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Abuja-Envoy Jusung Gabriel Park & Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra Production Design: Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds If you’re planning a special trip during cherry blossom season as it’s one of the most beloved destinations to see the blooms There were three kingdoms in ancient Korea previously called “Seorabeol,” was the capital for a thousand years this historical city preserves the glorious history of Silla and is referred as “a museum without walls.” Here you’ll find the most of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritages sites concentrated in one city but its historical buildings and streets are transformed when the cherry blossoms make their yearly appearance Check out Gyeongju’s top 7 cherry blossom spots perfect for enjoying the city’s cultural assets and the season’s pale pink beauty CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON: MARCH 23 - EARLY APRIL (PEAK-MARCH 28) Date: Fri-Sun during late March to early April Cheomseongdae was constructed in 633 during the reign of Queen Seondeok for star observation to forecast the weather Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia preserving its original appearance for 1,400 years Both daytime and evening are great to take a trip around the flower garden of this scientific stone building These giant tumuli are placed through downtown Gyeongju Make sure to take your time to wander the 23 ancient tombs belonging to the kings of the Silla era Don’t miss the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival held at the Daereungwon Stone Wall Trail to enjoy a variety of food and activities among the royal tombs surrounded by cherry blossoms Donggung Palace and its adjacent Wolji Pond were originally part of the royal grounds and banquet venues for princes of the Silla era to see the spectacular scene of illuminated palaces and trees reflected in the water ✿ Entrance Fee: Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won WOLJEONGGYO BRIDGE (월정ꔐ) & GYOCHON HANOK VILLAGE (ꔐ쎌한옄마을) The bridge is built over the Namcheon Stream and located right next to Gyochon Traditional Hanok Village walking from the bridge through the village is a great way to enjoy viewing canola flowers and cherry blossoms along the stream don’t miss the stunning night view of the bridge and stream This park was named by CNN as one of the “Beautiful scenic locations in Korea.” When you visit Bomunjeong’s ponds and pavilion are stunning but especially in the spring with cherry blossoms and fall for its amazing autumn leaves This place is open anytime without an entrance fee BULGUKSA TEMPLE (ë¶ˆê”­ì‚Ź) & SEOKGURAM GROTTO (석ꔎ암) The foremost Buddhist heritage sites of Korea Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are both located on Tohamsan Mountain These two cultural sites are within eight kilometers from each other making them easy to explore on the same trip Bulguksa Temple is especially a famous spot for the double-layer type of cherry blossoms that usually flower two weeks later than regular ones THE NINE-STORY PAGODA OF HWANGNYONGSA (í™©ëŁĄì‚Ź 9ìž” ëȘ©íƒ‘) You can capture one of the most unique landscapes in Korea on the road lined with cherry blossoms in front of this beautiful pagoda tower Originally built in 643 during the reign of Queen Seondeok it symbolizes aspirations for the protection of the nation and the sanctity of Buddhism The tower is a recreation based on the original pagoda Gyeongju is not only a historical city with numberless cultural assets from the Silla era and Joseon Dynasty but also a coastal city with a variety amusement parks and resorts Plan ahead so you can prioritize the spots you really want to see 2.Choose from the city’s important districts here are the top districts in Gyeongju to check out ✿Downtown Gyeongju: The most important attractions of Gyeongju are located within walking distance here Hwangridan-gil Street (food & dessert street) and more ✿ Bomun Tourist Complex: Gyeongju World (amusement park) Staying at a traditional house (hanok) hotel is very affordable in Gyeongju They are usually located near the mountains but not far from downtown It’s absolutely a must-try experience to spend a night at a traditional house surrounded by peaceful forests and mountains Gyeongju is a famous glamping (glamorous camping) spot in the summer and fall because of its beautiful nature You can find these accommodations on online travel shops like “Trip.com” and “Agoda.”  