[Gyeongju APEC] CEO Summit Kicks Off with Welcome Dinner... Major Companies Including Samsung, SK, and Hyundai Motor Gather

First Event Held at Hwarang Village on the Evening of the 28th
Chairman Choi Taewon Welcomes Guests, Including Prime Minister Kim Minseok
OECD, Google, and U.S. Ambassador Gather in One Place

The "2025 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) CEO Summit," the largest economic forum in the Asia-Pacific region, opened in grand style in Gyeongju.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry held the first official event of the CEO Summit-a welcome dinner-on the evening of the 28th at Hwarang Village Eoul Madang in Gyeongju. The CEO Summit will run for four days, from the welcome dinner on this day until the 31st.

The CEO Summit is a venue where leaders of APEC member economies, which account for 61% of the world’s GDP, and CEOs of global companies gather to discuss global agendas. This year, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the host.

The welcome dinner was organized to encourage attendees visiting Gyeongju and to wish for the successful hosting of the main CEO Summit event.

Choi Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the opening of the "APEC CEO SUMMIT 2025, Spouse Art Exhibition" held at Place C Gallery in Sajung-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do on the 28th. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Key government and local officials in attendance included Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Yeo Hankoo, Head of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province.

Among domestic business leaders were Choi Taewon, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Park Seunghee, President of Samsung Electronics; Yoo Jungjoon, Vice Chairman of SK On; Lee Hyunghee, Chairman of the SK SUPEX Council; Sung Kim, President of Hyundai Motor Company; Ryu Jaechul, President of LG Electronics; Cho Seok, Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai; Hong Soonki, Vice Chairman of GS; Lee Heegeun, President of POSCO; Han Chaeyang, President of Emart; Song Chi-hyung, Chairman of Dunamu; Cho Seokjin, Chief Nuclear Officer of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power; Yang Jonghee, Chairman of KB Financial Group; Choi Yunbum, Chairman of Korea Zinc; Woo Kihong, Vice Chairman of Korean Air; Heo Minhoe, CEO of CJ; and Choi Sooyoun, CEO of Naver.

Foreign envoys to Korea in attendance included David Perdue, U.S. Ambassador to China; Paul Fernando Duclos Parodi, Peruvian Ambassador to Korea; Mohamed Zamruni bin Khalid, Malaysian Ambassador to Korea; and Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Philippine Ambassador to Korea.

In addition, Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); Simon Kahn, Chief Marketing Officer of Google; Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province; and Park Seunghee, President of Samsung Electronics, offered toasts to wish for the successful hosting of the summit.

During the approximately 90-minute standing dinner, attendees enjoyed Korean cuisine and music while engaging in broad exchanges with key figures from various countries and industries.

The dinner menu featured a diverse selection, ranging from traditional Korean dishes using local specialties such as Gyeongju Hanwoo beef and East Sea abalone, to halal and vegan options reflecting the food cultures of participating countries. For the dinner wine, products from North Gyeongsang Province that have won awards at major domestic and international competitions such as the Berlin Wine Trophy, the Korean Traditional Liquor Tasting Event, and the Korea Liquor Awards were selected.

A variety of celebratory performances were also presented. The first performance featured the KBS Symphony Orchestra, which played pieces such as the Light Cavalry Overture, the Nutcracker March, and the Carnival Overture to mark the energetic opening of the CEO Summit.

The second performance showcased the four-member male popera group Forestella, who introduced the rhythms of Korea by singing in Korean, English, Spanish, and Italian.

On the 28th, the 2025 APEC CEO Summit is set to be held at Gyeongju Arts Center. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

With the welcome dinner marking its opening, the APEC CEO Summit will continue through the 31st. Starting with the welcome dinner on the 28th and the opening ceremony on the 29th, the official agenda will proceed under the theme "Bridge, Business, Beyond (3B)."

On the first day, the 29th, discussions will focus on "Bridge," addressing ways to restore connections and trust and to enhance economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. On the 30th, under the theme "Business," concrete implementation strategies for innovation-including artificial intelligence and next-generation energy-will be discussed. On the final day, the 31st, the focus will be on "Beyond," exploring paradigms for sustainable prosperity.

In addition to the official schedule, a variety of side events will also take place. The "Future Tech Forum," held from October 27 to 30, will gather global leaders to discuss actionable cooperation strategies centered on six key future industries, including AI, eco-friendly shipbuilding, and defense. The "K-Tech Showcase," running from the 28th to the 31st, will present innovative technologies from domestic companies to the world, connecting investment and partnership opportunities. Other programs, such as wine and traditional liquor fairs, K-art exhibitions, and beauty and wellness experiences, will also be offered to create a comprehensive exchange platform that brings together industry and culture.

Park Iljun, Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated, "This welcome dinner is a meaningful occasion where key figures and business leaders from around the world gather before the main discussions of the summit to break down barriers and build friendship and partnership. This year’s summit focuses on one-on-one meetings between global CEOs and APEC leaders, and we hope it will create diverse investment opportunities and foster practical cooperation."