South Korea is increasing the intensity of its final preparations for the two-day 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held from October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province.
The central government, local authorities and the private sector are said to be doing their best to guarantee a flawless run of the event with just weeks left before the actual high-profile gathering.
Venues and security near readiness
As of late September, the renovation for the summit’s main venue, the HwaBaek Conference Center, had reached about 95 percent completion, with work on furnishing and final fixtures still ongoing.
The same percentage of progress goes for the construction of the International Media Center due to the ongoing installation of interior fit-outs, such as flooring, elevator and interiors, according to a report from The Korea Times.
South Korea had initially placed a late September deadline on the preparations for the summit, but the evident lack in several areas had the country ramping up its efforts ahead of the gathering.
A follow-up report from the Korea JoongAng Daily on October 13 noted that the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency is gearing up to dispatch about 20,000 police officers to effectively safeguard the attendees of the two-day summit.
Furthermore, a total of 19,000 personnel, 181 patrol bikes and 156 patrol cars will be sent to secure the city from October 26.
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PM leads final coordination drive
Head of the national APEC Preparatory Committee, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, has taken charge of monitoring the preparation’s progress by performing on-site inspections.
His attentive check on the conference venue, accommodations and banquet halls has highlighted the government’s goal of establishing both quality and timely completion.
Meanwhile, regular inter-agency meetings are also being convened to polish operational and logistical details.
Aside from infrastructure work, the government has taken steps to partner with business groups such as the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and the Korea Chamber of Commerce to organise and host parallel events.
The Korea-APEC Business Partnership and Investment Forum is among the events these business groups wish to tie with the summit, as well as nationwide promotional initiatives under the “Boom Up Korea Week” campaign.
Participation from global firms in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, technology and finance is expected in these side events and economic forums.
Transport, lodging reinforced for summit
South Korea also gave priority to transportation and accommodation, securing over a thousand hotel rooms and making arrangements with cruise ships to serve as floating hotels.
Improvements on regional transport links are also underway, which include renovations at Pohang-Gyeongju Airport and nearby facilities, to have better control with the influx of delegates and media.
However, hurdles like tight deadlines for construction completion and issues over limited VIP lodging persist.
Officials are also pointing out preparedness in service, particularly concerning hospitality and transport organisation.
Despite these challenges, Seoul is assured that the Gyeongju APEC Summit will demonstrate the country’s ability to organise and its global standing as it hosts world leaders in November.
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