Check the flowering and peak time of the area where you’re planning to view cherry blossoms in full bloom the cherry blossom forecast is often inaccurate so it’s recommended to check weekly as the blooming season approaches Make sure to plan your trip before heavy rain arrives Bring your favorite picnic items such as a picnic mat and a variety of food and snacks to relax under the cherry blossom trees you can easily purchase picnic items at convenience stores or Daiso near the viewing areas most of the best viewing spots will be crowded and there will be limited parking Bring comfortable shoes because you’ll likely be walking a lot Blink and cherry blossom season will be over Don’t hesitate to take photos and selfies with the beautiful blossoms while they’re around Read now > Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan In this photo provided by South Korea Coast Guard members of South Korean coast guard conduct a search and rescue operation from a capsized boat in waters off Gyeongju A rescued sailor arrives with members of the South Korean coast guard at a port of Gyeongju Members of South Korean coast guard conduct a search and rescue operation while they try to tow a capsized boat South Korea (AP) — A fishing boat capsized after colliding with a sand barge in waters off South Korea’s southeastern coast early Monday leaving seven crew members dead and one missing according to local coast guard and fire departments three South Koreans and five Indonesian nationals capsized after colliding with a 456-ton barge in waters near the city of Gyeongju along with 15 coast guard vessels and six helicopters were mobilized to search for the missing passenger None of the passengers from the barge were hurt The ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC–935 AD) in today's North Gyeongsang Province is sometimes called a “roofless museum” for its centuries-old temples royal tombs and treasures scattered around different areas of the city Fall foliage at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC–935 AD) in today’s North Gyeongsang Province in the southeastern Korean Peninsula With great accessibility to Silla’s legacy along with a blend of nature the city enjoys a reputation among Koreans as a must-visit tourist destination The ancient city is to host the 2025 APEC Summit next fall another southeastern city with a proud history and culture which hosted the country’s last APEC Summit in 2005 stone pagodas and Buddhist statues and presence of diverse cultural heritage can be felt in every corner of Gyeongju with iconic attractions such as Cheomseongdae — Asia’s oldest extant astronomical observatory home to 23 ancient tombs of the Silla period is a popular site for both local and overseas travelers Daereungwon consists of two tombs – Hwangnam Daechong and Cheonmachong – where the National Treasure-designated Queen’s Gold Crown Belt and “Jangni Cheonmade” (“Painting of Heavenly Horse on a Saddle Flap”) were found While the crown and belt are now kept at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul the horse painting lies within Cheonmachong making the tomb tour all the more exciting The tomb complex is surrounded by swaying pine trees offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in its tranquil nature The stone wall path running along the wall of Daereungwon Park is also a top cherry blossom site with cherry blossom trees on either side of the road creating a stunning tunnel painting the city pink and white in spring Tourists stroll among falling pink and white cherry blossoms near Daereungwon in Gyeongju A two- to three-minute walk from Daereungwon brings visitors to Cheomseongdae Asia’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory and Gyerim Forest or the picturesque bridge Woljeonggyo Gyerim Forest is a thick forest of zelkova and willow trees which have been standing here since the Silla Kingdom The serene vibe from Daereungwon to Woljeonggyo adds a magical ambiance to Gyeongju The colorful lights illuminating Cheomseongdae and Woljeonggyo with its stunning reflection in the water leave many travelers speechless The nightscape of this roofed bridge can be enjoyed from inside the bridge but many prefer to head to the stepstone bridge to be awed by the sight The nearby benches are great places to wrap up the day in this historical city with the sound of the gently flowing river under the shimmering bridge and moonlight Those who wish to experience the cradle of Korea’s Buddhist culture should head over to eastern Gyeongju where you can get a glimpse of Silla’s aesthetics and religious art at the Seokguram Grotto — one of South Korea’s greatest tangible treasures — and temple Bulguksa PHOTO: KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE/THE KOREA HERALD one of nine seowon inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019 is located at the northernmost tip of the city and worth a visit Seowon are Confucian academies of the Joseon era (1392-1910) considered to be like an educational facility akin to a library publishing house and venue for discussing social and political matters Gyeongju not only draws the attention of history buffs and families trying to make memories and time travel to the past but also vacationers following the latest travel trends has become a hot spot for visitors over the past several years beckoning people with a “newtro” vibe Newtro is a combination of “new” and “retro,” meaning a new interpretation of vintage elements Old and worn-down buildings from the 1960s and 1970s are now home to trendy shops stationery stores and self-photo studios for youngsters and the young at heart This is a street where visitors can explore the city dressed in hanbok — traditional Korean attire — and capture the moment with friends Hwangnam Bread shop at Hwangridangil in Gyeongju A tourist wearing hanbok walks along Hwangridangil in Gyeongju Visitors can enjoy window shopping for Gyeongju-themed merchandise in countless small gift shops while enjoying the city’s iconic street foods such as 10 Won Bread — a soft pancake-style specialty — and Hwangnam Bread Four Gyeongju-based Buddhist temples — Golgulsa Bulguksa and Gamsansa — present Templestay opportunities featuring individual hands-on activities like “seonmudo,” or a Korean Buddhist martial art and yoga sessions for visitors to experience an emotional refuge from hectic everyday life and find their “true selves.” Mayor sees APEC as hub for multilateral diplomacy emphasizing global security as key to economic cooperation renowned for its UNESCO-listed cultural heritage sites and with budding aspirations to become an international conference hub is in full swing for the preparation of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young underscored the city's thorough preparations for the high-profile event emphasizing its close cooperation with provincial authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs He highlighted not only Gyeongju’s logistical readiness but also its deep historical and cultural significance “At a time when K-culture has become a worldwide phenomenon hosting such a prestigious event presents a unique opportunity to showcase the origins of Korean culture to the world," Joo said “We are committed to ensuring the success of the 2025 APEC Summit and transforming Gyeongju into a truly global city," said the mayor who is a member of the conservative People Power Party capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC-AD 935) is a South Korean city known as a “museum without walls” for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved landmarks was selected as the host of the APEC 2025 last year South Korea will host the event for the second time after hosting the summit in 2005 in Busan concerns have been raised about whether a regional city with a population of a quarter of a million can handle an event of this scale The APEC Summit includes 21 member economies from the Asia-Pacific region and will invite thousands of guests including heads of state “We are fully prepared to prove that not only is it possible but that Gyeongju will exceed expectations.” Joo underlined the importance of securing additional funding for the summit’s success and city governments have secured a total of 324.7 billion won ($227 million) but we estimate that an additional 200 billion won will be needed,” he explained “Securing a supplementary budget is crucial I believe this will be resolved smoothly.” One of the city’s pressing priorities is enhancing its infrastructure ― especially accommodations for VIPs “We need around 35 presidential residence suites of at least 70 pyeong (231.4 square meters) each but only 14 have been secured so far,” Joo noted “We’re working to renovate facilities in the Bomun Tourist Complex Gyeongju has been offering training for hospitality staff to meet international protocol standards residents are being recruited and trained as volunteers to assist with logistics interpretation and hospitality services during the event Joo sees the summit as a hub for multilateral diplomacy emphasizing global security as a cornerstone of economic cooperation “We aim to establish a platform for meaningful collaboration among leaders from South Korea potentially culminating in a 'Gyeongju Declaration’ addressing issues like Korean Peninsula denuclearization,” he said while cautiously hinting at the possibility of expanded discussions involving Russia and North Korea The mayor envisions transforming Gyeongju into a global cultural hub hosting a future expo similar to how Davos in Switzerland hosts the annual World Economic Forum In partnership with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry the city plans to host more than 1,500 global CEOs and representatives from over 50 multinational corporations A separate business summit is also on the agenda focusing on practical economic collaborations such as next-generation nuclear energy exports led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power The city’s successful bid to host APEC followed a competitive process against Incheon and Jeju Island “Our historical significance and proactive local government efforts played a decisive role in our selection,” Joo said Gyeongju’s ancient cultural heritage is reflected in its UNESCO World Heritage Sites which preserve the legacy of the ancient Silla Kingdom when Gyeongju served as its capital In recognition