Following a successful APEC 2025 Summit Meeting, the ancient capital’s reveals refreshed and upgraded infrastructure, cultural sites and facilities
Brought to you by Gyeongju Convention Bureau
From October 31 to November 1, 2025, the South Korean city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang province welcomed world leaders and delegates from all over the world for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 Summit Meeting.
In preparation for the event, which saw about 20,000 to 30,000 delegates and staff, Gyeongju has been upgrading and enhancing many of its cultural sites, event venues and infrastructure to facilitate the high influx of visitors, as well as continue to attract delegates and groups from around the world. This extensive effort not only solidifies its status as a historical capital, but also as a city developing into a hub of modern technology.
The city, known as a ‘museum with no walls’ has a history that dates back to over 1,000 years. It was formerly the capital of the Silla Kingdom that ruled most of the Korean peninsula from the late 7th century to early 9th century.
Today, it is home to venues that are not just meeting facilities but are unique sites that showcase its cultural heritage.
Bomun Tourist Complex: for leisure and tourist needs
A 8,000km2 area surrounding Bomunho, the Bomun Tourist Complex is the first in Korea designated in 1975. It is an all-in-one inclusive space that is home to entertainment attractions such as an amusement park, water parks, botanical garden, golf clubs and various museums.
Within this stands the Gyeongju Global Convention Landmark that includes the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), the main meeting site for the APEC 2025 Summit, as well as six other integrated facilities including three hotels, two museums – Woo-Yang Art museum and K-POP Museum – and the Gyeongju Expo Grand Park.
Within the complex are mid- and large-scale hotels including the Hilton, Commodore, and Lahan, that total to around 4,000 rooms and are located within a 15-minute walk of HICO, making it highly convenient for visitors whether they are here for business or leisure.
Those staying in the Bomun Tourist Complex can combine business with leisure activities given the close proximity to hotels, event venues and recreational facilities.
Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center: Global venue ready for the world stage
The main venue for the APEC 2025 Summit Meeting, HICO is the only convention centre in South Korea designed and modelled after the Silla Kingdom. The three-storey building can hold up to 4,500 people and has 21 meeting rooms, two exhibition halls of 2,400m2 and 3,000m2 – big enough to host over 3,000 delegates – and three large convention halls totalling 3,500m2 – ideal for both larger and smaller meetings.
Ahead of the APEC Summit, HICO has undergone a complete transformation for the event, refurbished into a luxurious interior for diplomats and other government officials. Of note is a newly opened external two-floor exhibition hall that was used as the main press centre for the event and to hold about 1,000 journalists. It will continue to function as an exhibition hall and meeting venues.
Bulguksa Temple: historic Buddhist site
The Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the nearby Seokguram Grotto, is an important cultural relic that was originally built in the year 528 under the Silla Kingdom to celebrate the acceptance of Buddhism as the official state religion.
While it is a replica of the original, the temple remains an important representation of Buddhism. The large temple grounds comprises several areas and features including bridges, pavilions and halls.
During the APEC 2025 Summit, Bulguksa Temple was one of the venues for the Spouse programme hosted by South Korean First Lady Kim Hye-kyung for the spouses of the APEC economic leaders who had travelled to South Korea.
Temple stay programmes are also available – ideal for planners who want to integrate more immersive cultural activities in their programme.
Combine culture and history into programmes at Gyeongju. Visit Gyeongju Convention Bureau for more information.
