Meet the volunteers keeping Gyeongju’s APEC summit running smoothly

Jo Il-hyeon, an APEC volunteer, poses at Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, Monday. Korea Times photo by Park Ung

GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province — With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events now underway, Gyeongju is alive with heightened security and the diplomatic pageantry that accompanies such gatherings — from heads of state to a swelling international press corps.

Yet beyond the visible layers of police and protocol, Korea’s second APEC meeting in two decades owes its success to a dedicated local team — 310 volunteers quietly managing the event’s operations. They assist thousands of foreign visitors as they arrive at the airport, and also provide support with transportation, lodging, and on-site operations.

In July, 254 volunteers were selected from a pool of 1,069 applicants nationwide, with additional support from students at Dongguk University’s Gyeongju campus and other international participants. On Monday, the volunteers were stationed throughout the city, quickly forming the essential on-the-ground support network needed to guide thousands of delegates.

“My job is to provide transportation support at Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, helping visitors find their accommodation and destinations — including Bomun Tourist Complex (where most event venues are located) and Gimhae International Airport,” Jo Il-hyeon, 26, told The Korea Times.

Jo said his working holiday in Israel inspired him to volunteer. He met many people there who had a deep appreciation for Korea, and when they later visited the country, he assisted them during their trips — a connection that eventually led him to help foreign visitors at the international event.

“I’m a student at Dongguk University’s Gyeongju campus, but when I first came here from Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, I found it quite difficult to find my way around,” Jo said. “That experience also made me want to volunteer.”

Jo added that being able to serve his country in this way feels truly meaningful, as he is preparing to become a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps officer.

Hwang Ye-jin, an APEC volunteer, poses at the Commodore Hotel Gyeongju located in North Gyeongsang Province, Monday. Korea Times photo by Park Ung.

Hwang Ye-jin, 24, from Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, is stationed at the Commodore Hotel Gyeongju in the Bomun Lake tourist complex, providing information on local tours, restaurants and shuttle bus services.

“It’s Korea’s first APEC summit in 20 years, and I wanted to take part as a volunteer for such a major international event,” Hwang said.

Having graduated from college in the United States, Hwang said her English skills helped her secure a volunteer role, noting that a short English interview was part of the selection process.

“With growing global interest in Korean culture beyond K-pop — as seen with the popularity of 'K-pop Demon Hunters' — I think more people are now curious about our cultural heritage,” she added. “That’s why I believe reintroducing Gyeongju’s historic sites and attractions will help those interested learn more about Korea’s roots.”

Yu Ji-won, an APEC volunteer, poses in front of an APEC promotional installation in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Monday. Korea Times photo by Park Ung.

Yu Ji-won, 24, an English major at Mokpo National University, said with a laugh that she’s like a “walking translator” here.

“When foreign visitors ask for information near restaurants or cafés, I guide them, and if they have dietary restrictions for religious reasons, I help interpret and explain their needs,” Yu said.

As someone who has always enjoyed learning English and traveling widely, Yu said she knows how frustrating it can be for foreign visitors when communication breaks down, which is why she volunteered to help make their experience in Korea easier.

“Today is my first day on duty,” Yu said. “I want to give foreign visitors a friendly impression of Korea while offering practical help. I also hope to learn from this experience and make it meaningful.”