Set against the scenic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the Hallyeosudo Marine National Park sits the city of Yeosu, South Korea. It’s an ideal spot to host the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012, whose mission is to raise awareness for the value and function of the ocean and coast and to recognize the need for global cooperation in the marine sector. As a company dedicated to the power and magic of water, WET was thrilled to be included in the Expo’s vision and to provide a never before seen water sensation for international audiences; a unique celebration of water and light, which transcends language barriers and cultural differences.

Based on the Expo’s theme, “The Living Ocean and Coast,” WET created the world’s most technologically advanced floating fountain; a one-of-a-kind feature set in a natural coastal basin and designed daytime and nighttime multi-media events that highlight oceanic life and the natural assets of the coast. From the engineering innovation that allows its fully mounted platform to rise and fall with the three meter high tides, to the design versatility that allows choreographed performances to create multiple experiences for different times of day, different climates, and different contexts as the fountain shifts between a starring role and a supporting role within a larger program created by event partners, ECA2. The cumulative effect allows the hundreds of thousands of visitors from 100 countries to experience the ocean in new and profound ways.

After the day’s performances drew to an end with the setting of the sun, audiences experienced an entirely new thrill as WET’s proprietary Living Screen™ set off aquatic fireworks in the night sky.

WET introduced this latest innovation with water and light, which was born in its creative minds and state-of-the-art facilities, at Yeosu Expo 2012. It did not fail to amaze the international community with its revolutionary technology of infusing vibrant images though the water, which create layers of high definition liquid fireworks within the water’s performances, instead of merely projecting light on a static water wall. Riptides of jellyfish morphed and spun in kinetic abstraction and seaweed danced with the tides, all seamlessly blending ocean and sky in a breathtaking display of technological achievement and artistic expression.

The feature was initially designed as a temporary installation created to be a moment in time, to celebrate an important global cause, dazzle audiences and become a part of history. But it surpassed everyone’s greatest expectations and was simply too spectacular to disassemble, so the governing parties decided to keep it running as a commemorative symbol and a new community epicenter for fans and families to experience and enjoy.

But in September 2012, Typhoon Sanba landed on Yeosu’s shores and caused colossal damage to the area, including obliterating the Big-O. Amid devastated cries from Expo fans and attendees, the Yeosu City Government decided to rebuild the water feature in its entirety and WET has worked tirelessly since to design and engineer a permanent feature for the region’s temperamental climates and waters. We are thrilled to announce that Yeosu’s Big-O water feature re-opened in Fall 2013 in its full glory.