Park Ji-eun (Freshman, Dept. of Landscape Architecture)
I think hosting an international exhibition is not good for the development of our region, but in some cases it is, like the tail wagging the dog because facilities management cost is more than profits. I went to the Suncheon Bay Garden Expo 2013 twice. On my first visit it was very busy and on my second visit there were only a few people in the exhibition. I thought it seemed like a waste of the citizen’s taxes. There must be some better alternatives for economic effects than hosting an international expo with excessive tax to revive local communities. Besides, Ido not think that our country has enough ability and money to support several global events. Therefore, when we host such a big event, we should be well prepared to enjoy the benefits.
Kim Hye-ji (Freshman, Dept. of Chemistry)
International events in Korea can be a big benefit for our country. I went to the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 last year and saw many foreigners who came to the expo to sell their traditional foods and goods. There were many buildings that were named after Korean companies such as Samsunggwan and LGgwan. I thought a huge event like this expo is a good opportunity to have foreigners learn about Korea and promote the brand names of Korean companies. Also, the event benefits the local city through constructing social overhead capital including transportation facilities. Before the expo, it took five and a half hours between Yeosu and Seoul by express bus, but now it only takes two and a half hours. For these reasons, I think hosting a global event in a local city contributes to the development of the city.
Kim So-jeong (Junior, Dept. of Clothing & Textile)
Personally I think hosting international events for the development of local community could be a waste of tax in many ways. First of all, the benefits expected from holding international events are not insured. Almost every Olympic Games recorded deficits to cover the architectural expenses. The 2010 Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix had drawn attention in that the event is a large–scale event, but its failure led to a financial crisis due to the lack of preparation such as accommodation for tourists and infrastructure construction. Secondly, the success of those global events that target international popularity is contingent on how the events trigger public participation. However, the main purpose of holding the events is not focused on public interests. To sum up, finding the ways that international events trigger public attention is local governments’ biggest task to figure out right now without a vague expectation that holding regional events will bring great results.
Personally I think hosting international events for the development of local community could be a waste of tax in many ways. First of all, the benefits expected from holding international events are not insured. Almost every Olympic Games recorded deficits to cover the architectural expenses. The 2010 Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix had drawn attention in that the event is a large–scale event, but its failure led to a financial crisis due to the lack of preparation such as accommodation for tourists and infrastructure construction. Secondly, the success of those global events that target international popularity is contingent on how the events trigger public participation. However, the main purpose of holding the events is not focused on public interests. To sum up, finding the ways that international events trigger public attention is local governments’ biggest task to figure out right now without a vague expectation that holding regional events will bring great results.
Jeong Da-ye (Freshman, Dept. of Landscape Architecture)
Hosting an international exhibition is helpful for promoting our nation and region to foreign countries. If we manage an exhibition perfectly, other countries will focus on our country and then we can improve the image of Korea. Once Korea’s image and brand value has increased, it will be positive for developing international trade. Also, a global event hosted in a local city will get foreigners to be more interested in our country. There is a possibility that they visit the city and some of them want stay for a long time for us to increase tourism revenue. As a result, the economic power of our city and Korea is expected to increase.
By Lee Su-jung, Tribune Reporter
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