🎓 22nd Korea National Youth Expo 2026 – 276 FREE Booths, AI Experiences & Career Discovery in Yeosu!
Korea's biggest youth festival just landed in one of the country's most beautiful coastal cities! 🌊✨ The 22nd Korea National Youth Expo (대한민국 청소년 박람회) takes over the stunning Yeosu EXPO Convention Center from May 28–30, 2026, with 276 free experience booths covering AI, digital tech, career exploration, mentor talks, and so much more. Entry is completely free — and yes, all 276 activity stations are free to try!
※ Please verify details on the official website before visiting.
The 22nd Korea National Youth Expo is the country's largest youth festival, running for 3 days from Thursday, May 28 to Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Yeosu EXPO Convention Center (여수엑스포컨벤션센터), Jeollanam-do, South Korea.
Based on confirmed event information, a total of 276 experience booths covering AI, digital technology, career exploration, mentor lectures, and youth leadership activities are available — all free of charge. The slogan is "With the Power of Youth, Toward a Greener Future!" Group visits from schools and youth organizations are actively encouraged, and advance group registration is available.
Group Registration Guide
💡 Agoda & Booking.com — find great hotels near Yeosu EXPO Town and save up to 30%!
Visiting Yeosu for the Youth Expo? Extend your trip and explore one of Korea's most stunning coastal cities! Agoda and Booking.com list a wide range of accommodations near the Yeosu EXPO Convention Center. After the expo, enjoy Dolsan Park, the famous Yeosu Night Sea (여수밤바다), and Odongdo Island — all within easy reach!📊 Korea National Youth Expo 2026 – At a Glance
276 FREE Experience Booths – AI, Digital Tech, Careers & More in Yeosu!
Korea's largest youth festival is at Yeosu EXPO Convention Center from May 28–30, 2026.
AI & digital experiences, career mentoring, group visits — all FREE for students and youth organizations!
Dates: Thursday, May 28 – Saturday, May 30, 2026 (3 days)
Venue: Yeosu EXPO Convention Center, 1 Expo-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
Admission: Completely FREE (all 276 booths included)
Highlights: AI & digital booths, career exploration, mentor talks, group registration available
⚡ Just days away — register your group visit now!
Key Event Info
Thursday, May 28 – Saturday, May 30, 2026
Korea's largest youth festival, held at Yeosu EXPO Convention Center for 3 days. Free admission, 276 experience booths, AI & digital programs, career mentoring, and group school registration available.
⚡ 3 days only — register your group visit now!
🎓
1. Event Overview – 3 Key Facts
Schedule & Venue
The 22nd Korea National Youth Expo runs for 3 days from Thursday, May 28 to Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Yeosu EXPO Convention Center (여수엑스포컨벤션센터), located at 1 Expo-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea.
Set within the stunning former grounds of the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, the venue offers vast indoor and outdoor spaces to host all 276 booths comfortably. With just 3 days of programming, planning your visit in advance is essential. Yeosu is accessible from Seoul and Busan by KTX in approximately 2–3 hours.
Slogan & Key Themes
The 2026 expo's slogan — "With the Power of Youth, Toward a Greener Future!" — puts young people squarely at the center of the action.
Programs span AI & digital technology, career discovery, mentor talks, national youth leader exchanges, and civic participation. The 276 booths are operated by schools, youth agencies, companies, and community organizations from across Korea. It is Korea's largest and most comprehensive annual youth event — a must-attend for students, educators, and youth workers alike.
Explore Programs
💡 Trip.com & Klook — book Yeosu day trips or 1-night packages at exclusive discounts!
Want to combine the Youth Expo with a Yeosu travel experience? Trip.com and Klook offer affordable day-trip and overnight packages to Yeosu — perfect for school groups and families alike. After the expo, stroll along the Yeosu Night Sea promenade, visit Odongdo Island, or take the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car for panoramic coastal views!2. Top Experience Booths – 3 Highlights
AI & Digital Technology Booths
The hottest draws at the 22nd Korea National Youth Expo are the AI and digital technology booths — and there are plenty to choose from among the 276 stations!
Activities include hands-on artificial intelligence demos, coding workshops, metaverse experiences, and VR/AR simulations of future workplaces. Corporate and government partners bring cutting-edge tech that students can interact with for free. AI and digital booths are expected to see the longest queues — arrive at opening time to get the most out of them!
Career Exploration & Mentor Talks
Career discovery programs and mentor talks give young visitors a real-world glimpse into diverse professional fields.
Professionals from various industries will give live talks and one-on-one interactions with students. Advance registration is required for mentor talks — sign up early at the official website koreayouthexpo.kr, as popular sessions sell out fast!
3. Group Registration – 4 Steps
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Group registration is open to schools, youth organizations, youth activity centers, and youth clubs from anywhere in Korea. Prepare group details including institution name, number of participants, and supervising teacher or leader contact information in advance.
Step 2: Register Online
Visit the official website at koreayouthexpo.kr and navigate to the "Group Registration" section. Complete the online form — you'll receive a confirmation notice after submission.
Step 3: Plan Your Visit Schedule
Choose your preferred visit date from the 3-day window and map out which booths to prioritize. With 276 stations to explore, it's impossible to cover everything in one day — shortlist AI & digital, career, and mentor talk booths by interest area for the most efficient visit.
Step 4: Arrive & Enjoy
On the day of your group visit, check in with your supervising adult and confirmation details. All programs are free — just show up and dive in! Supervising teachers and group leaders should carry identification and a headcount roster for smooth entry.
Register Group Now
💡 Trip.com & Agoda — book group accommodation in Yeosu and enjoy exclusive group discounts!
Organizing a school or youth group visit to Yeosu? Trip.com and Agoda both offer group booking options for hotels and pensions near Yeosu EXPO Convention Center. Lock in accommodation early — rooms near the convention center fill up quickly around popular event dates!4. Yeosu Sightseeing & Accommodation – 3 Picks
Yeosu Maritime Cable Car & EXPO Town
Just steps from the convention center, the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car (여수 해양케이블카) connects Dolsan Island to Jasan Park — Korea's first over-sea cable car — in a spectacular 20-minute round trip.
Adult round-trip tickets cost approximately ₩15,000 KRW. Evening rides offer breathtaking views of Yeosu's famous night sea. Pair the Youth Expo with a sunset cable car ride for the ultimate Yeosu experience! 🌅
Yeosu Night Sea & Yi Sun-sin Square
Yeosu Night Sea (여수밤바다) — made world-famous by a beloved Korean pop song — is a must-visit during any Yeosu trip. The promenade around Yi Sun-sin Square (이순신광장) and the illuminated Dolsan Bridge at night is one of Korea's most romantic coastal sceneries.
Nearby seafood markets and restaurants serve fresh local catches at very reasonable prices. A perfect post-expo dinner destination! 🦞
Accommodation Near Yeosu EXPO
Search "Yeosu EXPO" on Agoda or Booking.com for hotels and resorts close to the convention center, ranging from approximately ₩70,000–₩200,000 KRW per night for two guests. Ocean-view rooms are highly sought after — book early to avoid missing out!
5. Korea Youth Expo vs. Other Youth Events – Quick Comparison
Compare the 22nd Korea National Youth Expo with similar events to plan your schedule!
| Category | Korea National Youth Expo | General Youth Events |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Korea's largest (276 booths) | Regional scale |
| Admission | Completely FREE | Varies by event |
| Duration | May 28–30, 2026 (3 days) | 1 day to several days |
| Venue | Yeosu EXPO Convention Center | Local facilities |
| Audience | Youth & youth leaders nationwide | Mainly local youth |
6. Visitor Tips – 5 Must-Reads
Hit Popular Booths First Thing in the Morning
AI & digital booths, career exploration stations, and mentor talks draw the longest queues. Head to your top picks right when doors open — after 2 PM, popular stations can have significant wait times based on past event reports. Map out your priority list in advance!
Take the KTX to Yeosu-EXPO Station
The Yeosu EXPO Convention Center is 5–10 minutes on foot from Yeosu-EXPO KTX Station — one of the most convenient large venues in Korea for public transport access. From Seoul, the KTX journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. From Busan and Gwangju, regional connections take 1–2 hours. Parking is limited during the 3-day event — public transport is strongly recommended.
Group Advance Registration Is a Must
Schools and youth organizations must register via koreayouthexpo.kr before arriving. Walk-in group entry may not be accommodated smoothly, and advance registration allows for dedicated guide staff and program reservations. Dates can fill up fast — register as early as possible!
Plan Meals in Advance
Restaurants near the Yeosu EXPO Convention Center can get crowded during the event. Research dining options in advance on Google Maps or Naver Maps. Don't miss Yeosu's local specialties: Dolsan mustard kimchi (돌산갓김치), marinated crab (게장), and fresh seafood dishes are all must-tries! 🦀
Reserve Mentor Talks ASAP
Mentor talk sessions have limited seats and are expected to sell out well before the event. Log in to koreayouthexpo.kr and register for your preferred session as soon as possible. Review the schedule of speakers and topics and rank your top choices to maximize your visit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Why is the Korea National Youth Expo held in Yeosu?
A. The Korea National Youth Expo rotates between host cities each year to celebrate Youth Month (May). For 2026, Yeosu's world-class EXPO Convention Center (1 Expo-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do) was selected for its spacious facilities and excellent KTX accessibility from across the country.
Q2. How do I register a group visit?
A. Group visits can be registered online at koreayouthexpo.kr under the "Group Registration" menu. Enter your school or organization name, participant count, and supervising contact details. You will receive a confirmation after submission. Popular dates fill up fast — register early!
Q3. Is admission really free for all 276 booths?
A. Yes — the 22nd Korea National Youth Expo offers completely free admission and free access to all 276 experience booths. If any paid programs are added, they will be noted on the official website at koreayouthexpo.kr.
Q4. How long does the event run?
A. The 22nd Korea National Youth Expo runs for 3 days only: May 28 (Thursday) to May 30 (Saturday), 2026. Given the short duration, advance planning and early group registration are strongly recommended to make the most of your visit.
More to Explore
After the Youth Expo, Yeosu has so much more to offer! Book hotels near the EXPO Convention Center via Agoda or Booking.com and explore the Yeosu Night Sea, cable car, and fresh seafood markets. Discover more Korean festivals and travel guides below!
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✍️ About the Author
KoreaTravelFesta | Specialty: Korean events, travel, festivals & parks | Experience: 5 years
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