Seoul: Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun announced that the government is actively preparing to ensure seamless transportation and accommodation plans for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The summit is scheduled to take place in Gyeongju, South Korea, later this year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang highlighted that the leaders of the 21 member economies, including the United States and China, are expected to attend the multilateral gathering between late October and early November. The government is making arrangements for smooth air travel for participants, which includes securing aircraft parking spaces at nearby airports and upgrading VIP lounges to accommodate the arrival of state leaders' official aircraft.
The comprehensive transportation and logistics plan being developed aims to ensure seamless movement between key locations such as airports, KTX (bullet train) stations, and the event venue for delegations arriving through Gimhae and Incheon airports. 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.
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. The government anticipates securing about 9,600 rooms across 100 hotels. The venue for the state dinner is being constructed in the central courtyard of Gyeongju National Museum, with detailed plans for healthcare-related support being crafted by Gyeongju city.
Approximately 20,000 participants, including delegations from all 21 member economies, business leaders, and media crews, are expected to attend the event. Key agenda items for the summit will include regional cooperation on artificial intelligence and addressing demographic shifts, such as low birthrates and aging populations.
The central government has allocated about 171.5 billion won (US$117 million) for the summit, with an additional 64.1 billion won provided by local governments. Kang mentioned that additional funding may be sought if a supplementary budget is proposed this year, depending on the circumstances surrounding the preparations.