With over two months until the opening of the APEC 2025 Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do has shifted into a field-center preparation with the governor inspecting major facilities and services.
Gyeongsangbuk-do convened a briefing session on the preparatory progress of the APEC 2025 Korea at Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization on Aug. 14.
In attendance were Gov. Lee Cheol-woo, vice governors, bureau and office chiefs, investment and contribution entity heads and chiefs of institutions related to safety. Participants shared the current status of each sector’s preparation.
APEC 2025 Korea CEO Summit will be held in Gyeongju from Oct. 28 to Oct. 31 under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.”
Director Kim Sang-Chul of the Gyeongsangbuk-do APEC Preparation and Support Bureau said, “The central government has given a special attention to the preparation of the APEC 2025 Korea as Prime Minister Kim Min-seok inspects the sites every week.”
He reported that foundation work for major infrastructure facilities, such as summit conference rooms, banquet halls and the media center had been finished, and a project to refurbish a presidential suite whose progress stood at 80 percent is to be dedicated in early September.
He added that the provincial government was holding negotiations on the selection of the local traditional liquor as the banquet drink of the APEC 2025 Korea CEO Summit, considering the characteristics of Gyeongsangbuk-do, a center of Korean cuisine “Hansik.”
The provincial government is planning “Sales Korea” and “Sales Gyeongbuk” programs, such as a technology fair for Korean and foreign conglomerates and middle market companies, an investment environment explanation session, a Hallyu export fair and an inspection tour of industrial complexes in Pohang and Gumi in cooperation of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Gyeongsangbuk-do Gov. Lee Cheol-woo and provincial government officials pose for a group photo while participating in a briefing session on the preparatory progress of the APEC 2025 Korea at Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization on Aug. 14. (Photos: Gyeongbuk)
In the cultural sector, the provincial government is planning to hold three events promoting Gyeongju’s strengths — “Weoljeonggyo Hanbok Fashion Show,” “Bomunho Multi-media Art Show,” and a large-scale K-pop performance.
In transportation and safety, Gyeongsangbuk-do has been operating shuttle buses on 27 routes, ramping up participants’ convenience and safety, selecting commissioned institutions for medical support, rehearsing an emergency transportation system, inspecting the safety of accommodation facilities, conducting hospitality education and installing convenience products.
The provincial government is also engaged in the improving of services of accommodation facilities and restaurants, replacing signboards and installing flower towers.
Related entities, such as Korea Gas Safety Corp., Korea Electrical Safety Corp. and Korea Expressway Corp. announced plans to ensure the safety and security of conference halls and accommodation facilities and pledged to cooperate.
Gyeongju Vice Mayor Song Ho-joon said, “Gyeongju is devoting itself to making the city a global top 10 tourism city by making the most of the APEC 2025 Korea.”
Gyeongsangbuk-do Gov. Lee Cheol-woo said, “President Lee Jae-myung has expressed his expectation and support for the successful hosting of the APEC 2025 Korea, we have to make thorough preparations with a safety-first attitude, and there must be no negligence whatsoever with related institutions offering organic cooperation.”
Gov. Lee ordered office and bureau chiefs to thoroughly examine the jobs assigned to them by concentrating the provincial government’s capacity to the venue of the APEC 2025 Korea.
Director Kim of the Gyeongsangbuk-do APEC Preparation and Support Bureau, said, “Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a representative historical and cultural city of Korea, where the legacy of the thousand-year-old Silla Kingdom is still alive.”
Known as the “museum without walls,” Gyeongju is home to numerous ancient relics and cultural heritage sites that showcase the richness and brilliance of Korean history. Its value is recognized globally, and it continues to be cherished by many.
“In Gyeongju, hosting the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting presents a golden opportunity to showcase the historical, cultural, and economic potential of both Korea and Gyeongju to the world,“ Director Kim said.
“Especially with the leaders of 21 economies gathering in one place, this meeting will be more than just an international event; it will serve as an important stage to reaffirm Korea’s global status and further solidify Gyeongju’s position as a world-class cultural city,” he said.
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