0
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok inspects the APEC Economic Exhibition Hall at Gyeongju Expo Park on October 23. / Source: Yonhap News

With just days remaining before the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the historic city of Gyeongju has completed preparations to welcome leaders from 21 member economies. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited the city on October 23 for a final on-site inspection.

Asked about the readiness of the venue, Kim said, “We’re 99% finished — just minor details like sound checks and eliminating the smell of new facilities remain.” Since taking office three months ago, Kim has visited Gyeongju eight times, personally reviewing every corner to ensure perfection.

“The preparation time was short under the new administration, so we were nervous,” Kim said. “But I believe our country’s accumulated diplomatic experience will shine through. I want every leader and CEO visiting here to be amazed — from the airport arrival to the accommodation, food, and performances. That’s what I mean by a ‘super-gap APEC.’”

Kim also introduced creative hospitality ideas, such as distributing pocket-sized “APEC Welcome Cards” to arriving delegates. Scanning the QR code on the card provides information about Korea and APEC history. He has also discussed with Yuhong-jun, director of the National Museum of Korea, ways to update outdated English descriptions of cultural assets ahead of the summit.

Before the briefing session, Kim toured the APEC Economic Exhibition Hall inside the Gyeongju Expo Park, which includes the Korea Industrial History Hall, Advanced Future Industry Hall, Vision Lounge, Gyeongbuk Enterprise Pavilion, and K-Culture Experience Hall (“Ohan House”). Across from the venue, an outdoor pavilion will host the CEO Summit. The “K-Tech Showcase,” featuring Korean giants Samsung, LG, Hyundai Motor, SK, and global firms like Meta, will highlight next-generation technologies.

According to the APEC Preparatory Committee, the International Media Center (IMC), Gyeongju HICO, the National Gyeongju Museum, and other facilities are now fully ready to receive guests. The IMC’s first floor will serve as a press and briefing zone, with three briefing rooms and three interview rooms reservable by time slot. About 3,000 journalists have registered to cover the event, raising concerns of crowding since the IMC can accommodate roughly 1,000 at once.

The second floor offers dining for about 220 people, while nearby “K-Food Stations” will promote Korean cuisine to visiting media and officials.

Security is being reinforced at HICO, which houses the main summit venue and VIP lounges.

A total of 35 “presidential-level residences” (PRS) have been prepared for visiting leaders, up from the 16 originally available in Gyeongju. Governor Lee Cheol-woo of North Gyeongsang Province said, “The Sono Calm Gyeongju PRS is the city’s largest, at 179 pyeong, and could serve as an ideal site for a potential U.S.–China summit alongside the National Gyeongju Museum venue.”

		0
The Gyeongju HICO Convention Center, one of the main venues for the 2025 APEC Summit, pictured on September 29. / Photo by Jung Chae-hyun