Lotte Hotels showcases Korean hospitality for APEC leaders in Gyeongju

Staff members of Lotte Hotels & Resorts pose after the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Saturday. Courtesy of Lotte Hotels & Resorts

Lotte Hotels & Resorts showcased the elegance of Korean hospitality on the global stage at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, providing high-level reception and catering services for world leaders and their delegations.

Over 300 hospitality specialists from Lotte’s nationwide network were dispatched to handle accommodations and culinary operations. Each staff member underwent extensive training in international service etiquette, diplomatic protocol and scenario-based simulations.

The hotel’s APEC VIP protocol team, led by veteran concierges recognized with the Golden Key from the international concierge association Les Clefs d’Or, oversaw the event’s hospitality operations. Lotte also held preparatory service workshops in Gyeongju, reinforcing the team’s commitment to delivering excellence grounded in traditional Korean values.

Culinary preparations reflected both local flavor and symbolic harmony. Under the direction of master chef Kim Song-gi, the culinary team sourced ingredients directly from Gyeongju and developed the summit menus through multiple tasting reviews.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit luncheon menu served in Gyeongju by Lotte Hotels & Resorts / Courtesy of Lotte Hotels & Resorts

The luncheon featured smoked salmon and lobster paired with Gyeongju apple coleslaw, followed by a main course of premium Korean beef tenderloin from a local hanwoo brand. Dessert, named "Smile of Silla," presented chocolate mousse, seasonal fruits and ice cream — an homage to Gyeongju’s iconic artifacts featuring a gentle human face, also featured in the 2025 APEC official logo.

For the official dinner, the chefs highlighted Korea’s culinary heritage with dishes such as braised short ribs topped with abalone from Wando and a traditional vegetable bibimbap. Pine nut pie and caramel dessert with injeolmi flavor (a nutty taste derived from roasted soybean powder) were served to symbolize harmony between East and West.

"The APEC banquet offered a meaningful opportunity to share Korea’s rich flavors and hospitality culture with the world," said Do Kyung-tae, general manager of Lotte Hotel Seoul. "We are proud to have contributed to the summit’s success through our team’s professionalism and dedication."