GYEONGJU, Gyeongbuk Province—The historic city of Gyeongju, host of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, is preparing to welcome global delegates and visitors with a spectacular convergence of ancient heritage and modern technology. The city announced on the 15th that it will hold the "2025 National Heritage Media Art Gyeongju Daereungwon" exhibition, utilizing its UNESCO World Heritage sites to create an immersive cultural experience.
The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is scheduled to take place in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1, under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper." The city, the thousand-year-old capital of the Silla Kingdom, is leveraging this global spotlight to showcase the depth and beauty of Korean culture to the Asia-Pacific region.
The media art event will run daily from October 24 to November 16, from 7 PM to 10 PM, transforming the grounds of the iconic Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex. Cutting-edge digital techniques, including media façade, LED art, motion capture, and AI-based immersive video works, will breathe new life into the massive, grassy burial mounds. This initiative aims to reinterpret the value of Korea's national heritage through the lens of modern digital innovation.
As a special offering during the exhibition period, Cheonmachong Tomb (Heavenly Horse Tomb), located within the Daereungwon complex, will be opened to the public free of charge. This will allow visitors to step inside the Silla-era royal tomb and view the replica of the famous "Heavenly Horse" painting and other excavated artifacts, seamlessly blending the digital art experience with a direct encounter with history.
Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young expressed his vision, stating, "We hope this event serves as a platform to newly illuminate the brilliant culture of the thousand-year-old Silla with contemporary technology. It will be an opportunity to establish Gyeongju not just as a historic city, but as an international city where the past and future beautifully converge for APEC 2025."
Beyond the main exhibition, Gyeongju is also preparing various cultural programs, including a special exhibition of the Silla Dynasty's six golden crowns at the Gyeongju National Museum and an expanded Silla Cultural Festival, ensuring APEC 2025 is not only a diplomatic success but a profound cultural milestone.
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