A series of colorful events concerning the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 will begin in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province on Tuesday.

The three-month long event will be held at the southern port city from May 12, 2012 until Aug. 12.

According to the provincial and city governments, and the event’s organizing committee, a celebratory event will be held at a sports stadium in the southern city on Tuesday.

On Thursday, when the 365-day countdown to the event begins, Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik will chair the 10th committee meeting on governmental support of the Yeosu Expo at the Yeosu City Hall. At the meeting central and regional government officials will review the proposal to change plans for installing facilities for the expo and their uses after the event.

The Yeosu Expo’s organizing committee is also holding an international symposium in collaboration with the Korea Maritime Institute. Scheduled to be held in Seoul, the symposium will handle maritime issues including developing marine energy sources and the introduction of wing-in-ground-effect craft ― vehicles that fly just above the surface to reduce drag.

On Wednesday, the Expo’s organizing committee will appoint singer IU as promotional ambassador for the event, and hold a song contest for children from the Yeosu area.

By Choi He-suk  (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)