Gov’t preparing to ensure seamless transport, accommodations for APEC summit: vice FM

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun said Monday that the government is working to ensure smooth transportation and lodging plans for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit due to take place in South Korea’s southeastern city of Gyeongju later this year.

Kang made the remark as the leaders of the 21 member economies are expected to attend the multilateral gathering between late October and early November, including the United States and China.

“We’re preparing to ensure smooth air travel for participants, including securing aircraft parking spaces at nearby airports and remodeling VIP lounges to accommodate the arrivals of state leaders’ official aircraft,” Kang said in a parliamentary session on APEC preparations.

“We’re developing a comprehensive transportation and logistics plan. It includes strategies for ensuring seamless movement between key locations, such as airports, KTX (bullet train) stations and the event venue, for delegations arriving through Gimhae and Incheon airports,” she said.

All essential meeting spaces at Hwabaek International Convention Center, the venue for the main summit, are set to be completed by the end of September, Kang said.

The accommodations for state and business leaders are currently undergoing renovations, with completion also expected by late September, including facilities in neighboring cities like Busan and Daegu, she added.

Kang said the government anticipates securing about 9,600 rooms across 100 hotels.

The venue for the state dinner is being built in the central courtyard of Gyeongju National Museum, with Gyeongju city crafting detailed plans for healthcare-related support, she said.

Approximately 20,000 participants are expected to attend the event, including delegations from all 21 member economies, business leaders and media crews.

Key agenda items for the summit will be regional cooperation on artificial intelligence and addressing demographic shifts, such as low birthrates and aging populations, among other topics.

The central government has secured about 171.5 billion won (US$117 million) for the summit, with an additional 64.1 billion won from local governments.

Kang said the government may seek additional funding if a supplementary budget is proposed this year, depending on the circumstances surrounding the preparations.