The Government of the Republic of Korea held a variety of activities in Paris, France, through November 28-29 to promote Korea’s bid to host World EXPO 2030 in Busan, on the occasion of attending the 171st Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
Korea carried out promotion activities on the Seine River by floating a cruise ship named “2030 Expo Busan Space” with an 8 m-tall “Boogi” on the deck next to Pont d’Iéna (“Jena Bridge”). “Boogi” is short for “Busan galmaegi (seagull)”, a character created for promoting Busan Metropolitan City, and is the Paris version of Rubber Duck Project Seoul, the super-sized inflatable bath toy installed over Seokchon Lake.
Busan Space featured eco-friendly elements in its design, which is the main theme for World Expo 2030 Busan. The cruise vessel’s outdoor terrace showcased the huge, recyclable Boogi doll, and on the first floor were chairs made using recycled waste vinyl material. A drawing performance was held at an exhibition zone using recycled waste cosmetic products.
Visitors were provided with beverages and dessert prepared in collaboration with a popular Korean culture-themed local café called Paris Dabang, and a promotion zone made entirely of eco-friendly materials introduced information on World Expo 2030 Busan.
Ten bikers strolled along the streets of Paris hoisting a macaron-embracing 2.5m Boogi doll in the backseats. In collaboration with Hyundai Motor, six eco-friendly cars cruised down local lanes with World Expo 2030 Busan images printed on their exterior.
Local press tours were held on November 28 in the presence of local media outlets invited to Busan Space. On November 29, Busan City Mayor Park Heong-jun held an interview with the local press to share some of the charming aspects of Busan.
Promotional images made their appearance across 23 spots inside Palais des Congres where the BIE general assembly was held, as well as on 211 outdoor billboards and on mobile platforms.
Korean Cultural Centers and companies operating in Paris, including Samsung and Hyundai Motor, joined in the efforts by screening promotion videos inside their local stores.
With the World EXPO 2030 Busan Advisory Committee at the helm, the Korean government will give full measure in its World Expo 2030 Busan promotion activities to 170 BIE member states, in cooperation with both civilian and National Assembly committees, until the host city selection is finalized.
Source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy