Gyeongju takes the world stage with APEC 2025

Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Silla (57 B.C.-A.D. 935 A.D.), embodies the grandeur of the Three Kingdoms era and the Unified Silla period that followed. Its royal tombs, Buddhist temples, monuments and fortresses — including Seokguram Grotto, Bulguk Temple and Cheomseongdae Observatory — are not mere relics but symbols of openness and creativity, earning UNESCO recognition as an “open-air museum.”

More than a historical repository, Gyeongju is a vibrant cultural stage where unique tradition meets modern life, offering festivals and performances that enrich visitors’ experiences. For over a millennium, the city has engaged the world with distinctive culture, ideas and innovation.

It is also the birthplace of Donghak — later Cheondogyo, Korea’s most influential native religion — and a cradle of Korean democracy. Donghak’s ideals of compassion, equality and reverence for creation echo Socrates’ belief that “all human beings are equal in the most fundamental sense.”

As a native of Gyeongju who cherishes the city, I am proud that it will step onto the global stage as host of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, scheduled from Oct. 31-Nov. 1, reflecting the APEC vision of “sustainable prosperity.” The gathering is expected to draw some 20,000 participants, including leaders of 21 economies, ministers, business executives and journalists. Expected attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This will mark a milestone for both Gyeongju and Korea.

Hosting APEC will not only highlight Gyeongju’s modern facilities but also reveal the city’s authentic identity. Equally important is its vision for the future. The “Haeoreum Alliance” — a joint initiative with Ulsan and Pohang linking industry, tourism and culture — demonstrates how tradition and innovation can coexist to shape a sustainable economic model. This partnership points to a future where Korea’s southeastern region becomes a hub for cooperation and growth, grounded in shared history yet forward-looking in aspiration.

Preparations for the summit may seem quiet on the surface, but much will be happening behind the scenes. Officials from Gyeongju, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and North Gyeongsang Province and are working diligently to ensure that every detail — from infrastructure to protocol — will be meticulously addressed. Hotels are being upgraded, logistics refined and security systems tested to guarantee a seamless experience for world leaders. Yet preparations will not be fully complete until the final stages. The coming weeks will demand full dedication and collective effort to ensure every detail is finalized by late October.

Beyond logistics, the true strength of Gyeongju will lie in its people. Citizens across the city will join volunteer programs, learn how best to welcome international guests and take part in kindness campaigns. Their involvement will reflect a remarkable civic spirit: They will see this summit not as the work of officials alone, but as the shared responsibility of the entire community. For them, APEC will not be merely a diplomatic gathering but truly “the work of all of us.”

The APEC Summit in Gyeongju is not about spectacle but about showcasing a city of peace, cultural richness and forward-looking spirit. Gyeongju’s Silla heritage, its people, its vision and its vibrant K-culture will shine alongside the formal meetings of world leaders.

The true success of APEC 2025 will not be measured solely by communiques or economic agreements. Its profound legacy will rest in the impressions it leaves on participants and visitors — the realization that Gyeongju is not just a backdrop for diplomacy but a living example of how tradition and innovation can thrive together. When delegates depart, I hope they will remember that this was not merely “a meeting in Gyeongju,” but the moment when Gyeongju proudly stepped onto the world stage.

It is my fervent hope that the APEC 2025 Summit will be a resounding success. May it showcase Korea’s modern capabilities while celebrating the timeless identity and pride of Gyeongju, offering the world a vision of sustainable prosperity rooted in history and reaching toward the future.

Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.