Foreign Minister visits Gyeongju with Chair of National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Korea to review progress in preparation for 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

1. On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 13, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun visited Gyeongju to review the progress in the preparation for the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), which is three months away, through a tour of its main venues.

※ Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Cho also visited HD Hyundai’s Ulsan shipyard.

2. Minister Cho visited each of the venues, the AELM venue and the Media Center being set up at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO); potential accommodation facilities for government officials and business leaders; and the Gyeongju National Museum, the venue of the AELM Gala Dinner.

3. Minister Cho was accompanied by members of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee including its Chair Kim Seok-ki, and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Korea Joseph Yun. Together with Gyeongsangbuk-do’s Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs Kim Hak-hong and Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young, they discussed the progress in ongoing preparations in the host city and ways for cooperation.

4. Minister Cho stressed that “The APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will serve as a valuable opportunity for Korea to elevate its national image in the international community and demonstrate its leadership in promoting economic cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.” He added, “It should also be an occasion to highlight the excellence of K-Culture that has captivated the global community, and to showcase Korea’s rich history and cultural heritage. We will make seamless preparations to ensure a successful AELM.”