of its growing international presence the Culture Ministry designated the Bomun Tourist Complex as an International Conference Complex in 2023 To bolster its global recognition ahead of the APEC Summit Gyeongju will host the Pinnacle Awards and Asia Festival Cities Conference from March 18 to 21 Co-hosted by the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center and the International Festivals and Events Association's branch in Asia the event will bring together over 200 participants from 15 countries The conference will focus on sustainable festival models and fostering international collaborations “Gyeongju is a city where tradition and modernity coexist offering the potential for cultural and economic growth,” Joo said “I will maximize these strengths to develop Gyeongju into a global city that not only attracts visitors but makes them want to stay.” Inside the Kinjaz journey: From viral dance crew to Korea’s choreography scene 'Produce 101' star hits new career high tackling school violence Youn Yuh-jung owns it: 'I’ve been in this job too long' Interview: Director Jang Seong-ho's leap of faith Park Eun-bin talks becoming psychopath doctor in 'Hyper Knife' K-beauty fuels Shiseido’s global strategy: APAC chief Drug scene 'embarrassing' for 'Squid Game' actor Choi Seung-hyun Interview: Top adviser to Lee Jae-myung says Seoul should reclaim full OPCON Interview: A legend contemplates usefulness Interview: Yoo Hae-jin and weight of familiar faces Latest trends in Korean culture and society About  .  Contact  .  Donation Archaeologists have unearthed a pair of unprecedented tombs in the Jjoksaem district of Gyeongju the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE–CE 935) This discovery challenges long-standing beliefs about early Korean burial customs Announced by the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage on Wednesday differ significantly from typical Silla-era burials Silla burials feature a wooden frame (dutneol) encased by an earthen mound and surrounded by a distinctive stone boundary these newly found tombs lack the characteristic stone perimeter “This is the first time we’ve encountered Silla-era tombs without the stone boundary,” an official from the institute stated It is renowned for its extensive historical sites including numerous ancient royal tombs and the Cheomseongdae observatory is a significant burial ground for Silla nobility ruling southeastern Korea during the Three Kingdoms period was known for its sophisticated hierarchical society and rich culture often referred to as the “country of gold.” while tomb J172 contains both a main and an auxiliary chamber both lack the traditional stone boundary and instead feature a unique stone mound structure Among the finds are decorated pottery lids legged bowls with three rows of perforations (samdantuchang) are rare and suggest the high status of the individuals buried here A notable item is a belt ornament combining a convex lens-shaped gilt-bronze piece and a silver-plated iron rim the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage has conducted annual surveys in this area Their ongoing efforts have identified approximately 40 previously undiscovered Silla tombs and provided critical data on the construction and arrangement of these ancient burial sites the institute aims to explore the central tombs of Gyeongju in greater detail Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()) Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative When fall arrives in South Korea it brings with it not just fiery reds and russets on tree leaves but also carpets of an unusual pink grass known as muhly The delicate flowers of this hardy plant bloom in fluffy clumps when the weather begins to cool giving the grass its famed pink (and occasionally Pink muhly grass (botanical name Muhlenbergia capillaris) is not native to this region, but was brought in from the United States it has been declared an endangered species It is now carefully cultivated across South Korea from public parks to private farmlands Photoshoots amidst pink muhly grass are particularly popular among locals who have been making a beeline for these fields ever since it was first grown in Jeju Island a decade ago pink muhly grass has become the mainstay of South Korea’s popular autumn festivals.  As is the case with cherry blossoms, pink muhly grass pops up first down south, in and around Jeju Island. As the fall goes on, blooms make their way up north towards Seoul. One of the best places for those seeking Insta-worthy images of this fine grass is in Gyeongju, near the Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory within the royal tombs complex Seeing this ancient 7th-century stone monument set against a blanket of soft pink is a surreal experience.  