Gyeongju, South Korea – In anticipation of the successful hosting of the 2025 APEC Summit, Gyeongju City will hold the 'Gyeongju International & APEC Music Festival' for three days, from June 13 to 15, at the Gyeongju Arts Center. This special festival, co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and Gyeongju City, is being promoted as part of the 'Culture Day' project, adding to its significance. World-class musicians and renowned artists from APEC member economies are expected to gather to present high-quality performances, creating a meaningful stage that fosters international solidarity and friendship through cultural exchange.

 
Festival Structure and Key Performers

The 'Gyeongju International & APEC Music Festival' will be divided into two main parts:

Gyeongju International Music Festival (June 13): On the first day of the festival, June 13, the living legend of Korean classical music, world-renowned conductor Myung-Whun Chung, along with the KBS Symphony Orchestra, and pianist Sunwoo Ye-kwon, known for his delicate touch and profound emotional delivery, will grace the stage, adorning Gyeongju's night with beautiful melodies. Notably, Maestro Chung has recently been appointed as the music director of 'La Scala,' Italy's most prestigious opera house, becoming the first Asian to hold the position, raising even higher expectations for the performance under his baton.

APEC Music Festival (June 14-15): In line with the spirit of the APEC Summit, a stage for deepening cultural exchange among APEC member economies will follow.

On June 14, artists representing APEC member economies will present an ensemble performance with conductor Yoon-Kuk Lee. Joining them will be soprano Lim Sun-hae, who has captivated the world with her clear voice, and violinist Kim Seo-hyun, gaining attention for her exceptional technique and deep emotional expression, further elevating the performance's completeness.

On June 15, the grand finale of the festival will unfold. Under the baton of world-renowned conductor Sasha Goetzel, the Ulsan Philharmonic Orchestra will collaborate with Sumi Jo, often called one of the "world's five greatest sopranos." Their grand and moving harmony is expected to leave a lasting impression, conveying a message of peace and harmony along with international interest in the 2025 APEC Summit.

 
Ticket Reservations and Discount Benefits

Ticket sales for these performances began on April 16 via the Gyeongju Cultural Foundation website and Ticketlink.

June 13 (International Music Festival) & June 15 (APEC Music Festival Closing Performance): R seats 100,000 KRW, S seats 80,000 KRW, restricted view seats 40,000 KRW.
June 14 (APEC Music Festival): R seats 50,000 KRW, S seats 40,000 KRW, restricted view seats 20,000 KRW.
Notably, Gyeongju citizens will receive a 50% discount on all seats, indicating a high level of interest and participation from local residents. More detailed information about the performances can be found on the Gyeongju Cultural Foundation website or by calling their main number (1588-4925).

 
Wishing for the Successful Hosting of the APEC Summit

Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young stated, "Through this Music Festival, we hope that cultural exchange among APEC member economies will become even more vibrant," adding, "The success of these performances will serve as a strong foundation for the successful hosting of the 2025 APEC Summit."

Meanwhile, the 2025 APEC Summit is scheduled to be held in Gyeongju from late October to early November. This 'Gyeongju International & APEC Music Festival' is expected to lay a cultural cornerstone for the successful hosting of the summit and serve as an important opportunity to showcase Gyeongju's cultural capabilities and charm to the world. All eyes will be on whether this global musical extravaganza in the beautiful ancient city of Gyeongju will not only express wishes for the successful APEC Summit but also become a significant platform for strengthening international solidarity through the power of culture and art.

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