Korea leverages APEC summit for greener future

The Bomun tourist complex in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit from Oct. 28 to Oct. 31. Courtesy of Gyeongju

Korea has spearheaded initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth, regional prosperity and innovation since joining the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) at its founding in 1989.

This year's APEC summit, set for Oct. 28–31 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, will see Korea take a leading role in climate action and sustainability discussions, while highlighting public- and private-sector initiatives under the theme of "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow."

That commitment is reflected in the organization of the summit. The event will be paperless, with single-use products kept to a minimum. Delegates will receive commemorative items crafted from recycled wood salvaged from forests in North Gyeongsang Province that were damaged by wildfires earlier this year.

Furniture for the venue, including tables, sofas and chairs, has also been crafted from trees affected by wildfires. KOAS, the company behind the furnishings, partnered with the Korea Forest Service, North Gyeongsang Province and Dongwha Group for the project.

"It is deeply meaningful to give new life to the scars of the forest by turning them into national resources," said KOAS CEO Min Kyung-joong.

Hyundai Motor Group will take part by showcasing its green technologies directly to global leaders, reflecting the private sector's role in advancing sustainability.

For the Energy Ministerial Meeting held between Aug. 27 and 28 in Busan, the company provided a total of 63 eco-friendly vehicles. It marked the first time hydrogen-powered vehicles were used as official protocol cars.

For the main event, the company will again supply 192 vehicles, including three Universe Fuel Cell hydrogen buses, to transport heads of state and delegations from APEC member economies.

"By showcasing our eco-friendly vehicles at a venue that discusses the future of global energy, we hope to share our vision for sustainability and innovation with the world," said Kim Dong-wook, executive vice president at Hyundai Motor Group.

In addition, several other Korean firms plan to present new strategies focused on green innovation and long-term climate investment.

POSCO Group Chairman Chang In-hwa will deliver a keynote speech during the Oct. 30 session, titled "Building Resilient and Sustainable Global Supply Chains," where he is expected to outline decarbonization strategies focused on the steel and materials industries.

HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Cho Seok will speak at the Oct. 29 session, "Carbon Neutrality and Strategies for a Sustainable Future," presenting the company's roadmap for developing and commercializing green shipping and electrification technologies.

SK Innovation CEO Choo Hyeong-wook will participate in the "Asia-Pacific LNG Connect" session on Oct. 31, addressing the role of liquified natural gas (LNG) in the region's energy transition and strengthening energy supply chain stability.

At the local level, the host city of Gyeongju is investing in air and water quality management, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and increasing green spaces such as urban parks. The city hopes to leverage the summit to position itself as a "sustainable heritage city."

Local officials see renewable energy as a key economic driver. Aligned with President Lee Jae Myung's broader push for a green transition, the city announced a 3.8 billion won ($2.7 million) investment this year to accelerate adoption of eco-friendly technologies. A 1,000-kilometer hydrogen pipeline, dubbed the "energy highway," is also currently under construction and will pass through the city.

"The APEC summit is more than a one-time international event. I believe it will mark a turning point in reshaping Gyeongju's foundation," said Gyeongju City Mayor Joo Nak-young.