With leading global yacht makers now expressing a great deal of interest in the Korea International Boat Show 2008, which will be held at Jeongok Marina in Hwaseong City of, Gyeonggi Province, in June 2008, the international event is expected to be a huge success.

166 Yacht Makers in Total Including World-Renowned Yacht Companies to Participate

On April 1, Gyeonggi Province announced that Korea International Boat Show 2008 will see the participation of 166 international yacht companies from 17 countries around the world. This surpasses the initial target of 100 participants, and confirms the high interest in the show among players in the global yacht industry. Most notably, some of the international participants include leading global yacht companies such as Brunswick Boat (US), leading yacht maker Princess Yachts International (UK), the leading Italian firm Ferretti Yachts, Bavaria Yachts (Germany), and Australia’s largest yacht manufacturer, Seawind Catamarans. Despite the fact that this is Korea’s first international boat show, it is expected to be a truly international yacht festival.

According to a Gyeonggi Province official, 103 boats are to be exhibited at the show by foreign participants as of March 31st, including 26 kayaks and rubber motorized rafts.

Show Expected to Attract 179 Investors, and Buyers from 15 Nations
It is highly likely that the Korea International Boat Show 2008 will be a vehicle for the stimulation of business in related industries since 179 investors from 15 nations are expected to participate in the event. In addition, the participants in the show represent a broad range of business areas, including boat manufacturing, boat and yacht parts, marine sports equipment, suits and accessories for water sports, and marina facilities; this offers golden business opportunities for small and medium-sized Korean companies.

Potential of Korea’s Marine Industry Is Being Recognized
Foreign yacht companies and buyers are showing an exceptionally high level of interest in Korea International Boat Show 2008, despite the fact that the host nation is not yet a yachting powerhouse, and that the show has relatively low recognition as a “first-of-its-kind” event. When asked to explain the attention foreign yacht companies and buyers are paying to the Korea International Boat Show 2008, Choi Hyeong-geun, Director General of the Agricultural Administration Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, “This remarkable result can be attributed to the strong commitment of Gyeonggi Province, KOTRA, and the BMF Advisory Committee. Without such high recognition of the potential of Korea’s marine industry, this success would not have been possible. Foreign companies have decided to bring their yachts to Jeongok Port, despite the cost burden. They are doing this not for short-term business results, but because they are attracted by the enormous potential of the marine industry in Gyeonggi Province. They are coming to Korea for the chance of early entry into a huge market.”

Gyeonggi Province Operates Trams to Foreshore of Tando Port
The Korea International Boat Show 2008 will feature diverse activities for guests, as well as an extensive boat and yacht exhibition. One of these activities is the Foreshore Tour. The tour site is located near Tando Marina and Nue Island, and it takes five minutes to travel from Jeongok Marina to Tando Marina by tram. Visitors to the boat exhibition can take trams to Tando Port and enjoy a stunning view of the West Sea. After traveling 800m along the spectacular sea wall, visitors can experience a natural wonder internationally known as Korea’s unique version of the “Moses’ Miracle”, a natural phenomenon which occurs when the water recedes to form a long path. For more information, please contact 82-2-249-4547