"Can't Get a Taxi" ? 30 Minutes of Waiting... Saja Boys Guides and Cheomseongdae All Dressed Up [Gyeongju APEC]

APEC Flags Everywhere
Police Officers Stationed Near Traffic Lights

"It must have been difficult to get a taxi because of high demand."

Around 6 p.m. on the 28th, in front of Gyeongbuk Tourism Corporation (Yukbuchon) in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. After waiting for 30 minutes, taxi driver Park (63) made this comment inside the taxi that was finally secured. Although there did not appear to be heavy traffic congestion, it was difficult to find a taxi, and some visitors were left staring at the road at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) shuttle bus stop. The reporter also managed to catch a taxi only after taking a shuttle bus to get closer to downtown, having failed to find a taxi after going to the Expo Culture Center to collect a media badge. Inside the shuttle bus, four Japanese visitors were chatting and laughing together.

In front of Gyeongju Station on the 28th. Guides dressed in outfits reminiscent of the 'Saja Boys' from the Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' are waiting at the booth. Photo by Hwang Seoyul chestnut@

Throughout Gyeongju, there were signs and decorations promoting Korean culture and the upcoming APEC summit, adding to the festive atmosphere. Around 4:30 p.m., in front of Gyeongju Station, guides dressed in black robes and traditional hats greeted visitors. Their appearance was reminiscent of the 'Saja Boys,' a boy group featured in the popular Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters.' These guides were handing out welcome gifts at a booth labeled 'KOREA WELCOME WEEK.' At the entrance to Bomun Tourist Complex, a model of Cheomseongdae lit up with a message in English welcoming visitors to Gyeongju.

On the way from Gyeongju Station to Bomun Tourist Complex, groups of two or three police officers could be seen stationed near traffic lights to manage traffic and maintain order. Taxi driver Kim (52) said, "Yesterday, it seemed like there was a rehearsal, so there were a lot of police officers, but today there are fewer. I heard that from midnight on the 29th, the main roads will be controlled and only shuttle buses will operate within Bomun Tourist Complex." Against the backdrop of low mountains, APEC flags hung under the streetlights.

Inside a taxi heading from Gyeongju Station to Bomun Tourist Complex on the 28th. Police officers are stationed at various points along the road.
Photo by Hwang Seoyul chestnut@

Around 5:15 p.m. at the Expo Media Center. Domestic and international media representatives were required to collect their badges here to enter the event venue. With less than an hour left before the deadline, media personnel who had just arrived in Gyeongju were waiting in line, pulling their suitcases and holding numbered tickets.

Meanwhile, in some parts of Gyeongju, rallies and protests, such as anti-American and anti-Chinese demonstrations, were also taking place. Taxi driver Kim mentioned, "I heard there was an anti-American protest near Bonghwadae." According to the National Police Agency, as of the 29th, there were a total of 22 reported rallies and protests in Gyeongju and 5 at Busan Gimhae Airport.