Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation (President Kim Namil) announced on June 15 that it will actively promote a nightscape improvement project to successfully host the APEC Summit to be held in October and to establish Bomun Tourist Complex, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, as an international tourist destination.
After Gyeongju was confirmed as the host city for the 2025 APEC Summit in June last year, the corporation secured approximately 28.2 billion KRW (from national, provincial, and city governments) for the Bomun Tourist Complex renewal project through continuous budget proposals. Of this, 15 billion KRW in subsidies will be allocated to the core project?the nightscape improvement project at the APEC venue in Bomun Tourist Complex?along with an additional 3 billion KRW from the corporation's own budget.
This project aims to significantly strengthen the nighttime tourism infrastructure in the area surrounding the main APEC Summit venue in Gyeongju Bomun Tourist Complex by introducing advanced landscape lighting, nighttime content, media art, and symbolic sculptures. The project will commence this month and is scheduled for completion by September 30.
Near the PRS (Presidential Residence Suite), gold-colored streetlights, tree lights, and bollard lights symbolizing "Golden City Gyeongju" will be installed. At Bomun Lake Lakeside Plaza, a 16-meter-tall sculpture inspired by an egg, symbolizing resurrection and the Silla royal family, will be erected, along with a 3D video production facility commemorating APEC.
In addition, a media facade using the traditional hanok of Yukbuchon (the headquarters of Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation), Korea's first international convention center, and a Light Plaza will be created. At the entrance to Bomun Tourist Complex, a symbolic sculpture with the theme "Ring of Light: Gyeongju Connects the World" will welcome visitors.
Along the approximately 2.3 km section of Bomun Lakeside Trail from Hilton Hotel to the Tourism History Park, all security lights and tree spotlights will be replaced. Comprehensive upgrades, including improvements to the landscape lighting of Sinpyeonggyo and Sillagyo bridges adjacent to the summit venue, are also being carried out to significantly brighten the entire Bomun Tourist Complex.
President Kim Namil stated, "This nightscape improvement project goes beyond simple landscape maintenance and will serve as an opportunity to rebrand Gyeongju as a city of light." He added, "Taking the 2025 APEC Summit as a momentum, we will showcase the beautiful nights of Gyeongju to the world and continue to contribute to the development of local tourism through sustainable nighttime tourism content."
Meanwhile, alongside the nightscape improvement project, efforts are being accelerated to enhance tourism infrastructure, including the creation of two roadside pocket parks, remodeling of eight public restrooms, improvement of access roads to the heliport, and renovation of two public parking lots. The goal is to complete these projects swiftly in preparation for the successful hosting of the APEC Summit in October.
Additionally, to improve pedestrian access along Bomun Lakeside Trail, a pedestrian-only bridge will be installed near the stepping stones of Sinpyeongcheon to enhance convenience for those with mobility challenges, and the appearance of the concrete retaining walls along the trail will be improved.
Through this renovation project, Bomun Tourist Complex, Korea's first designated tourist complex, is expected to become an even more pleasant and attractive destination. In particular, the improved infrastructure is anticipated to strengthen the foundation for mutual growth with resident businesses and further enhance the overall competitiveness of Gyeongbuk's tourism industry.
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