representing Korea’s nine provinces. He completed the project in 2005. The finished map is 1.6 meters tall (5.2 feet) and 2.6 meters wide and has 138,000 Hangul letters. The text in the maps consists of messages expressing his desire for peace, national unity, forgiveness, patriotism and reunification of the two Koreas. Some also contain stories by families in South Korea separated from relatives in the North. 

In 2008, the map, which he titled “We Are One,” was sent to North Korea. It is currently on display at the International Friendship Exhibition Hall on the North’s Mount Myohyang. 

Next, Han set out to produce maps of United Nations member countries, including the United States, Japan, China and Germany. He ended up creating 21 maps in all containing 1 million Hangul letters. He also created 21 ceramic plates featuring images of the peace maps that he said he wanted to donate to the peacekeeping organization. But it wasn’t an easy task.

“I wanted to donate the ceramic plates to the United Nations in order to share my message, but the UN turned me down several times because they interpreted my actions as political or because they thought I was just doing it to draw attention to myself,” Han said. “But I couldn’t give up because I believed that sending my art into the world was my destiny.”

Han said that he also set up a small table with some of his works in front of the UN General Assembly in New York to show his sincerity.

“I stayed true to my intention of spreading my message of peace, not only as an artist but also as a person living in a divided country,” Han said.

As a result of his persistence, 21 offices of UN representatives finally accepted Han’s artworks. Since then, he has received certificates of receipt from each country acknowledging his contributions. Han said that the certificates are preserved in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

Han said he is currently working to produce 35 more maps and is willing to take requests from countries interested in having a Hangul map of their country.

“I will keep producing the maps in order to spread the message of peace, which is the world’s long-cherished desire,” Han said “I hope that I can devote the rest of my life to producing these maps. 

“I’m currently working on producing 35 country maps and I’ll be happy to produce more for any country that is willing to have one.”

Source: koreajoongangdaily

By Kwon Sang-soo