The News>Gyeongsangbuk-do Government

내용: The 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk : Why is APEC being Held in Gyeongju?
- In late October 2025, Gyeongju, a city steeped in history that spans 1,000 years, will be hosting the 2025 APEC Summit. -
- Hosted by Korea for the second time in 20 years after the 2005 Busan Summit, APEC is expected to bring 21 member-nations from around the world to discuss cooperative measures for a sustainable future. -

Asia-Pacific Nations Reconnect in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

The 2025 APEC Summit will be held at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO) in Gyeongsangbuk-do (Gyeongbuk). At present, HICO is expanding its latest infrastructure and is introducing an AI-based interpretation system to welcome leaders and delegations from around the world. Through this summit, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, is expected to establish itself as an international conference city that utilizes historical value and contemporary capabilities.

Period: Late October - Early November 2025
Venue: HICO, Bomun Tourist Complex, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Preliminary Meeting:
- First Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1): February 24 - March 9, 2025, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk
- Second Senior Officials Meeting (SOM2): May 3 - May 16, 2025, Jeju
- Third Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3): July 26 - August 15, 2025, Incheon

“Connect, Innovate, and Prosper”: Discussing the Future of the Asia-Pacific Region

The official theme of the 2025 APEC Summit: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow – Connect, Innovate, and Prosper.
Amidst global crises, climate change, and a deepening digital divide, what path should the Asia-Pacific region choose? The 32nd APEC Summit, which will be held in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, presents the answer through three core agendas: “Connect,” “Innovate,” and “Prosper.”

Connect – Rebuilding the Framework of Cooperation
The COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions emphasized the importance of “connectivity.” APEC is aiming to build a resilient economic network by lessening trade barriers, strengthening supply chain restitution, enabling secure cross-border movement of data, and resuming tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Innovate – Designing the Future with Technology
With the massive waves of digital transformation and the climate crisis, innovation is no longer just an option, but is a prerequisite for survival. The 2025 APEC Summit will share cooperation models that utilize Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, such as AI, big data, and cloud computing, focusing on digital inclusion and bridging the competency gap. Particularly, the summit will focus on establishing a foundation for sustainable growth by supporting the startup ecosystem, promoting exchanges between creative companies, and retraining talents and offering further skills training. Moreover, innovations for climate change, such as carbon-neutral technologies and renewable energy development, will be a key agenda item.

Prosper – A Path to Growth for All
Growth is not measured solely in numbers. Who benefits from such growth is what matters. The 2025 APEC Summit will emphasize “inclusive growth” by expanding the economic participation of vulnerable stakeholders, such as women, youth, and SMEs.
Moreover, joint responses to food security and health crises, the expansion of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, and the establishment of a sustainable trade structure will be at the center of the agenda. It is not simply about growing faster, but about realizing “shared growth.” This is the true prosperity goal of the 2025 APEC Summit.

The new map of connectivity, which begins in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, will build bridges between technology and people, drawing a tomorrow where everyone can be happy together. The 2025 APEC Summit will serve as the starting point of a sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific.

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, Embracing the World Summit

Activities: Careful Preparations for a Successful Hosting
In 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially launched the “2025 APEC Summit Host City Selection Committee.” After a fair and strict review, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, was selected as the final host city on June 27th. The decision was based on the comprehensive recognition of Gyeongjus rich historical and cultural heritage, stable public safety, pleasant urban environment, and experience in hosting international meetings.
Since its selection, Gyeongbuk and Gyeongju have been actively preparing for a successful conference. They are expanding accommodations and accelerating the development of a transportation network to connect major tourist attractions and the conference venue to host a conference of such international scale. Security systems have been strengthened, prioritizing the safety of foreign leaders and delegations, and a new emergency response manual is under development to address various scenarios.
Moreover, programs to promote citizen participation and a hospitality culture are being planned. Various activities, including foreign language education for citizens, a kindness campaign, and global etiquette training, are underway to strengthen Gyeongjus “soft power.” These are expected to make a lasting impression on the international dignitaries visiting Gyeongju during the conference. Additional events, including cultural and artistic performances, traditional experiences, and media tours, are also scheduled to inject vitality into the city.

Expected Results: Strengthening the International Status of Gyeongbuk and Korea

The 2025 APEC Summit will be a significant turning point, beyond being a simple international event. It is aimed at establishing Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, as a hub for global cooperation. Gyeongjus status on the international stage will be elevated, and the interest from participating APEC member-nations is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the regions tourism industry and economy. Expectations are also high in increasing tourism demand throughout the Gyeongbuk region, particularly in Gyeongju, and in the opportunities for the regions agricultural, food, and cultural content to enter overseas markets.
Furthermore, the 2025 APEC Summit will be a forum for 21 member-nations in the Asia-Pacific region to discuss future cooperation directions, including trade, technology, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Through this summit, Korea aims to strengthen its global leadership, and lay the foundation for leading global agendas, such as digital transformation and climate change response. The 2025 APEC Summit can ultimately contribute to sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region, transcending regional and national boundaries, and can be a symbolic milestone in redefining Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, from a “historic city” to an “international city.”

The 2025 APEC Summit is expected to have a positive impact on the economic revitalization and tourism industry development of Gyeongbuk. The summit will also become a significant turning point in strengthening cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and in laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

Search area

Sub-util area

Sub-menu area

Body area

The News

The 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk : Why is APEC being Held in Gyeongju? 상세내용