Public Viewing Event at APEC Summit Venue in Gyeongju Attracts Thousands
Gyeongju City, located in North Gyeongsang Province, recently reported that approximately 11,800 people attended the public viewing event of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit venue over a five-day period. The event was held to celebrate the successful hosting of the APEC summit and provided citizens with an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the international gathering.
The public viewing took place at the third-floor main conference hall of the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), from the 5th to the 9th. The city ensured that key elements from the summit were preserved, including chairs, podiums, national flags, and nameplates. These items allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the environment that was created during the summit.
To manage the flow of visitors and ensure safety, the event was structured with viewing sessions conducted in 30-minute intervals. Each session accommodated up to 150 people. Guides were assigned per route to assist visitors and provide them with a guided experience. Additionally, an explanatory program was offered, detailing the proceedings and protocol procedures of the summit.
Visitor Numbers and Highlights
During the event, a total of 5,605 residents from Gyeongju and 6,258 visitors from other regions participated. The day with the highest attendance was the 8th, when 3,678 people visited the venue. This demonstrated strong public interest in the event and highlighted the significance of the APEC summit to the local community.
Several group visits from organizations across the country also contributed to the success of the event. Notable groups included representatives from Jeonju City Hall, the Goryeong Vietnam War Veterans Association, and the Korea Public Governance Research Institute based in Seoul. These visits underscored the broader regional and national interest in the APEC summit and its legacy.
Future Plans for the Summit Venue
A representative from Gyeongju City mentioned that there are currently no plans for additional public viewing events of the summit venue. However, the city has outlined long-term plans to establish the ‘APEC Memorial Hall’ within the Gyeongju Expo Grand Park. This initiative aims to preserve the historical legacy of the summit and transform the venue into a sustainable urban asset where citizens can regularly experience the moments of the event.
By maintaining the summit venue as-is, the city hopes to create a space that honors the achievements of the APEC summit while offering educational and cultural opportunities for future generations. This effort reflects a commitment to leveraging the event’s impact beyond its immediate occurrence and ensuring that its significance is preserved for years to come.
Conclusion
The public viewing event in Gyeongju not only celebrated the success of the 2025 APEC summit but also provided valuable insights into the preparations and protocols involved in hosting such a significant international gathering. The high level of participation and the continued interest from various organizations indicate that the event has resonated well with the public.
As Gyeongju moves forward with its plans for the APEC Memorial Hall, it sets a precedent for how cities can use major international events to foster long-term cultural and economic development. The preservation of the summit venue ensures that the legacy of the APEC summit will remain a part of the city’s identity and a source of pride for its residents.