Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
POLL Most Koreans say APEC enhances Gyeongju’s image
Visitors take a photo at Gyeongju Station in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Sunday. Yonhap
By Baek Byung-yeul
More than eight in 10 Koreans expect the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to bring significant international recognition to the historic city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province. The poll, commissioned by The Korea Times, reflects a national hope that the global exposure will elevate the former capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE) beyond its current status as a cultural destination.
The survey, which polled public sentiment ahead of the major diplomatic gathering, found that a resounding 85 percent of 1,004 Koreans aged 18 or above believe the APEC event will help promote the city to the world, while only 14 percent thought the event would not help Gyeongju’s global profile.
The strong national optimism reflects a widespread desire to see Gyeongju leverage the international spotlight to transition from a national historical destination, best known for its many UNESCO World Heritage sites, to a global city.
The main APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting is set to take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, along with the APEC CEO Summit from Oct. 29 to 31 and other ministerial meetings.
Hosted under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper," the gathering of 21 APEC member economies will focus on revitalizing global trade and investment, narrowing the digital divide through AI cooperation and addressing critical global challenges like energy and food security. As Korea’s second APEC summit in two decades, the event is a vital stage for "bridge diplomacy," navigating rising geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties.
Culture, development emerge as key expected benefits
When asked to identify the most significant benefit Gyeongju will gain from hosting the APEC meetings, respondents chose showcasing Korea's heritage and stimulating regional economic growth.
Promotion of traditional culture topped the list, cited by 28 percent of respondents. This suggests the public views the summit primarily as an opportunity to showcase the country's rich history and Silla-era legacy to overseas visitors.
This was closely followed by balanced regional development at 24 percent, underscoring a desire for national benefits to be distributed outside the capital area.
Boosting Gyeongju and North Gyeongsang Province was the third-most cited benefit at 18 percent, followed by regional economic development at 14 percent and boosting the pride of residents at 9 percent.
An art installation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders’ Meeting (APEC) is on display at Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Oct. 15. Yonhap
To meet high public expectations for cultural promotion, Gyeongju is mobilizing its rich historical and cultural assets alongside modern technology to elevate its global image.
The city is staging several high-impact and immersive events such as the Daereungwon Media Art Exhibition, held at the ancient royal tomb complex using digital media technology to showcase the grandeur of Silla.
Gyeongju National Museum is holding a special exhibition featuring golden crowns from Silla, along with other examples of the period's superb metalwork using gold and other materials. Cultural venues will host experiences focused on core Korean icons such as traditional clothes and food to show how the ancient capital is using innovative approaches to share its thousand-year history with the world.
Repositioning historic city
To ensure Gyeongju successfully transitions into a global city after the APEC meetings, respondents cited the need for strategic improvements in cultural promotion, transport links and essential amenities.
The top priority, cited by 33 percent, was modernizing heritage marketing. This reflects a public desire to move beyond traditional displays and embrace modern, digital and interactive methods to make Gyeongju’s historical treasures more appealing to international visitors.
Transportation accessibility from the capital area was the second most important condition at 24 percent, aligning with long-standing calls to improve physical connections between the region and the country’s major international hubs.
Other significant conditions included infrastructure development, cited by 16 percent, followed by hosting more international events at 12 percent and establishing a new department on global events within the city government at 10 percent. These results reflect public demand for systematic development of the city.
The Korea Times commissioned the survey to gauge public sentiment. Hankook Research surveyed 1,004 adults nationwide in phone interviews on Thursday and Friday. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, with a credibility rate of 95 percent. Further details are available on the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission’s website.