■ 1.5 million visitors, 19,000 dishes of ‘Kangaroo galbi jjim’ sold… Numbers show its success

The Australian Pavilion is one of the largest international pavilions, consisting of four modules. Under the theme of ‘In Harmony with the Ocean’, the Pavilion has attracted 1.5 million visitors as of August 11, 1 day before the expo’s official closing. For the record, the Australian Pavilion is the first international pavilion at the expo to announce that it reached over one million visitors on July 22. The record indicates that almost 1 out of every 4 visitors at the Expo visited the Australian Pavilion.

Along with its popular exhibition, the Australia Pavilion has proved its popularity with the high sales record of their popular food dish, ‘Kangaroo galbi jjim’. About 19,000 dishes, equivalent to approximately 3 tons of kangaroo meat, were cooked, attracting and entertaining the visitors. Considering the majority of visitors are Koreans, the Australia Pavilion localized the dish and transformed it into a Korean style ‘galbi jjim,’ which led the menu to gain such high popularity. Also, Australian Pavilion won a Bronze award for Creativity Display at the BIE Awards Ceremony held on 11 August, commemorating all the supports for the success of the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea.

■ High profile visitors… From the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark, Hyundai Motor Group Mogul Chung Mong-koo to Australia’s top model Jessica Gomes

During the expo period, the Australian Pavilion has attracted high profile visitors. To celebrate pavilion’s opening on May 12, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark made a visit to the Expo. Australian Pavilion’s Goodwill Ambassador Jessica Gomes also joined on Australia’s National Day May 27. The Pavilion gained popular guests with the visit of Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd as well as Hyundai Motor Group mogul Chung Mong-koo and Hollywood actor Daniel Kim who has been appointed as the member of the U.S. Presidential Delegation. Furthermore, the Australian Pavilion attracted government delegates from all regions of the world, addressing Australia’s continuous effort to build a sustainable future.

■ Contributing to the Korean community even after the expo’s closing… Providing real-time experience of the Great Barrier Reef to Korean schools and donating some of pavilion’s goods to ‘Beautiful Store’

Australian Pavilion explained that it will continuously contribute its products to Korean communities even after the expo. The live video streaming of ‘Great Barrier Reef’ will be used as educational materials for 30 primary, middle and high schools in Korea. This program was kicked off on Disability Day on 20 April and gave children with disabilities the opportunity to see the Australian Pavilion even before the expo’s opening. Through the newest video technology, approximately 20 thousand visitors had the opportunity to explore the seas of the World Heritage ‘Great Barrier Reef’ which is located on the opposite side of the earth.

In addition, the Australian Pavilion donated Australian traditional souvenirs to National Folk Museum and will donate some of its exhibition products to ‘Beautiful Store,’ a non-profit foundation. It will donate nearly 80 products, including booth equipments and expensive office supplies such as printers, high-class sofa and wine refrigerator etc.

“Participation in Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea was a global opportunity to introduce Australia to Koreans and a platform to enhance bilateral relationship between Korea and Australia. I appreciate all the visitors who have come to the Australian Pavilion,” said Kevin Nixon, Commissioner of the Australian Pavilion. “We are really pleased to be able to contribute our major educational content and supplies even after the expo’s closing,” he added.

For more information about the Australian Pavilion at 2012 Yeosu Expo and its various events during the Expo period, please visit: www.australianpavilion.com and official Facebook page of Australian Facebook page www.facebook.com/#!/australianpavilion.

The Australian Pavilion was also awarded the Exhibitor Magazine’s “Best Presentation” for the sculpture projection screen in our main show!

Australian Pavilion has finished at Yeosu Expo with a bang!

Parliamentary Secretary Marles met with Commissioner Lee (Expo Organising Committee Commissioner-General) to personally congratulate him on the great work done by the Republic of Korea on this Expo.  He also hosted a lunch for other international participant friends and a cocktail function for Pacific Island friends.

This visit to the Australian Pavilion also involved a high speed hook-up with Australia, but this time with the Great Barrier Reef!  The girls were treated to a special live show to the Great Barrier Reef.  They were fascinated by the beautiful marine creatures they saw and were full of questions for the diver!

Commissioner Nixon and Alpy came round to say a special hello, and then they were taken on a VIP tour of the Australian Pavilion.  The girls even got to taste the unique Australian cuisine at the Pavilion!

The competition for a round trip ticket to Australia has been running since 27 May and finished on 21 July 2012.  Over 14,000 hits were received for the competition that was running in the Australian Pavilion!  We announced one winner each week – congratulations to the 8 winners of the competition!!

• 1st week (27 May 2012 ~ 2 Jun 2012) :   Kim, Seung-Ri (4555)
• 2nd week (3 Jun 2012 ~ 9 Jun 2012): Shim, Sun-Mi (4658)
• 3rd week (10 Jun 2012 ~ 16 Jun 2012): Yu, Ji-Yeon (8760)
• 4th week (17 Jun 2012 ~ 23 Jun 2012): Lee, Jin-Ho (9142)
• 5th week (24 Jun 2012 ~ 30 Jun 2012): Kim, Ji-Hyun (7808)
• 6th week (1 Jul 2012 ~ 7 Jul 2012): Ju, Hyang-Gi (5782)
• 7th week (8 Jul 2012 ~ 14 Jul 2012): Oh, Ae-Sook (7287)
• 8th week (15 Jul 2012 ~ 21 Jul 2012): Jin, Bo-Ra (0205)

Our lucky winners will be able to experience the real Australia!  Safe travels!

Earlier in the day Australia had attended the official National Day celebrations for Tuvulu.  Congratulations to Tuvulu for a successful National Day!

The Australian Pavilion consists of four modules and is one of the largest international pavilions. Under the theme of ‘In Harmony with the Ocean’, the Pavilion provides unique contents on Aboriginal art along with a contemporary multimedia art sculpture equipped with cutting-edge projection technology. It also provides real-time experience of the Great Barrier Reef to the visitors. Prior to the opening of the Expo, the Pavilion conducted a number of school visit programs for students with disability.

“We are extremely happy that the number of visitors to our pavilion reached 1 million,” said Kevin Nixon, Commissioner of the Australian Pavilion. We introduce Australia’s rich history and culture, and high capacity in science and technology to our visitors. ‘1 million’ is not a mere number, rather, it is a reflection of our close relationship between Korea and Australia,” he added.

“At Yeosu Expo, over 100 participating countries get to celebrate and share common values on marine resources and ways to protect them,” said Joon-Hee Lee, Commissioner of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea. “I sincerely congratulate the Australian Pavilion for reaching 1 million visitors. Such result is driven by Australian Government’s fruitful efforts,” he added.

The Australian Pavilion collects its visitors’ number using an auditable thermal imager at the entrance. On 18 July, the total number of visitors at the Expo reached 4 million. This indicates that almost 1 out of every 4 visitors at the Expo visited the Australian Pavilion.

Meanwhile, the lucky 1 millionth visitor received a framed traditional boomerang and other gifts. Pavilion staff also gathered to congratulate the visitor and took photos together.

• 8 July – 14 July 2012: Oh, Ae-Sook (7287)

Congratulations, and enjoy your trip to Australia!!

For a chance to win, come into the Australian Pavilion and click on the QR code.  The competition ends on 21 July – so don’t miss out!