Gyeongju: Korea's Timeless Crown Jewel To Take Centre Stage At APEC 2025

(The writer recently participated in the Foreign Journalists Programme hosted by South Korean Culture, Tourism and Sports Ministry. The programme included a familiarisation visit to Gyeongju, host city of the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2025).

GYEONGJU (South Korea), Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The historic South Korean city of Gyeongju will become the focal point of international diplomacy as it hosts the 32nd edition of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2025.

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Known for its rich cultural heritage and advanced industries, Gyeongju will play a pivotal role in showcasing South Korea’s potential to foster economic cooperation among member economies and multilateral cohesion in the Asia Pacific region.

Gyeongju, strategically located 275km southeast of Seoul and with an area of 1,324 square kilometres, is the fifth-largest city in South Korea.

The city is well connected by the country’s seamless infrastructure network – by air, road and railway.

There are four airports located near to the city - Ulsan Airport (31km) Gimhae International Airport (78km), Daegu International Airport (52 km) while the Pohang Gyeongju Airport is a mere 25.5km away.

During the visit, the writer had an opportunity to experience Korea’s high-speed train, the KTX, first hand, travelling from Seoul to Gyeongju, in just two hours and 15 minutes and passing through scenic Korean landscapes.

Cradle Of Korean Civilisation

Gyeongju was once the capital of the Silla dynasty which ruled the Korean Peninsula between 1st and 9^th century. Its influence remains remarkably evident today.

The city is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the famed Yongdong Folk Village and Bulguksa Temple and over 370 significant cultural landmarks.

Often called “the museum without walls” for its many historical, cultural and archaeological sites spreading throughout the city, Gyeongju offers visitors a priceless glimpse into the heart of Korean rich history and cultural heritage. 

According to local officials, Gyeongju's extensive historical properties and archaeological sites are among the best-preserved in the whole of South Korea, having survived the hardships of the country's tumultuous history, including periods of war.

Danny Cho, an official from the Gyeongju City Municipality in charge of heritage promotional activities told Bernama that the local government put high emphasise on the conservation efforts of the cultural and historical sites in the city.

This include imposing strict regulations on aspects such as renovation and repair works, as well as material use for buildings that has been clarified as heritage assets.

The government provides approximately KRW1.1 billion annually for preservation activities, such as replacing thatched roofs.

“With changing time and trends, conserving these historical sites are becoming more crucial. Hence, we capitalise the latest technological advancement to raise awareness on cultural heritage conservation efforts, especially on social media platforms, to engage and encourage the younger generation to join hand in these efforts,” he said. 

“These relentless efforts yield positive results as we can see more and young people are getting interested in preserving these cultural properties in various ways,” he said. 

He noted that Hwangnidan Street, a vibrant trendy area as a good example of successful public-private collaborative efforts in heritage conservation.

The street featured renovated ‘hanok’ (traditional Korean buildings) that have been transformed into cafes, restaurants and shops blending traditional atmosphere with modern aesthetics.

Nexus For The Future

Beyond its cultural significant, Gyeongju is also an important hub for advanced technologies and economic development in South Korea, notably in nuclear energy, green technology, automotive materials and manufacturing.

The city is the base to several significant nuclear facilities, primarily the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant and the Shin-Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant, strengthening its role in South Korea's energy future while contributing to global advancements in nuclear technology.

It is a key contributor to country’s food security agenda, with industries specialising in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries growing in the region.

Tourism is also a key economic driver in the region, with 47.68 million visitors recorded in 2023, with 30 per cent of them being international visitors and 70 per cent locals, according to Korea Tourism Organisation’s Data Lab statistics.

APEC 2025 To Propel Gyeongju Profile 

APEC 2025 will mark the third time South Korea chair the annual economic forum since its inception in 1989.

As the host city, Gyeongju is expected to highlight the country’s economic achievements and future strategies at APEC 2025, under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper”.

This theme also underscores the country's aim to advance global cooperation on artificial intelligence, food security and clean energy, in line with the Putrajaya Vision 2040.

Over 200 meetings are expected to convene during South Korea’s chairmanship, with the highlight - APEC Economic Leaders Week, which is scheduled to take place in November 2025.

According to Gyeongbuk Development Institute, APEC 2025 is expected to generate an economic impact of over KRW1.8 trillion nationwide and KRW1.43 trillion regionally while creating approximately 7,908 jobs.

South Korea had previously chaired the forum in Seoul in 1991 and in Busan in 2005.

APEC is today consists 21 member economies. Malaysia and South Korea are among its 12 founding economies alongside Australia, Brunei, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico and Papua New Guinea joined in 1993. Chile acceded in 1994 followed by Peru, Russia and Vietnam in 1998.

With a combined population of 3 billion people, APEC economies represents about 62 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 47 per cent of the world trade.

Aside from trade, APEC also facilitates investments, capacity building and knowledge sharing.

-- BERNAMA