EXPO2012: Yeosu, Korea - Exhibitor Online

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Expo 2012 Opening Ceremony

An impressive opening ceremony took place on May 11, in Yeosu, South Korea, commemorating the start of Expo 2012. After four years of work and $10 billion USD in investment, the small coastal city will play host to an expected 10 million visitors during the three-month run of Expo 2012. See some of the highlights from the opening ceremony, including the premiere of a mind-blowing multimedia show that will run nightly throughout the expo, which ends on Aug. 12, 2012. The World Expo (aka international/specialized expo) has adopted the theme, “The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities.”

1 of 10<br />An impressive opening ceremony took place on May 11, in Yeosu, South Korea, commemorating the start of Expo 2012. After four years of work and $10 billion USD in investment, the small city on South Korea’s southern coast will play host to an expected 10 million visitors during the three-month run of Expo 2012.

2 of 10<br />South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak spoke at the Expo 2012 opening ceremony. Like all recognized World Expos, Expo 2012 is overseen by a French-based organization known as the Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE).

3 of 10<br />Flag bearers marched during the opening ceremony, holding flags from participating nations. More than 105 countries, 10 international organizations, and a handful of corporate entities have constructed experiential pavilions for Expo 2012.

4 of 10<br />Expo 2012’s theme is “The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities.” Three sub-themes exist, including Coastal Development and Preservation, New Resources Technology, and Creative Maritime Activities. Expo 2012 also explores topics such as climate change and the environment, marine life, marine industry and technology, and more.

5 of 10<br />Various singers and dancers performed in front of the “Big-O” during the Expo 2012 opening ceremony on May 11, including one of South Korea’s most well known girl groups, 2NE1.

6 of 10<br />A giant sculpture by day, the Big-O becomes a spectacular light show at night, featuring projection and pyrotechnics. The presentation was designed and directed by France-based ECA2, which also produced the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1998 World Cup in France and the Eiffel Tower Millennium Show.

7 of 10<br />Set against the natural backdrop of the Yeosu Sea, the 154-foot-high Big-O is the world’s largest water curtain and the landmark installation of Expo 2012. Two sets of triple-stacked Christie Roadie HD+35Ks project a short animated film about ocean conservation onto the water screen at the internal rim of the O.

8 of 10<br />More than 10 million visitors are expected to visit the Expo 2012 site. The impressive, high-tech venue used to be a dusty cement terminal. Now the area features awe-inspiring architecture designed and built by some of the world’s most talented and creative firms.

9 of 10<br />The Big-O finale involves a “fountain show,” staged by U.S.-based Wet Design. The nightly multimedia show also includes special effects such as mist, flames, lighting, and lasers.

10 of 10<br />Following Expo 2012, the Big-O will remain as a symbolic landmark commemorating the World’s Expo. In keeping with the Expo 2012 theme, the Big-O stands for the ocean and resembles the number zero to illustrate a new beginning for the sea.