The 26th World-OKTA Leaders Convention and 2025 Korea Business Expo Andong (2025 KBEA) will run from Apr. 28 to May 1, drawing over 2,000 participants from Korea and abroad. The decision to proceed was made after careful deliberation in light of the region’s losses, with organizers emphasizing the role of the event in supporting local recovery.
“We are committed to creating a wave of healing,” World-OKTA said in a statement, describing the gathering as a step toward rebuilding rather than a moment of pause.
Last month’s wildfires hit several areas in North Gyeongsang Province, including Andong, Yecheon, Yeongju, Bonghwa, and Uljin. According to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, visitor numbers to key sites in these five cities dropped by 18 percent year-on-year in March alone.
Local governments have since launched emergency campaigns such as “Hope Travel Promotion” and “Hope for Andong,” aiming to bring back tourists and revive the economy. Public-private cooperation is being encouraged, and World-OKTA’s decision to stick with Andong as the host city is seen as a welcome boost.
The group hopes the expo can serve three goals at once: helping with wildfire recovery, supporting the overseas expansion of small and medium-sized Korean companies, and driving economic activity in the region. With thousands of guests expected, organizers anticipate a ripple effect across lodging, dining, transport, and tourism sectors.
This year’s expo will feature more than 240 domestic companies and roughly 1,000 overseas Korean entrepreneurs and buyers. Export consultations and product showcases are expected to help local firms connect with new markets abroad.
To ensure the benefits reach the local economy directly, World-OKTA is changing how it runs the event. Instead of a single official dinner, guests will dine at restaurants across the city, including in Andong’s historic Hahoe Village. All attendees will also receive local vouchers to encourage spending in neighborhood businesses.
A fundraising campaign for wildfire victims is also underway. Donations collected from World-OKTA members around the world will be delivered during a special ceremony at the event.
There are also plans for a tree-planting event, dubbed the “Hope Tree Planting,” to help restore the forests lost in the fire. The saplings donated during the event will be planted in consultation with Andong City, and the reforested area is expected to be named “OKTA Forest.” Organizers hope the space will stand as a living symbol of resilience, community, and a shared future for the global Korean business network.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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