KT&G (CEO Baek Bok-In) successfully hosted the second annual 'Festival Siot' at Sangsangmadang Busan over three days starting on the 27th.

Siot' stands for "imagination, people, coexistence, and Seomyeon" in Korean, representing a commitment to creating a festival on Seomyeon 1st Avenue, where Sangsangmadang Busan is situated. The festival fosters cultural and artistic vitality, with artists, residents, and small business owners collaborating. This year, the festival also concurrently hosted the 'Busan Webtoon Festival,' adding a new layer of cultural diversity.

The event took place across all areas of Sangsangmadang Busan, and temporary outdoor stages were set up in car-free zones. Over the three days, approximately 30,000 attendees visited the festival. The outdoor stage showcased performances from artists such as Daybreak and Parc Jae-jung, and activities included a webtoon exhibition, busking by local Busan musicians, and a flea market featuring local businesses.

Notably, throughout the festival, KT&G introduced various programs in support of Busan's bid for the 2030 World Expo. One performance involved artists and festival attendees unfolding a massive banner rooting for Busan's Expo bid. There was also a photo opportunity event featuring Busan's iconic character Boogi endorsing the World Expo bid.

In addition, KT&G is continuously promoting a successful bid for the Busan World Expo. Promotional videos are being played at all five Sangsangmadang locations nationwide and at Sangsang Planet, a youth start-up support space. Sculptures of the supporting character Boogi have been installed, and the character has been placed in 115 national sales agencies. Furthermore, promotional stickers cheering on the Busan Expo bid have been attached to 885 sales vehicles nationwide.

Moreover, promotional videos have been broadcast in the youth support space Univ Zone in Indonesia. Support banners have also been set up in  Korean language institutes, vocational training centers, and other major overseas corporations and factories in the country, further fostering an atmosphere supportive for Busan's World Expo bid abroad.

A KT&G official stated, "This year's 'Festival Siot' not only invigorated the cultural and artistic scene in Busan but also gathered citizens' support for Busan's World Expo bid. We are committed to intensifying our promotional efforts for the Expo bid until the host city is selected this coming November."

(Photo Description 1) KT&G's 'Festival Siot' was held in grand style at Sangsangmadang Busan over three days starting on the 27th. This picture captures attendees unveiling a large banner in support of the Busan World Expo bid.

(Photo Description 2) KT&G's 'Festival Siot' was held in grand style at Sangsangmadang Busan over three days starting on the 27th. This image shows attendees participating in a photo event with Busan's iconic character, Boogi, to endorse the Busan World Expo bid.

(Photo Description 3) KT&G's 'Festival Siot' was held in grand style at Sangsangmadang Busan over three days starting on the 27th. This photograph displays the promotional video supporting the Busan World Expo bid being screened at the outdoor festival stage.