In a meeting chaired by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province Gov. Lee Cheol-Woo, the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Community) Preparation and Support Bureau of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Gyeongju on Jan. 7 discussed preparations and directions for the senior officials meeting of APEC 2025 Korea, which is slated from Feb. 24 to March 9 in the area around Gyeongju’s Hwabaek International Convention Center. (Gyeongsangbuk-do Province)
By Xu Aiyung
Gyeongsangbuk-do Province has launched full-scale preparations to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in in Gyeongju in late October.
In a meeting chaired by the province’s Gov. Lee Cheol-Woo, the APEC Preparation and Support Bureau of Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongju on Jan. 7 discussed preparations and directions for the first senior officials meeting (SOM) of APEC 2025 Korea, which is scheduled from Feb. 24 to March 9 in the area around Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center.
SOM is a key consultative body in APEC that leads to practical talks and decisions on major summit agenda, as well as handle preparations or rehearsals for the event.
This SOM plans to promote the culture, tourism and industry of the host region, with around 100 meetings to be held. For these talks, some 2,000 figures including delegates from APEC member countries are expected to visit Gyeongju.
Exhibition booths at the main conference hall will promote Gyeongju and the province. The setup of halls featuring Korean culture and beauty is under consideration, and cutting-edge robots will provide session schedules and guidance on surrounding facilities.
Themed tours will include short-term trips by participants to Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto and Gyeongju Hwangnidan Street and a night stroll through the city.
The bureau also pledged meticulous preparations to ensure a successful SOM through discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant authorities of Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongju, and related organizations.
xuaiy@korea.kr
