PHOTOs: Ancient historic city of Gyeongju lights up ahead of APEC summit

A giant egg-shaped structure is set up in Gyeongju on Oct. 15, 2025. YonhapSEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit just around the corner, rehearsals and other preparations are underway in South Korea's southeastern city of Gyeongju.

One project involved a 15 billion Korean won investment to enhance nighttime scenery around an artificial lake at Bomun, a popular tourist destination in the southern historic city.

At a pre-event called the "Festival of Light" held on Wednesday ahead of the summit to be held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, the exterior of Yukbuchon, a traditional Korean house or hanok with tiled roofs and wooden-and-clay structures, was adorned with an illuminated façade, showing the history of Gyeongju, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla that flourished for over 1,000 years.

Other dazzling light and media art displays also promoted the summit, showcasing symbols and installations, including a 15-meter-tall egg-shaped structure inspired by the myth of the kingdom's first king, who is believed to have been born from an egg, according to folklore.

Governor of North Gyeongsang Province Lee Cheol-woo said, "The festival brings together the city's past, present, and future in a modern style," adding that it is not merely a temporary spectacle limited to the APEC period.

Additionally, various events and performances is expected to amaze visitors before and after the summit near a slew of national heritage sites there including Daereungwon, a complex of Silla-era tombs.
 Media displays illuminate a giant egg-shaped structure in Gyeongju on Oct. 15, 2025. Yonhap Media displays illuminate a giant egg-shaped structure in Gyeongju on Oct. 15, 2025. Yonhap Media displays illuminate a giant egg-shaped structure in Gyeongju on Oct. 15, 2025. Yonhap Media displays illuminate a giant egg-shaped structure in Gyeongju on Oct. 15, 2025. Yonhap Courtesy of the city government of Gyeongju
Cho Bo-hee 부장 jobo@ajupress.com