Gyeongju: Ancient city welcomes the world to APEC 2025

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — The historic city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province will soon be in the global spotlight as it hosts the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC to 935), Gyeongju has long been a city where the past and present seamlessly coexist, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Korea's rich cultural heritage while experiencing world-class hospitality. Known as the "museum witho

Historic town becomes center of diplomacy upon APEC

In a quiet southern city known for its ancient tombs and golden pagodas, cranes now rise beside temple spires. Lanterns are being strung across the lakeside streets of a tourist complex in Gyeongju, where heads of state will soon stroll beneath golden LED lights. By the end of the month, this UNESCO-listed cradle of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-AD 935) will take center stage in world diplomacy. South Korea is preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit late this month, transformin

Trump expected to visit S. Korea on Oct. 29-30: Lee's aide

National security adviser Wi Sung-lac said Thursday that US President Donald Trump is expected to visit South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the final week of October. "Trump is expected to arrive (in South Korea) on Oct. 29 and to stay here until Oct. 30," Wi said in a briefing to reporters at the presidential office in Seoul, adding that a Seoul-Washington summit and a Washington-Beijing summit might take place during Trump's stay. Wi declined to elaborate further

Ex-President Roh’s son becomes ambassador to China before APEC summit

Ro Jae-hun, the eldest son of former President Roh Tae-woo, has been formally appointed as South Korea’s new ambassador to China, around two weeks before the highly anticipated visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to South Korea. The Foreign Ministry in Seoul announced Thursday the appointment of Ro, who has long been engaged in developing ties between Seoul and Beijing, including as founder and president of the East Asia Culture Center since 2012. Ro’s assumption of the post comes at a critica

Lee's aide eyes finalization of US tariff deal during APEC

Kim Yong-beom, a key aide to President Lee Jae Myung and director of national policy, said Wednesday that Seoul is striving to finalize the trade deal with Washington, stressing that it could be achieved by the end of this month when the two countries' leaders are poised to meet in Gyeongju for the APEC event. "Working-level negotiations are in progress to conclude the tariff agreement between (Lee and Trump) by no later than the timing of the APEC events," Kim said in an interview with 3Pro TV,

APEC 2025: High stakes for trade, tech power and diplomacy

With just two weeks left until the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, anticipations are running for a high-profile gathering that could reshape trade, diplomacy and the global tech landscape. Scheduled for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, the APEC summit will bring together the heads of 21 economies in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Preceding the event is the APEC CEO Summit, running from Oct. 28 to 31, where global business leaders, government officials and experts will gather for discussions a

K-food companies to cater to global palates at APEC summit

As South Korea readies itself for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later this month in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, a rich lineup of Korean food companies looks to showcase the edible side of Korean culture. In the lead-up to APEC Summit Week from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1, the Korean government held three rounds of sponsor recruitment in August, with official sponsors granted use of the APEC emblem as well as their own promotional booths. The summit presents a prime opportunity

Hanwha plans fireworks, defense forum to coincide with APEC summit

Hanwha Group will take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, summit as an official sponsor and showcase its cutting-edge defense solutions to global business tycoons and high-ranking government officials in Gyeongju later this month, the conglomerate said Tuesday. According to Hanwha, it will host a show with drones and fireworks during the gala dinner on Oct. 31. Featuring 50,000 fireworks and 2,000 drones, Hanwha plans to illustrate Korea’s evolving status as a cultural power

SK chief visits China to rally support for APEC CEO Summit

Chey Tae-won, chairperson of SK Group and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, paid a high-profile visit to China over the weekend in a bid to build momentum for the APEC CEO Summit 2025 and strengthen business ties between the two nations ahead of the global gathering. According to the KCCI on Sunday, Chey’s three-day trip, from Friday to Sunday, aimed to secure active support and participation from Chinese government officials and business leaders. As China will chair next year’s APEC m

APEC dinner will highlight Korean tradition, innovation: Edward Lee

Edward Lee, the Korean American chef who starred in Netflix’s popular cooking competition "Culinary Class Wars," will oversee the welcome dinner for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju on Oct. 31, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday. Hosting more than 200 guests, including heads of state and business leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region, Lee said he aimed to show both the tradition and innovation of Korean cuisine. “Korean food can stay traditional and beauti

APEC accommodation crunch in Gyeongju may force guests to sleep on cruise ships, hotels in neighboring cities

South Korea is stepping up efforts to secure accommodations for participants in the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, according to news reports Wednesday. The meeting will bring together leaders from 21 member economies, including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, the United States and Vietnam. The Preparatory Office for the 2025 APEC summit estimated that about 20,000 people — including diplomats, politicians

Work underway to draft 'Gyeongju Declaration': Seoul

With just over a month remaining before the APEC summit, negotiators from 21 member countries have been working to hammer out a joint statement despite widening rifts over trade issues, South Korea's Foreign Ministry said Monday. The APEC Ministerial Meeting, a joint session of foreign and trade ministers, is set for Oct. 29-30, followed by a leaders’ summit on Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Both gatherings are expected to produce outcome documents if there is consensus,

Lee heads to UN ahead of APEC Summit

President Lee Jae Myung leaves for New York on Monday to attend the UN General Assembly in a trip that could serve as preparation for next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, where US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet. Lee will deliver a speech Tuesday at the start of the UN General Assembly’s general debate and chair an open debate of the UN Security Council on Wednesday — the first time a South Korean leader has done so. H