[APEC Super Week] "Preparations Are Complete"... Gyeongju Confident of Success as Korea Hosts APEC for the First Time in 20 Years

On October 23, just over a week before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit is set to be held in Korea for the first time in 20 years, Gyeongju-a city preserving the golden culture of Silla-was filled with a sense of anticipation and tension as it completed preparations to welcome 20 heads of state and other distinguished guests. Prime Minister Kim Minseok also visited the venue that day to conduct a final inspection ahead of the event.

Panoramic view of Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center (HICO), the venue for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Office for Government Policy Coordination

The Gyeongju HICO Convention Center (HICO), where leaders from the 21 APEC member economies-including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping-will gather, had finished all internal and external preparations and was waiting for foreign dignitaries in a perfectly isolated "vacuum state." For security reasons, the routes and internal spaces for the heads of state were strictly kept confidential, even from the press. The venue was equipped with facilities such as a summit lounge where leaders could freely converse, bilateral meeting rooms, negotiation rooms, and the main summit hall.

Right next to HICO, a newly constructed building houses the International Media Center (IMC) for both domestic and international journalists. Just about a month ago, only the exterior walls had been erected, but as the event approached, the interior was nearly complete. The centrally located main briefing hall featured approximately 430 seats arranged in a semicircle facing the stage. In addition, there were three briefing rooms (each with 80 seats), interview rooms, and broadcast booths, all neatly sectioned off.

Night view of the Gyeongju Bomun Lake Resort area where the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit will be held. Office for Government Policy Coordination

A newly built structure in the central courtyard of the National Gyeongju Museum, initially planned as the "highlight" summit dinner venue, was not revealed to the public due to its high likelihood of being used for important diplomatic events. Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, told reporters, "It is an excellent location for Korea-U.S. and Korea-China meetings, and we have recommended it as a meeting venue to both the United States and China." However, it was not announced whether any bilateral meetings would actually be held there.

Accommodations for heads of state, senior officials, global CEOs, and their delegations have also completed all inspections and are ready to welcome guests. An official from the APEC Preparation Planning Team stated, "There are a total of 35 accommodations for heads of state, and in addition to national leaders, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, will also be staying. The general guest rooms are prepared to accommodate up to 7,700 people-more than twice the capacity of the previous APEC in Busan." Gyeongbuk Province explained that, with the help of major hotels such as Shilla and Lotte, they conducted special training in interpretation, serving, and housekeeping to significantly improve service quality.

The theme of this Gyeongju APEC is "Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connectivity, Innovation, Prosperity." As a major multilateral diplomatic event held since the launch of the new administration, the government aims to use this APEC as an opportunity to promote "K-culture" and revitalize the tourism industry. To showcase Korea, one of the world’s top 10 economies, a dome-shaped "K-Tech Showcase" will feature the technological prowess of major corporations such as Samsung, LG, SK, and Hyundai Motor, as well as small startups. Gyeongbuk Province estimates that the economic ripple effect of hosting this APEC will reach 7.4 trillion won.

Prime Minister Kim Minseok is touring the International Media Center (IMC) on the 23rd along with the APEC Preparation Support Team and officials from Gyeongbuk Province. Office for Government Policy Coordination

Prime Minister Kim, who is visiting Gyeongju for the eighth time, stayed for two days and one night, conducting final inspections along the routes that delegations from each country will take, including from Gimhae Airport to the summit venue, media center, economic exhibition hall, and official accommodations. He said, "From the moment foreign leaders arrive at the airport, we will do our utmost to deliver an unparalleled APEC experience that will inspire admiration for our security, accommodations, cuisine, and performances," and added, "As the fruits of our intense preparations are now within reach, I urge everyone to maintain their passion and sense of responsibility until every last detail is perfectly in place."