Now In Korea
Gyeongju Gears Up as Cultural and MICE Hub Ahead of APEC
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Gyeongju is transforming from a tourist town into an international meetings and cultural MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) hub as it prepares to host the 2025 APEC leaders’ summit (Oct 31–Nov 1). The city has renovated the Bomun Lake area with new lighting, a 16m egg-shaped sculpture symbolizing the Silla royal revival, improved roads and remodeled hotels (Sonocam, Lahan Select, Hilton Garden Inn, etc.). During summit week (Oct 27–Nov 1) HICO will host high-level and joint ministerial meetings, and a “K-tourism Culture Week” will offer Silla culture experiences, traditional performances and local product exhibits. Gyeongju plans to keep new nighttime lighting and cultural facilities operating after APEC, convert HICO’s media center and the Expo economic exhibition hall into permanent exhibition spaces, and repurpose museum banquet facilities. The city also secured a POST-APEC private investment pact to channel about 500 billion KRW (approx. 5000억 원) into hotels, retail and cultural projects in Bomun by 2030, including a planned Hyatt Alila (working name) and a whisky distillery complex. Officials and experts say the event could catalyze long-term tourism and regional economic restructuring, but note needs for better night public transport and more mid-range accommodations to sustain growth. (Silla: the ancient Korean kingdom centered in Gyeongju)
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