South Korea will promote its high- end technology and popular culture at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, the government said Wednesday.

With the world exposition only 80 days away, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said it will set up a national pavilion, costing 38.2 billion won (US$32.9 million), in a floor space of 7,683 square meters to create a positive image of the country for people visiting the six-month long event.

South Korea will also build a corporate pavilion, worth 29.9 billion won (US$25.8 million), where 12 local companies including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motors, LG, SK, and POSCO, will showcase their products.

"The two pavilions as well as an exhibition room by the city of Seoul will be open to the public from May 1 when the Expo begins," the ministry said in a press release.

It added South Korea is one of the dozen countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, and France, to build national pavilions exceeding the size of 6,000 square meters.

Also, South Korea will serve traditional food and booklets at their pavilions, while a number of popular local movie stars are scheduled to make appearances as well, the ministry said.

The 2010 World Expo in Shanghai is set to be held from May 1 to October 31 where a record 192 countries and 50 international organizations are planning to participate.

(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2010)