Gyeongju, a city steeped in the history of the Silla Dynasty, is on the verge of a momentous transformation. The much-anticipated APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders' Meeting is just around the corner, and the ancient city is no longer just a small Korean town; it’s a global focal point. Prime ministers are visiting weekly, and delegations from various nations are meticulously scouting the city's every corner. News crews are busy filming throughout the city, fervently hoping for a successful summit, and a palpable excitement has seized not only the citizens of Gyeongju but the entire nation.

The APEC Leaders' Meeting is a significant international event that fosters economic and political cooperation among the Pacific Rim nations. With 21 member economies, the summit brings together over 6,000 participants, including heads of state, officials, and business leaders. The economic ripple effect is estimated to be a staggering 1.8 trillion Korean won, making this a colossal event with immense potential for Gyeongju.

The city must seize this opportunity with both hands. Our future trajectory will be significantly altered by how effectively we carry out this mission. The key to a successful event lies in careful preparation. The fundamental facilities, such as accommodation and dining, must be impeccable, creating a welcoming atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Beyond the physical infrastructure, however, the citizens' collective mindset is what truly matters. We must welcome our guests with sincere hospitality, as if they were family.

While the meeting venues and physical structures will be seen and soon forgotten, the warmth and genuine sincerity we offer will remain in our guests' hearts forever. As proud citizens of a city that has preserved the spirit of a thousand-year-old dynasty, we possess a unique charm. This is the essence we must impart to every visitor. We have long cherished and learned from the cultural heritage passed down by our ancestors. Building on this legacy, we must ensure APEC is a substantial and memorable event by treating our guests with the utmost care, ensuring their experience is never forgotten.

Long-time residents of Gyeongju will recall the city's golden age of tourism. It was once commonplace for every student in Korea to visit Gyeongju for a school trip. The small, scenic city was a constant hub of activity, with Bulguksa Temple and other sites bustling with students, honeymooners, and tourists. Few members of the older generation have not visited Gyeongju. However, during that era of prosperity, many merchants were so focused on maximizing profits that they neglected the quality of service and hospitality. This short-sighted, disorganized commercialism led to negative word-of-mouth that spread across the country, causing a decline in tourism. As a result, while many young people today know the name "Gyeongju," fewer have actually experienced the city for themselves.

APEC 2025, scheduled for October 27th to November 1st, is a unique and invaluable chance for Gyeongju. It’s a stage on which we can deliver a magnificent performance and reclaim the city's former glory. We must leverage all our assets to their fullest potential. Gyeongju is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, from the stunning mountains and plains to the East Sea coastline. The city is an open-air museum, filled with scattered relics and the refined spirit of the Silla people. We must effectively use these assets to achieve results that far exceed our investment.

This incredible opportunity calls for meticulous planning and unwavering effort from everyone involved. I sincerely hope that this event, born from such a golden chance, will be a grand success. As a citizen, I eagerly await a beautifully executed summit.

In today's interconnected world, media has the power to instantly broadcast events across the globe, sometimes amplifying or distorting them in the process. Good news travels fast, but bad news travels even faster. We must navigate this media landscape wisely to achieve our goals.

The success of this great gift bestowed upon us depends entirely on our collective efforts. We must package this opportunity with care and present it to the world. I hope the tireless efforts of Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young and his city hall staff will shine brightly, allowing "Beautiful Gyeongju" to bloom in the hearts of people worldwide, a flower that will never fade.

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