[APEC Super Week] South Korea Hosts for the First Time in 20 Years... Over 3,300 Journalists Expected

APEC by the Numbers: 1, 20, 3,000
1: First Major International Event in South Korea Since President Lee Took Office
20: First APEC Summit in South Korea in 20 Years, Since Busan
3,000: Number of Domestic and International Journalists Covering the Event

The 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which is drawing global attention, can be summarized by three key numbers: 1 (the first for South Korea, the United States, and Japan), 20 (the first time in 20 years that South Korea is hosting), and 3,000 (the number of journalists covering the event).

1. The First for South Korea, the United States, and Japan

The APEC Summit is the first major international event to be held in South Korea since President Lee Jaemyung took office. As the host nation, South Korea is expected not only to participate in bilateral talks but also to play a bridging role in meetings such as the United States-China and North Korea-United States summits from a third-party perspective.

For some leaders, this APEC Summit marks their first official visit to South Korea. Sanae Takaichi, the Prime Minister of Japan, will be visiting for the first time as a head of state. She became Japan's first female prime minister on October 21 and, despite concerns that her strong conservative stance might pose challenges for Korea-Japan relations, she referred to South Korea as an "important neighbor" and expressed her hope for a summit with President Lee.

United States President Donald Trump will also visit South Korea for the first time since his re-election, specifically for APEC. During his first term, he visited South Korea twice-in November 2017 and June 2019-for summits with then-President Moon Jaein. President Lee and President Trump also held a summit in Washington, D.C. in August. A Korea-U.S. summit is expected to take place during APEC on October 29.

Yonhap News Agency

20. First South Korean Hosting in 20 Years

The APEC Summit is being held in South Korea for the first time in 20 years. The previous APEC Summit in South Korea took place in Busan in 2005. At that time, President Roh Moo-hyun held meetings with leaders such as Chinese President Hu Jintao, U.S. President George W. Bush, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Notably, after the Korea-U.S. summit in Gyeongju on November 17, 2005, the two presidents issued a joint declaration on the Korea-U.S. alliance and peace on the Korean Peninsula. The leaders of the 21 member economies who attended the 2005 APEC Summit also agreed to adopt a special statement urging the conclusion of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations in 2006. Meanwhile, anti-U.S. protests by civic groups heightened tensions during the event.

For the 2025 APEC Summit, three cities competed to host: Gyeongju, Jeju, and Incheon. Gyeongju City and North Gyeongsang Province emphasized the city’s historical significance, promoting it as the "most authentically Korean city," a model for inclusive growth and balanced development, and a prepared international conference destination. On June 20 last year, Gyeongju was officially selected as the host city for the APEC Summit.

Yonhap News Agency

3,000. Number of Journalists Covering APEC

Approximately 3,000 journalists from both Korean and international media are expected to visit the APEC Media Center. According to a representative from the APEC Preparation Support Team of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Government, "We anticipate issuing about 3,300 press badges for access to the media center." With leaders from 21 countries in attendance, the media interest is expected to be intense.

Positive economic effects are also anticipated. According to a joint analysis by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Deloitte Consulting, the economic impact of hosting this year’s APEC Summit is estimated at 7.4 trillion won, with an employment effect of 22,000 jobs. In 2021, the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Research Institute estimated the economic impact at 1.8 trillion won and the employment effect at 7,908 jobs. However, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry predicts higher figures this year, factoring in side events such as the CEO Summit and an increased operating budget.