<Explanation W> South Korea took the lead in submitting plans for the overseas pavilions at the Osaka/Kansai World Expo = Reasons why they are enthusiastic about “getting permission quickly”

On the 28th of last month, South Korea, which is scheduled to participate in the Osaka-Kansai Expo to be held in 2025, submitted the necessary documents for construction to the city of Osaka regarding pavilions to be constructed independently by the participating countries. So far, 56 countries and regions have planned to build their own pavilion architecture. However, not a single application for the permits required to start construction has been submitted, making South Korea the first foreign country to submit.

So far, 153 countries and regions have announced their participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo. There are three types of pavilion installation methods: 'Type A', 'Type B', and 'Type C'. The design can be configured freely. It is also called the 'flower' of the Expo because its appearance reflects the individuality of each country and region. 'Type B' is a method in which the Japan Expo Association constructs a building, and participating countries rent the building and move in under Exclusive. 'Type C' is a group of people from multiple countries living in a building prepared by the Japan Expo Association.

However, due to soaring material prices and a serious labor shortage, it was difficult to find a contractor. For construction, it is necessary to submit a basic plan including blueprints to the host city of Osaka, but time has passed without any country to submit it. Amid concerns about the completion of the pavilion before the opening, it was revealed that South Korea was the first foreign country to submit the basic plan necessary for the construction of the 'Type A' pavilion on the 28th of last month.

South Korea is aiming to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan, the southern part of the country. World expositions can be broadly divided into registered expositions (registered expositions) and accredited expositions (authorized expositions) based on the scale of the venue and theme. has never been. For that reason, the realization of the Busan Expo, which is held as a registered exposition, has become a long-cherished wish.

In June of the year before last, Busan officially announced its candidacy to host the 2030 World Expo, and submitted an application for the bid to the BIE. The theme is "Great Transformation of the World, Voyage to a Better Future". The three sub-themes are "Sustainable Earth," "Technology for Humankind," and "A Place for Sharing and Caring."

In order to realize the hosting of the Expo in Busan, South Korea has been engaged in an all-out effort involving the public and private sectors. President Yoon Seo-gyul has also made hosting the Busan World Expo one of the major national agendas. Last year, the bid committee commissioned the world-famous Korean male idol group BTS to serve as public relations ambassadors for the Busan Expo in an effort to further strengthen public relations activities for the bid. As part of that activity, BTS held a concert "BTS Yet to Come in BUSAN" in Busan last October. President Yoon attended the BIE General Assembly held in Paris, France in June and gave a presentation. In his speech, President Yoon said, "Korea has invested in the best Expo. I am eagerly awaiting the Busan World Expo as one."

South Korea plans to focus on exhibiting pavilions at the Osaka/Kansai Expo in order to appeal its culture and technological capabilities in order to realize the Busan Expo. Kim Hyun Joon, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Osaka, visited Osaka City Hall on the 25th of last month and met with Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama. "We will submit an application (to the city of Osaka) as soon as possible. We want permission to be issued as soon as possible," he said.

On the 28th of last month, South Korea submitted a basic plan including pavilion design drawings to the city of Osaka. If the city confirms that there are no problems, South Korea will formally apply for a temporary building permit, and once the permit is obtained, construction will begin. It usually takes about two months from the submission of the plan to the approval of the application.

On the 30th of last month, Mayor Yokoyama of Osaka City said, "I am very pleased with the basic plan submission from South Korea. Osaka City would like to proceed with the procedure so that it can be completed as soon as possible."

The Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held from April 13th to October 13th, 2025 on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka. However, as mentioned above, preparations for the construction of overseas pavilions have been delayed, raising concerns about whether they will be able to make it in time for the opening. With the submission of the basic plan by South Korea, attention will be paid to whether other countries will follow suit.