Gyeongju Ready to Shine: 2025 APEC Summit Set to Transform ‘Most Korean City’
Gyeongju, South Korea – Just days away from hosting the 2025 APEC Summit, the historic city of Gyeongju is buzzing with final preparations. More than just a diplomatic event, this summit is being hailed as a pivotal moment for Gyeongju, a city steeped in a thousand years of history, aiming to leap forward as a leading global cultural destination. This is breaking news with long-term implications for tourism, economic growth, and South Korea’s international standing – and archyde.com is on the ground with the latest.
A Proven Track Record: Gyeongju’s Bid for APEC Success
Gyeongju’s successful bid wasn’t a matter of luck. It was a strategic campaign built on showcasing its unique identity as the “Most Korean City” and a demonstrably safe and experienced host for international conferences. Competing against major cities like Incheon, Busan, and Jeju, Gyeongju leveraged its existing infrastructure – notably the Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO) and the Bomun Tourist Complex – and a history of successfully hosting high-profile events. From the 2005 Busan APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting to the 2011 UNWTO General Assembly, Gyeongju has consistently proven its ability to manage large-scale international gatherings. This isn’t a city building from scratch; it’s refining a winning formula.
From Preparation to Implementation: Facilities and Logistics in Place
Initial concerns about facility readiness and tight timelines have been decisively addressed. Gyeongju City officials confirm that all preparations are complete, transitioning the focus to seamless event execution. HICO has undergone significant upgrades to security, communications, and protocol facilities. A comprehensive transportation network, including 27 dedicated APEC shuttle routes connecting Gimhae Airport and the KTX Gyeongju Station, is in place, alongside increased flight frequency. Accommodation for the expected 7,700 delegates, business leaders, and media representatives has been secured through 35 designated PRS (Prime Ministerial Residences), with overflow capacity provided by hotels in neighboring Pohang and Ulsan, and even two cruise ships. Mayor Joo Nak-yeong assures residents that event routes will be secure while minimizing disruption to daily life.
A ‘Citizen’s APEC’: Community Involvement and Local Economic Boost
What truly sets Gyeongju’s approach apart is its emphasis on citizen participation. The city isn’t treating the APEC Summit as an imposition, but as a festival to be shared. City buses and taxis will maintain regular service, while temporary shuttles will address restricted areas. 24/7 situation rooms are monitoring roads, transportation, and environmental factors to proactively address any issues. Crucially, support for local businesses is a priority, with hospitality and hygiene training, and efforts to stabilize accommodation rates. The spirit of volunteerism is palpable: 700 citizens participated in a welcoming event, 3,000 in a resolution rally, and 1,500 are actively involved in cleanliness initiatives. This isn’t just *in* Gyeongju; it’s *of* Gyeongju.
Economic Ripple Effect: A Projected ₩7.4 Trillion Impact
The economic benefits are substantial. A joint analysis by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Deloitte Consulting projects a total economic impact of approximately ₩7.4 trillion (roughly $5.5 billion USD). This includes a short-term direct impact of ₩3.3 trillion and a long-term boost of ₩4.1 trillion through tourism and increased consumption. The summit is also expected to create around 22,600 jobs. Gyeongju is proactively maximizing these benefits by enhancing service quality in the tourism and hospitality sectors, designating foreigner-friendly restaurants, and supporting multilingual resources. This isn’t just about hosting an event; it’s about building a sustainable economic future.
Beyond 2025: Gyeongju’s Vision for a Global Future
Gyeongju isn’t viewing the APEC Summit as a culmination, but as a springboard. Plans are underway to strengthen its position as a premier international conference destination, leveraging the Hwabaek Convention Center to attract future events. Investment in stay-type tourism infrastructure, linking key attractions like Bomun Tourist Complex, Hwangridan-gil, and Bulguksa Temple, is also a priority. The city is even exploring the possibility of hosting an “Asian Davos Forum,” establishing itself as a permanent hub for global dialogue on critical issues. Gyeongju is preparing not just to welcome the world *for* APEC, but to welcome the world *back* – again and again. This is a city poised for a new era of global prominence, and archyde.com will continue to provide in-depth coverage as this story unfolds.
