Santorini moves closer to the Korean market

An official meeting between the Municipal Authority of Thira and a delegation from the city of Yeosu, South Korea, took place on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the island's town hall, in the context of the upcoming World Island Expo Yeosu Expo 2026, in which the Municipality of Thira intends to participate.

The meeting was attended by the Mayor of Thira, Mr. Nikos Zorzos, the President of the Municipal Council and the Tourist Committee, Ms. Georgia Nomikou, the President of DEYATH, Mr. Minas Kafieris, the President of the Exo Gonia Community, Mr. Iakovos Valvis, and the Special Advisor to the Mayor at the Press Office, Mr. Nikos Zafeiropoulos. The delegation of Yeosu City consisted of Deputy Mayor Mr. Choi Junggi, Deputy Head of the Municipality's team for Yeosu Expo 2026 Mr. Seongwon Myung and Secretary Mr. Kang Byeonguk.

During the meeting, the terms and framework of the participation of the Municipality of Thira in Yeosu Expo 2026, an international event dedicated to island regions, sustainability, culture and innovation, which will be held in Yeosu City from September to November 2026, under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of South Korea, were discussed.

The central point of the meeting was the signing of a letter of intent for the participation of the Municipality of Thira in the exhibition, as an expression of the will to create strong bonds of cooperation between the two island regions.

This meeting is a continuation of the extroversion initiatives that the Municipality of Thira has developed towards the Korean market, following its participation in the Seoul International Tourism Fair (KOTFA) in June 2025, as well as the close cooperation with the Greek Embassy in Korea with the ultimate goal of strengthening efforts to launch a direct Seoul-Athens flight.

The Yeosu World Island Exhibition 2026 is a unique opportunity to promote Santorini as an internationally recognized island destination, with an emphasis on culture, local tradition, the environment and sustainable tourism practices. The presence of the Municipality of Thira at the exhibition aims not only to strengthen the tourism promotion of Santorini in the Asian market, but also to form long-term ties of cultural and institutional cooperation with Korea.