Expo
pp. 27-31 · Read in the full issue
Let’s go
MOST countries are either already industrialised or in the process of becoming so. Yet in pursuing industrialisation, countries are faced with such problems as the deterioration of the environment, the depletion of natural resources, disruption of the traditional social order and an increasing depersonahsation of society.
Korea began its planned economic development 30 years ago and in that short span has achieved remarkably rapid growth. Today it stands at the threshold of the group of advanced
nations. But the Korean people have become aware of some of the costs of this
growth-first policy increased pol-
lution, regional imbalances in development and the distribution of wealth, and a loss of cultural values and traditions.
As a developing country, the first host t 0 an Q fg c i a i BIE-sanctioned event, Korea is determined to use the occasion of the Taejon EXPO ’93 (Aug 7—Nov 7) to launch a world-wide effort to find solutions to the problems of industrialisation. Finding ways of decreasing pollution, efficiently using resources and
maintaining traditional values in the wake of widening industrialisation is the meaning behind the theme “The Chal lenge of a New Road to Development”, Hosting such an international event is not j ust a mat ter of national prestige The financial benefits from Taejon EXPO ’93 will be immeasurable far beyond the direct cost of nearly US$l.2 billion. This kind of event can achieve in a short time what might otherwise take ten years. Taejon EXPO’93 will house many permanent buildings and facilities which will become valuable exhibition
md research centres that can be used wer the next 20-30 years. The Taejon Science Town, site of the EXPO, is dready home to numerous scientific and esearch institutes. Thus, the EXPO will mhance Taejon as Korea’s science and echnology capital, contributing to the lational goal of balanced regional devel >pment.
A study by the Korea Institute of Economy and Technology (KIET) esti nates that Taejon EXPO ’93 will create ■ 17,000 jobs and result in US$l.6 billion ff domestic-earned income. Of course the vent will also serve to enhance the the mage of Korea internationally, demon trating Korean technology and the
Korean “can do” spirit. This can only be advantageous to tne competitiveness of Korean products overseas.
Another goal of Taejon EXPO ’93 is to instill a scientific spirit in the younger generation. Korea’s rapid industrialis ation has had some negative side effects.
The scientific theme pavilions are in tended to create enthusiasm for science and technology, especially among the younger visitors.
The EXPO will provide an advantage point for which participants can appreci ate the world’s technological achieve ments to date as well as assess the
problems resulting from industrialis
ation. Such reflection will afford a
perspective for determining what kind of society we wish to build in the future.
Korea will look for ways to maintain its traditional outlook in its next stage of
development, stressing harmony with
nature. This concept is symbolised in Korea’s national flag, the Taegeuk from which Taejon Expo ’93 derives its official emblem. It reflects the oriental wisdom of balance ( yin and yang) , which Korea will strive to maintain while cooperating for the mutual prosperity of mankind.
Taejon EXPO ’93 is more than an event featuring technology and science.
It is also an economic, cultural and social event. With great international partici pation, Taejon EXPO ’93 will be capable of fostering greater cooperation and exchange of information worldwide.
The expo will give the participating international organisations, governments and corporations the opportunity to show how they are coping with the challenges presented by the modern world. Such a forum of cooperation and exchange may lead to the discovery of acceptable combinations of culture and technology, which can serve as models for future development. □
Overview: the Permanent Exhibition Area
Kumdorl: the mascot of Taejon Expo '93
Night glow: the Tower of Great Light
Expo site: the International Exhibition Area