On May 1, 2010, the grand opening of the Shanghai Expo 2010 began and this time, the World Expo is as huge as China. It seems like China will show the world "how wonderful the nation is" during the Shanghai Expo.
China has spent US$ 45 billion for this year's Expo, invited over 180 countries and 57 international organizations and about a million visitors are expected to attend. The Expo is surely overwhelming and we should understand the sacrifice the Chinese citizens had to go through to make this Expo a success. Especially when it comes with the slogan "Better City, Better Life," Unlike the title, it is well known that China has removed 18 thousand families and 270 factories just for this Expo, which occupies two square miles along the Hangpu River, since 2002. The Chinese have made the building for the Shanghai Expo more exceptional than its U.S. counterpart. The building is the symbol of the city's ambitious dream to become a world financial center. However, America is not comfortable with this idea.
The Korean Pavilion, the largest pavilion at the Shanghai Expo, looks very prosperous for its opening day. A total of 7,370 people have visited the pavilion just on the first day. However, only 210 thousand people are able to check out the exhibition, because of the limited special admission tickets by Expo organizing committee.
The President of Korea, Lee Myung-bak, visited the opening ceremony for the Korean Pavilion. Escorted by Jo Hwanik, the Chief of KOTRA, the President looked around the exhibition, and then enjoyed the traditional dance performance. His Excellency also stopped by the Chinese Pavilion afterwards.
Interests for the Korean Pavilion could not be higher than ever according to the Chinese press. A Chinese news company, Wang-E released a story about the Expo and introduced the Korean Pavilion as the must-see pavilion. The article stated, "There is nothing like, the Korean Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo." In addition, PLA Daily said, "The Korean Pavilion is an overwhelming attraction." Sina.com, an internet portal site in China, explained that "A miniature version of Korean Pavilion has arrived in Shanghai."
After the first day of the Expo, Jo Hwanik said, "I feel so thankful that the first day went great, and I am sure that guests will visit the Korean Pavilion more and more." Since all general visitors are allowed to enter the event from the second day, more visitors for the Korean Pavilion are expected. On top of that, this event would be the opportunity for Korea to retake the glory for the Korean Wave (called "Hallyu" in Korean) once again. Korea expects to enhance the image of the nation by conveying various performances and activities. Also, Korea will be holding the next Expo in 2012 in Yeosu and Korea could learn a lot from China from the next six months.
