Gyeongju, South Korea — The South Korean government and Gyeongju city authorities have finalized the key venues for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting and related events scheduled for late October and early November 2025. This historic move will see Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, transform into a major global diplomatic stage, poised to welcome the leaders of 21 member economies and an estimated 20,000 visitors.
The main venue for the APEC Leaders' Meeting itself will be the Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), located within the Bomun Tourist Complex. The center will be the focal point for two days of crucial discussions beginning on October 31st, where APEC leaders will convene to tackle issues of regional economic cooperation and integration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invested approximately 15 billion KRW (about $10.7 million USD) into significant upgrades, refurbishing the existing four-story facility to meet the stringent requirements of a top-tier international summit. These renovations include modernizing the convention center's infrastructure, upgrading IT and security systems, and enhancing the overall aesthetic to blend modern functionality with the city's rich heritage.
The official APEC Leaders' Banquet will be hosted at the five-star Lahan Select Gyeongju hotel, overlooking the serene Bomun Lake. This venue was selected to accommodate a larger number of guests, anticipated to include about 200 heads of state, dignitaries, and business leaders for the welcoming dinner. The culinary experience at the gala will be curated through a collaboration between Lotte Hotel chefs and renowned guest chef Edward Lee, who gained international recognition after being invited to the 2023 South Korea-U.S. State Dinner at the White House.
In a move to showcase Korea's business prowess, the APEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Summit, a major event attracting corporate titans from around the world, will take place at the Gyeongju Arts Center. Furthermore, cultural programs and activities for the spouses of visiting dignitaries are scheduled for the iconic Bulguksa Temple and the Woo Yang Museum of Contemporary Art, offering a glimpse into Gyeongju's profound cultural and artistic legacy.
Logistics and security have been primary considerations for the host city. Accommodation for heads of state and other distinguished guests has been meticulously organized. The city has secured a total of 4,463 rooms immediately near the APEC venues, including the Lahan Select Gyeongju and the Hilton Hotel, with a total of 12,812 rooms available within a 10-kilometer radius, ensuring both comfort and convenience for all high-level attendees. The comprehensive planning by the government and Gyeongju municipality underscores the nation's commitment to delivering a successful and memorable APEC summit, utilizing the opportunity to reaffirm its role as a key player in Asia-Pacific diplomacy and to promote the city of Gyeongju as a world-class destination.
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