Yeosu World Island Expo faces Chinese boycotts over Taiwan naming dispute

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, scheduled to run for 61 days starting September 5, is facing diplomatic challenges due to a naming controversy involving the Gwangju Biennale. The dispute began when the Gwangju Biennale Foundation changed the name of its ‘Taiwan Pavilion’ to the ‘NTMoFA Pavilion,’ leading to protests from Taiwanese cultural authorities. Although the foundation later restored the original name, the incident has triggered a backlash from Chinese entities.

In response to the controversy, a delegation from the Guangzhou Municipal People's Congress canceled a planned visit to the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City to protest the pavilion's naming. Additionally, Zhoushan in Zhejiang Province has expressed its intention to withdraw from participating in the Yeosu Expo, despite previous agreements to operate a promotional booth.

The Yeosu Expo aims to showcase island ecology, culture, and future technologies through various exhibition spaces and programs. While the event features diverse attractions including drone performances, K-pop concerts, and maritime experiences, organizers are concerned that the withdrawal of major Chinese participants may impact the international standing of the expo and its ability to attract Chinese visitors.