APEC 2025 Gyeongju — Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore

 

Welcome to Gyeongju, Korea’s Cultural Capital

In 2025, Gyeongju will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, welcoming leaders and visitors from around the world.
Known as the “museum without walls,” Gyeongju offers a perfect mix of tradition, history, and modern comfort — making it one of Korea’s most fascinating destinations to explore.

APEC 2025 Official Information

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Where to Stay — Hotels and Traditional Hanok Stays

Gyeongju offers a wide range of accommodations — from luxury hotels to peaceful traditional guesthouses.

Top-rated Hotels:

• Hilton Gyeongju – located near Bomun Lake with excellent APEC accessibility

• Lahan Select Gyeongju – modern facilities and lake views

• Commodore Hotel – classic choice for business travelers

Traditional Hanok Stays:

• Gyeongju Guesthouse and Hwarang Hanok – perfect for cultural immersion

• Woljeong Hanok Stay – near major heritage sites

Booking early is essential as APEC dates approach!

Gyeongju City Tourism Info

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What to Eat — Local Food You Can’t Miss

Gyeongju’s food scene combines heritage with taste.
Try these must-eat local dishes:

• Hwangnam Bread – the city’s signature red-bean pastry

• Ssambap (쌈밥) – rice wrapped in leafy greens with side dishes

• Gyeongju Bulgogi Hotpot – perfect comfort meal after sightseeing

There are also plenty of vegetarian-friendly and halal-certified restaurants due to the influx of international guests.

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Things to Do — Explore Timeless Beauty

1️⃣ Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO Sites)
→ Experience ancient Buddhist art and architecture.

2️⃣ Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
→ Magical at night, especially with the reflection of lights on the pond.

3️⃣ Cheomseongdae Observatory
→ One of Asia’s oldest astronomical sites.

4️⃣ Hwangnidan-gil Street
→ The most vibrant area for cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops.

5️⃣ Gyeongju National Museum
→ Learn about Korea’s Silla Dynasty, which shaped the nation’s culture.

Visit Korea Tourism Guide

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How to Get There

• From Seoul: KTX train to Singyeongju Station (approx. 2 hours)

• From Busan: Express bus or train (approx. 1.5 hours)

• From Daegu: Regional train or car (approx. 1 hour)

During the APEC period, shuttle buses and multilingual guides will be provided for visitors.

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Final Tips for APEC Visitors

• Bring a translation app (Papago, Google Translate) for easy communication.

• Major signs in tourist areas will be available in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

• Free Wi-Fi zones will be expanded throughout the city.

Gyeongju will become the global center of diplomacy and culture in 2025.
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit!