South Korea Gears Up to Host APEC 2025 in Historic Gyeongju

GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA — South Korea is preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025 in the historic city of Gyeongju, marking its second time as host after the 2005 summit in Busan. The high-level meeting of 21 member economies is set to take place from October 31 to November 1, 2025, with a budget allocation of 300 billion won (approximately USD 219 million).

Jang Ho Park, Director for APEC Preparation at the Support Office, confirmed that arrangements are underway to welcome leaders, delegates, and media personnel — an estimated 20,000 attendees in total. The main venue will be the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center (HICO), located in the Bomun Tourist Complex, which is undergoing renovations expected to finish by September 2025.

The summit will focus on three key themes: connect, innovate, and prosper. South Korea aims to showcase its technological advancement and leadership in narrowing the digital divide, including discussions on artificial intelligence. Prosperity, with an emphasis on inclusive and sustainable development, will also be a central focus of the agenda.

In addition to diplomacy and policy, Gyeongju’s rich history and culture will be on display. Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom that unified the Korean Peninsula, Gyeongju offers a compelling cultural experience. A special exhibit will feature six Silla golden crowns — displayed together for the first time — at a banquet hall near the main venue.

Local involvement is a major component of the summit. Around 800 volunteers will participate, and delegates will enjoy night tours and cultural performances, including a K-pop concert featuring major acts such as Hwasa and Psy.

Organizers are building on lessons from the 2005 summit, addressing prior gaps like the availability of halal food. This year, halal-certified options will be available, and accommodation has been secured with over 12,000 rooms, many of which are located near the main venue.

A high-tech media center is also being constructed outside the exhibition hall to serve an expected 4,000 journalists, offering K-food, Korean medical products, and modern facilities. “We hope APEC 2025 will be a successful and memorable event for all delegates,” said Jang to the Indonesian Next Generation Journalist Network on Korea during a visit in May 2025.

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