Provisional Programme
2026 IALA World Marine Aids to Navigation Day & International AtoN Forum
Wednesday, July 15
The forum officially commences with a gathering of experts at the Paradise Hotel Busan (14:00–18:00) to redefine the historical value of maritime heritage and explore sustainable roles for the future.
- AtoN in the Age of AI: Discussing the future direction and strategic evolution of Aids to Navigation in response to the era of artificial intelligence.
- Cultural & Artistic Synergy: Utilizing lighthouse heritage as global maritime cultural content and exploring its artistic applications.
- Launch of the Asia-Pacific Lighthouse Route (APLR): Establishing a heritage network among Asia-Pacific nations to preserve maritime culture and revitalize sustainable marine tourism through regional cooperation.
Thursday, July 16
The official IALA World Lighthouse Day Ceremony will be held at the Paradise Hotel Busan (10:00–12:00), featuring the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea and the Secretary-General of IALA. This ceremony serves as a global platform to share a vision for maritime safety and to honor the legacy of lighthouse heritage.
Following the ceremony, an Official Luncheon (12:00–13:30) will be hosted at the Paradise Hotel Busan to strengthen international partnerships among national delegations and maritime experts.
In the afternoon, the Opening of the UK Lighthouse Lens Exhibition will take place at the National Lighthouse Museum, Pohang (15:00–16:00). This marks the first public unveiling of historical UK lighthouse lenses in Korea, with the presence of the British Ambassador and the Trinity House delegation.
(Note: Transportation from Busan to Pohang will be provided for designated participants.)
Yeongdo Lighthouse Experience (14:00–17:00)
In parallel with the afternoon itinerary, an exclusive tour of Yeongdo Lighthouse, designated as Korea’s “2026 Lighthouse of the Year,” will be offered. Participants are invited to explore this iconic maritime cultural space and its breathtaking coastal surroundings.
(Note: This program is available as an alternative to the Pohang visit for interested participants.)
Information & Inquiries
The official event website is currently under preparation and is scheduled to launch on May 1, 2026.
Official Registration Opens: May 1, 2026
We look forward to your interest and participation in this meaningful global event.