APEC will test future of US-China relations: SK chief

As global business and political leaders convene for the APEC meetings this week, SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won, who also heads the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of the gatherings in Gyeongju, saying they will serve as a critical gauge for US-China relations. Speaking in a joint interview with popular YouTube channels 3Pro TV, Understanding and Apkwon that was released Sunday, Chey, who chairs the APEC CEO Summit as the head of KCCI, discussed the significance of

HD Hyundai, Huntington Ingalls to build auxiliary ships for US Navy

HD Hyundai has joined hands with Huntington Ingalls Industries, the largest military shipbuilder in the United States, to build auxiliary ships for the US Navy’s next-generation fleet, marking the first-of-a-kind collaboration between Korea and the US. According to HD Hyundai, the two shipbuilders signed a memorandum of agreement to cooperate on the design and construction of commercial and naval vessels at the Lahan Select Hotel in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on Sunday. The city will h

Global CEOs to land at Pohang Gyeongju Airport for APEC summit

Pohang Gyeongju Airport will be the primary gateway for high-profile global executives arriving in Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit, scheduled for Oct. 28-31. According to industry sources on Sunday, a total of 24 private jets are expected to arrive at Pohang Gyeongju Airport ahead of the summit, transporting a high-profile roster of executives such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Johnson & Johnson Chair and CEO Joaquin Duato and Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong. The

Lotte chairman to join global leaders at APEC summit

Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin will participate in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit, where he will engage with world leaders and global business executives to discuss economic cooperation and sustainable development, the group said Sunday. His visit aligns with Lotte’s group-wide mobilization to support the successful execution of the high-profile summit, which will be held in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, from Oct. 28 to 31. Joining Shin at the summit will be

APEC preparations in Gyeongju enter final stage: PM

With just a week to go before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit opens in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok completed his final two-day inspection of the summit venues Friday, confident that preparations were in the last stretch. “The major construction and infrastructure work is 99 percent complete,” Kim told a group of reporters in Gyeongju on Thursday. “The last one percent will depend on heaven’s help.” Over the course of his latest two-day visit — hi

Lee aide cautious about US trade deal finalization during APEC week

The chances of South Korea and the United States finalizing their trade negotiations remain unpredictable, President Lee Jae Myung's aide said Friday, effectively bucking expectations that South Korea could conclude the monthslong trade talks with the US in the final week of October on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. "An understanding has been reached on the security agenda (between Seoul and Washington)," Wi said Friday. "We are trying, but it is uncertain whether

Lee to hold summits with Trump on Oct. 29, Xi on Nov. 1 in S. Korea

President Lee Jae Myung will hold talks with state leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during their state visits to South Korea to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, later this month, the presidential office said Friday. Lee will hold his second summit with Trump on Oct. 29 and his first with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Nov. 1, according to the presidential office. Trump and Xi will hold their

PM, governor express optimism for US-China summit during APEC

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — South Korea’s prime minister and the governor of North Gyeongsang Province on Thursday voiced optimism over the possibility of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju. Speaking to reporters in the host city, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said the confirmed attendance of both leaders “opens the possibility” of a successful summit and a potential breakth

Trump-Kim meeting rumors rekindle volatile ride of inter-Korean stocks

As South Korea’s benchmark index, Kospi, hit a record high this week, another group of stocks saw a sudden rebound. Breaking months of dormancy, shares tied to inter-Korean cooperation rallied sharply on renewed speculation that US President Donald Trump could hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his upcoming Asia tour, which could lead to a potential thaw between the two Koreas. CNN reported on Oct. 18 that Trump administration officials have privately discussed a potential fo

Free performances across Gyeongju celebrate vibrant Korean traditions ahead of APEC

As world leaders gather in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom is set to become the stage for a grand celebration of traditional Korean arts. “Seorabeol Pungnyu,” a special cultural project held in conjunction with the summit, brings the spirit of a 1,000 years to life. From Wednesday to Oct. 29, visitors can enjoy free nightly performances at outdoor venues across the city’s historic sites, includin

Panmunjom tour halt stokes speculation of Trump-Kim meeting

South Korea has suspended visits to the truce village of Panmunjom in Gyeonggi Province from late October through early November, a move that has stirred speculation of a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The Unification Ministry confirmed Monday that its special tour program to the Joint Security Area will be paused for the period surrounding the summit, which will be held on Oct.

South Korea mulls awarding highest order to Trump during APEC visit

South Korea is considering awarding US President Donald Trump its highest national honor in recognition of his role in promoting peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The presidential office said Sunday that Trump’s visit to South Korea, expected to coincide with the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, “is being closely coordinated.” The office added that it is “carefully reviewing plans for his itinerary and how to mark the honor to ensure a fruitful vis

Surprise meeting between Trump, North Korean leader at APEC summit unlikely: experts

A surprise meeting between the US and North Korean leaders during US President Donald Trump's visit to Asia late this month appears unlikely, experts said, tempering speculation raised by a recent CNN report that Washington officials have quietly been weighing such an encounter. CNN reported Saturday that Trump administration officials were “privately discussing” the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un during the US president’s planned trip to Asia later this month, though no

Seoul should act as mediator between US, China at APEC summit: think tank

The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Gyeongju presents a pivotal opportunity for South Korea to serve as a mediator between the US and China, as trade tensions between the two superpowers have heightened, a Seoul-based think tank said Sunday. “The Oct.31-Nov.1 APEC Summit should be used not only to reinforce US-Japan-Korea cooperation but also to moderate US-China rivalry,” a report by the Sejong Institute said. “If Seoul can facilitate meaningful progress in the anticipated

Savor food with decades of history in Gyeongju

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — Beyond the timeworn pagodas and royal tombs, Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, offers another delight — food. For travelers seeking a deeper taste of Gyeongju’s culture, three standout eateries serve up not just meals but slices of the city’s history. From a nostalgic noodle shop and a decades-old barbecue house to Korea’s oldest red bean bun bakery, these culinary landmarks offer more than what’s on the plate. Park Yong-ja Gyeongju Myeongd