Gyeongju Hosts Cultural Events Ahead of APEC of this Year, Showcasing the Korean Heritage, Innovation and its Tourism Potential

Image generated with Ai

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit opens, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, and the surrounding region are welcoming the chance to introduce Korea’s cultural diversity and tourism potential. The area has introduced many thrilling cultural events aimed at promoting Korea’s heritage, technology, and customs and receiving foreign visitors and APEC representatives. From immersive media art exhibitions to colorful cultural events and fashion shows, Gyeongju is poised to become an international leader in tourism as well as cultural exchange.

These festivals, to be held in the run-up to the 2025 APEC summit, seek to enhance K-culture’s international popularity while presenting the country’s technological advancements, green growth, and creative industries. The city’s proximity to historic sites, supplemented by the leading-edge digital art and new tourism projects, means that Gyeongju will be at the center of the efforts to expand cultural diplomacy across the Asia-Pacific.

The Daereungwon Media Art Exhibition: Reimagining Silla Heritage

One of the festival’s primary attractions is the Daereungwon Media Art Exhibition, which launched on October 22, 2025, and will continue until November 16. This immersive exhibition uses state-of-the-art digital media to highlight the grandeur of the Silla Dynasty, which ruled Korea from 57 BC to AD 935. Set within the ancient Daereungwon Tomb Complex, visitors will experience how modern technology brings the past to life through interactive media art and dazzling light displays.

The Daereungwon Tomb Complex, an iconic site known for housing the royal tombs of the Silla Dynasty, provides the perfect backdrop for this event. By merging historical significance with digital innovation, the exhibition aims to offer visitors an immersive cultural experience, where they can appreciate Korea’s ancient legacy in a modern context. Alongside the exhibition, visitors can enjoy interactive cultural activities such as caricature drawing, stamp tours, and paper lantern making—further enriching their understanding of Korean cultural traditions.

APEC Music Festa: Empowering Female Artists in the APEC Region

Another highlight of Gyeongju’s cultural lineup is the 2025 APEC Music Festa, set to take place on October 31 at Bomun Lake. This event will feature a series of performances by female artists from various APEC economies, including Korea, China, Russia, and Vietnam. The concert program will celebrate the role of women in music and artistic leadership, offering solo performances and collaborative pieces that highlight the cultural diversity of the Asia-Pacific region.

The event’s focus on female empowerment in the arts aligns with the APEC summit’s themes of collaboration and cultural exchange. This musical celebration will serve as a platform for female artists to share their unique cultural perspectives and engage with audiences from diverse backgrounds. The musical performances will take place in a scenic venue, with the tranquil setting of Bomun Lake adding a special ambiance to the festivities.

Enhancing Gyeongju’s Tourism with Themed Tourism Routes

To make the most of the APEC summit and the cultural celebrations, city officials in Gyeongju have launched 11 themed tourism routes that cover 20 major cultural and natural heritage sites across the region. These thoughtfully designed itineraries offer tourists a comprehensive view of the region’s historical landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant industries.

The routes cater to a variety of interests, including heritage tours, nature exploration, and craftsmanship. Visitors can choose from half-day, evening, or full-day tours, which will guide them through the rich cultural tapestry of Korean history. From the ancient tombs of the Silla Dynasty to the modern cultural centers in Gyeongju, the themed routes will allow APEC delegates and other visitors to explore the depth of Korea’s historical significance and cultural pride.

AI and XR Innovation: Gyeongju’s Cross-Cultural Cinematic Experience

As part of the “APEC AI·XR Alley Cinema”, selected works from the Gyeongsangbuk-do International AI·Metaverse Film Festival will be screened in cafes and on public walls across Gyeongju. This initiative merges artificial intelligence and extended reality (XR) with traditional cinema, creating a cutting-edge cultural experience. By showcasing immersive media and innovative filmmaking, the festival introduces new ways to experience cinema and art in public spaces, offering visitors a chance to engage with both Korean and global digital arts.

This event represents the growing integration of technology and art, positioning Gyeongju as a leader in AI-driven tourism and media innovations. The project underscores Korea’s commitment to the future of cultural tourism, highlighting its role as a hub for creative industries and technological progress in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Five Hans Experiences” and the Cross-Culture Festival

The Gyeongju Arts Center will host the “Five Hans Experiences”, a hands-on exhibition that focuses on five of Korea’s key cultural icons: hanbok (traditional clothing), hangeul (Korean alphabet), hanji (Korean paper), hanok (traditional houses), and hansik (Korean cuisine). Each section will immerse visitors in the heritage and symbolism behind these cultural pillars, offering both an educational and interactive experience that highlights the beauty of Korean culture.

The Cross-Culture Festival, held during the final days of the celebrations, will feature performances blending traditional Korean music with folk arts from other APEC economies, celebrating the shared cultural values of the region. This festival offers a space for creative exchange, where traditional music meets contemporary fusion, encouraging a deeper understanding of how cultures interact through art and performance.

Fashion, Art, and Craft: Celebrating Korea’s Creative Legacy

A highlight of the event will be the hanbok fashion show, scheduled for October 27 at the Woljeong Bridge. This show will present a blend of modern design and traditional Korean motifs, offering a fresh take on the classic hanbok. As Korean fashion evolves, the fusion of traditional and contemporary elements will highlight how Korean culture remains both timeless and innovative.

At the Expo Grand Park, exhibitions will feature steel art and figurative ceramics, offering a glimpse into the regional craftsmanship of the area. These exhibitions underscore the creativity and diversity of Korean art, while celebrating the nation’s rich history of artisanal craftsmanship.

A Final Celebration of Korean Culture and APEC’s Legacy

Gyeongju gets set to host the APEC 2025 Summit, the city’s multicultural calendar of festivals, themed tourism activities, and innovative art installations reflects Korea’s dedication to cultural exchange and international cooperation. They provide a strong platform for Korea to promote its rich heritage, high-tech innovation, and dynamic culture, while enhancing economic connections with APEC economies.

Through the integration of ancient customs and new innovation, Gyeongju is preparing to have an incredible year of cultural and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The capacity for the city to welcome such vibrant and expansive events puts it on the cutting edge of cultural tourism and regional collaboration, making sure that the legacy of APEC 2025 will be remembered for many years to come.