Cittaslow International at the 2026 World Island Exhibition in Yeosu, Korea

Cittaslow International at the 2026 World Island Exhibition in Yeosu, Korea

Cittaslow International will take part in the 2026 World Island Exhibition Yeosu Korea, the world's first international exposition dedicated to islands, running from 5 September to 4 November 2026 in the Jinmo district of Yeosu and on the surrounding islands. Held under the theme "Island, Connecting Ocean and Future," the Exhibition brings together cities, institutions and organisations from around the world to explore the relationship between island communities, the sea and sustainable development — themes that sit at the very heart of the Cittaslow philosophy.

The Cittaslow network will be represented at the event by a delegation combining members from three continents: Nicolosi (Italy), Cittaslow Spain and Gökçeada (Türkiye), Cittaslow Corea alongside the Cittaslow International headquarters. This shared presence underlines the international character of the network and its growing engagement with island and coastal territories, which face distinctive challenges in preserving their identity, environment and quality of life.

A meeting with the new Mayor of Wando

As part of the mission to Korea, the Cittaslow delegation will meet the newly elected Mayor of Wando, Mr Shin Kim, at the island's town hall. The meeting will focus on two key items on the network's agenda for the sea: the Wando Charter and the work of the Cittaslow for the Sea Working Group.

The Wando Charter represents a shared commitment by Cittaslow's island and coastal member cities to sustainable fishing, marine environmental protection and the safeguarding of local maritime traditions. The Cittaslow for the Sea Working Group, meanwhile, brings these communities together to exchange practices and develop joint initiatives on issues ranging from coastal resilience to the promotion of "slow" tourism along the sea.

The meeting with Mayor Kim offers an opportunity to renew Wando's engagement with the network under its new administration and to discuss how the island can continue to contribute to — and benefit from — Cittaslow's international work on marine and coastal sustainability.

Looking ahead

Cittaslow International's participation in the World Island Exhibition, together with the meeting in Wando, reflects the network's continuing commitment to island and coastal communities worldwide. By bringing together member cities from Italy, Spain and Türkiye alongside its international headquarters, Cittaslow reaffirms that the good living philosophy has as much relevance to island life as it does to its more traditional hilltop and inland member towns.

Further updates on the mission to Korea, including outcomes from the meeting with the Mayor of Wando, will follow on the Cittaslow International channels.

World Island Exhibition Site