Expo 2012 opened in the port city of Yeosu, South Korea on 12 May 2012. A "recognized" exposition by the BIE, it is expected to attract about 8 million visitors during its 3-month run.

Like most world's fairs, the international participants occupy the largest area: a large International Participants Pavilion that also includes a huge overhead video screen over its central axis.

Other notable buildings on site are the Korean Pavilion, the Theme Pavilion, and the Aquarium.

Off-site an Expo Town was built to house the workers during the exposition. These buildings will become housing after the exposition.