Gyeongju, South Korea — When world leaders gather in Gyeongju for the APEC summit on October 31, 2025, their gala dinner will be held in a venue that masterfully blends traditional Korean architecture with modern design principles. Located within the courtyard of the Gyeongju National Museum, the temporary structure was designed to showcase Korea's cultural heritage.

Architect Kang Sung-won, CEO of Kang Heejai Architects, described the primary concept as a "courtyard within a courtyard," an homage to the importance of the madang (courtyard) in traditional hanok architecture. Historically, the madang was the central space for all significant family events and gatherings. The venue’s design symbolically recreates this core element, allowing international guests to experience a quintessentially Korean sense of space.

The second key design principle is inspired by the nugak (a traditional pavilion). The entire structure is elevated by approximately one meter, which serves a dual purpose. First, the raised floor provides a sense of dignity and importance befitting a high-level diplomatic event. Secondly, it is a thoughtful tribute to Gyeongju's identity as an ancient capital. By raising the structure rather than excavating, the design avoids disturbing the ground and potentially damaging any historical artifacts that may lie beneath.

Finally, the venue represents a modern reinterpretation of traditional hanok elements. While the primary structure is wood, it incorporates and simplifies classic features like stone foundations, eaves, and rafters. The overall aesthetic prioritizes simple elegance and the natural feel of the wood over the ornate colors often found in traditional palaces. The design was selected through a competition among 11 firms in March, highlighting the strategic effort to present a sophisticated, cultural image of Korea to the world.

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