"Not Earning Enough? Taxi Drivers Spreading Rumors"…Yeosu City's Island Expo Official Letter Sparks Debate

Yeosu Taxi Story

Have you ever heard about the Island Expo
while riding in a taxi?

As the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo is in full swing, the City of Yeosu sent an official letter to local taxi companies. This single letter revealed a division in perspectives between the city and the taxi industry.

Beyond the main venue of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo, the sea and islands unfold. Photo by Yonhap News

Have you seen this letter?

This is the official document that the City of Yeosu sent to local taxi operators.

SenderCity of Yeosu

RecipientLocal taxi companies

Regarding the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo

Request for training and guidance for taxi drivers on prohibition of spreading rumors, etc.

The city explained that there was public opinion suggesting taxi drivers were spreading rumors, such as claims that the Island Expo is not being adequately prepared. The city asked taxi companies to educate and guide their drivers on this matter.

Yeosu City believed that drivers’ complaints about decreased earnings might have resulted in the spread of these rumors.

Why were taxi drivers singled out?

The same letter,
very different perspectives

There was no actual decline in earnings

The City of Yeosu compared per-driver earnings over nine days from the first to the second weekend in September in both the previous year and this year. As a result, the city explained that there was no clear decrease in income.

However, the city also noted that, contrary to expectations for a surge related to the expo, the lack of a noticeable increase in earnings may have led to complaints.

Why portray drivers as the main source of rumors?

The taxi industry pushed back, saying the letter essentially labeled drivers as rumor-mongers. They said there was no reason to actively disparage an international event being held in their own hometown in front of customers.

They especially expressed their displeasure with the perspective that low earning drivers would intentionally spread malicious rumors.

The biggest discomfort for drivers

was the perception

Industry Response 1 “If anything, we would help an international event held in our hometown, not damage its reputation by telling guests things that aren’t true.”

Industry Response 2 “It’s frustrating to see the perception that taxi drivers are being treated as if they go out and spread malicious rumors just because they don’t earn a lot of money.”

The core issue pointed out by the taxi industry was not the simple request for cooperation, but the city’s interpretation that directly linked drivers’ complaints about income to the spread of rumors.

How many visitors have come to the expo?

Cumulative visitors to the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo

185,202 people

Target: 3 million visitors6.2%

Counted: September 5-19Expo runs until November 4

Panoramic view of the main venue of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo. Photo by Yonhap News

Let’s quickly review

There were controversies
about the expo even before this letter

ISSUE 01KRW 14,900 marinated crab set menu

A video went viral claiming the side dishes were inadequate for the price. The organizing committee explained food costs and pricing, but also promised to add more side dish options.

ISSUE 02107 overseas business trip reports

Searching for the Island Expo reveals 107 business trip reports, which caused controversy. The City of Yeosu explained that only 21 trips over three years were for direct benchmarking purposes.

See the Main Expo Venue Map

Comprehensive guide map – 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo main venue

Comprehensive guide map of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo main venue.

This whole controversy,

summed up in three scenes

Official DocumentRequest to taxi companies for driver training and guidance to prevent spreading rumors

PushbackTaxi industry objected to being viewed as the source of rumors

November 4The expo continues, and its continued success and public opinion in the region remain key.

The City of Yeosu maintains that while it accepts constructive criticism, it will respond to false information and ridicule directed at citizens. With resistance from the taxi industry added to the mix, local sentiment surrounding the expo has grown even more complex.

Sources: City of Yeosu · 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo Organizing Committee · Yonhap News · The Asia Business Daily