GYEONGJU, South Korea — With the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju just weeks away, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who chairs the preparatory committee, is stepping up his final, meticulous checks of the host city. The high-profile summit is scheduled for late October to early November, with the main Economic Leaders' Meeting slated for October 31 to November 1, 2025.
The Prime Minister is dedicating significant time to on-the-ground readiness, with the Prime Minister's Office confirming he will visit Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, weekly until the event. Having taken office on July 4, Prime Minister Kim has already conducted six site inspections as of October 10, personally scrutinizing every detail to ensure flawless execution and prevent any repeat of past logistical issues.
His inspections are comprehensive, covering everything from critical infrastructure—including the main venue (Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center), accommodations, and transportation—to the quality of content, such as catering, security, safety protocols, and cultural programs. During his October 10 visit, which included an inspection of an emergency medical center at Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital, he stressed that success "depends on how comprehensively and meticulously we check the site."
Prime Minister Kim emphasized the need for "proactive, aggressive, and voluntary checking" across all domains. His attention to detail is notable; on a September 26 visit, he reportedly sat on sofas, checked the number and placement of restrooms, and confirmed the construction progress of the media center. "No matter how splendidly we create the product, the finishing touches are what truly matter," he remarked, expressing his desire for a 'K-APEC' that showcases Korea’s meticulous level of preparation and sophisticated cultural class.
The Lee Jae-myung administration views the APEC summit not just as a platform for economic and diplomatic exchange, but as a critical opportunity to globalize Korean culture and arts. The Prime Minister underscored this vision, stating, "This is a golden opportunity to let the world know about the power of South Korea’s cultural and artistic content." He affirmed the government's commitment to nurturing the K-content culture and tourism industry as a future core strategic sector.
With the international spotlight focusing on the ancient city, Prime Minister Kim's relentless efforts aim to guarantee the summit's success, maximizing diplomatic and economic outcomes while firmly establishing Gyeongju as a world-class international conference destination.
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