Under the shadow of its towering parent tree a rare specimen of sequoia produces ghostly white leaves An art-filled botanical garden and former dyeworks hiding in plain sight This little slice of the Netherlands in the Pacific Northwest blooms in a rainbow of color each spring The last remnant of a tree that helped prove to the world that sequoias are real—and they're spectacular a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is made out of living branches One of the oldest and most majestic living trees in Britain Mysterious markers have been giving the public a lesson in dendrochronology for over a century A larger-than-life representation of the humble aloe plant Seven people have been confirmed dead after their boat capsized off the coast of Gyeongju the Pohang Coast Guard Station said Monday a 29-ton Geumgwang fishing vessel carrying eight crew members collided with a cargo ship before capsizing at around 5:43 a.m Out of the eight crew members on the fishing vessel only seven have been found by the Coast Guard as a search is still underway to find the remaining crew member The Coast Guard transported the seven individuals in cardiac arrest to hospitals in Gyeongju Pohang and Ulsan while continuing rescue efforts for the remaining crew member of the fishing vessel The seven individuals were later pronounced dead Of the seven individuals transported to hospitals in cardiac arrest while the remaining four were foreign nationals The missing crew member was identified as an Indonesian national rescue vessels and helicopters have been sent to the scene to find the missing crew member and support has been requested from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also ordered relevant government agencies to begin an emergency rescue operation calling on them to mobilize all available equipment and personnel to prioritize rescue efforts Lee Jae-myung leads in hypothetical three-way race with Han Duck-soo the presidential candidate of South Korea’s main liberal Democratic Party holds a lead in a potential three-way race for the country’s next election 15% of Korean wage workers have flexible work schedules: data Koryo saram are 'living bridges' of Kazakh-Korean ties 'Smile at me': Cancer-fighting senior influencer inspires with strength Respect wanes: Teaching no longer highly coveted job in S As unused homes increase in rural South Korea Supreme Court’s verdict sours Lee Jae-myung’s presidential bid Korean mothers are opting for C-sections at record rates South Koreans get creative with Parents’ Day gifts Attendees including North Gyeongsang Governor and Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young pose for a photo during the launching ceremony of the promotion committee for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju on Nov Members of a delegation from the Gyeongju city government Participants speak during the First Senior Officials' Meeting for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit at the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center in Gyeongju briefs local reporters on the new findings from its decade-long excavation project on Silla palace site known as Wolseong A scene of the excavation site of Gyeongju's Wolseong a palace complex of the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C.-A.D A small piece of pure gold that measures 3.6 by 1.17 centimeters (0.11 by 0.038 foot) which was discovered at an excavation site of the Donggung Palace It used to be a royal site during the Unified Silla period (668-935) in North Gyeongsang Two birds and flowers are intricately engraved on this piece A graphic image of what an ancient stone toilet with flushable sewage system would have looked like based on the archaeological discoveries near Donggung An ivory die discovered near Donggung [KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE] A lacquered wooden box containing a finely preserved crystal necklace Remains of three Silla people from 1,500 years ago were discovered in Gyeongju at the site of a palace complex known as Wolseong it is controversial that Gyeongju city officials have been continuously driving under the influence of alcohol According to the police and others on the 29th a civil servant A was cracked down on drunk driving in Oedong-eup higher than the license cancellation level (0.08%) executive officials and indefinite contract employees in Gyeongju City were cracked down on drunk driving Regarding a series of drunk driving by public officials some citizens pointed out that "the discipline of public officials is going too far ahead of the APEC summit," and that "special measures are needed." Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young said on the 15th "We will take strict measures by applying the principle of zero tolerance to acts that damage the dignity of public officials ※ This service is provided by machine translation tool A volunteer demonstrates how to use an AI-powered translator kiosk at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju 23 ahead of the First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit A transparent air dome for the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is being installed at the outdoor exhibition hall of the Hwabaek Internationall Convention Center in Gyeongju on Feb known as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 BC-935) is a unique destination brimming with UNESCO World Heritage sites Visitors can forge a special connection to Korea’s rich history while exploring every corner of the city often referred to as a museum without walls You can appreciate this blending of the past and present in Downtown Gyeongju Here are three activities in the city’s downtown area that will undoubtedly make your trip unforgettable is a must-try experience at many historical sites around the Peninsula The Silla hanbok is more luxurious and features more elaborate designs than those of the later Joseon Dynasty Rent a Silla hanbok and take some stunning photos at beautiful historical sites such as Daereungwon Ancient Tombs and Woljeonggyo Bridge Hanbok rental usually includes hairstyling service Most shops don’t offer rental service during rainy weather Late March to June and September to November are ideal times to try this activity Wearing hanbok in hot or cold weather isn’t ideal so make sure to check the weather before your visit they rent hanboks originally designed by them Reservation is recommended (Naver or phone) Prices: 15,000 won for an hour (10,000 won is charged every one hour) / All day 50,000 won (10 a.m It’s located near Gyochon Hanok Village and reservation by phone call is recommended Prices: 15,000 won for an hour (10,000 won is charged every one hour) Downtown Gyeongju is a cyclist’s dream as it is easy to explore via bicycle and most destinations are a short ride away Tasila (타싀띌) is a public bicycle service operated by Gyeongju City with over 100 rental stations in the downtown area You can easily rent one and return it to any station The one-day pass is only 1,000 won and bikes are easy to rent with the mobile app only Korean service and Korean credit cards are currently available so you may need help from your Korean friends or use a regular shop Recommended course: Daereungwon Stone Wall Trail ➟ Hwanglidan-gil Street ➟ Cheomseongdae Observatory ➟ Gyerim Forest ➟ Banwolseong Fortress ➟ Gyochon Hanok Village and Woljeonggyo Bridge ➟ Bunhwangsa Temple Hwanglidan-gil Street is a true gem in Gyeongju This street is home to a variety of cool cafĂ©s and restaurants in traditional Hanok houses Many places offer unique fusion food and desserts that will please not only your taste buds but also your eyes One of the most beautiful hanok cafĂ©s in Gyeongju with ice cream and coffee Offering delightful tiramisus mixed with traditional ingredients like black sesame and injeolmi powder an international tourist district set to host the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit [GYEONGJU CITY GOVERNMENT] on Friday congratulates the city on winning the bid to host the 2025 APEC summit The exterior of Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center which will be used as the main venue for the 2025 APEC summit Members of the APEC summit host city recommendation committee hold a meeting on Thursday to recommend the host city for the international event An unusual date between a local man and what appears to be a life-sized sex doll turned heads this Lunar New Year holiday at an amusement park in Gyeongju An unidentified man posted a review of his recent visit to Gyeongju World on Wednesday sharing photos and videos of his date with "Rem" at the amusement park "I couldn't get on all the rides because it was winter but I was happy to take her on rides like the Kraken (an apparent misspelling of the roller coaster Draken) saying he will visit again when it gets warmer but a life-sized mannequin of what appeared to be the type usually used for erotic purposes A number of users on social media have posted photos of what is thought to be the man and "Rem." One person saw the man and the doll on a wheelchair The person recalled mistaking the doll for an actual human being and thinking she must be freezing in this weather Life-sized sex dolls are far from common in South Korea but they seem to have become more prevalent in recent years The Korea Customs Service permitted their import in 2022 The Korea Herald by Herald CorporationCopyright Herald Corporation and Australian embassies in Seoul on Wednesday denied claims by a lawmaker that ambassadors from the Five Eyes countries would boycott the 2025 APEC summit if President Yoon Suk Yeol remains in office The Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance consisting of Australia a first-term lawmaker from the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party claimed during a National Assembly committee hearing that the five ambassadors gathered after the declaration was made on Dec 6 and discussed boycotting the APEC event set to be held in Gyeongju In response to The Korea Herald's inquiry about the matter "The claims made in the story are inaccurate." The embassy declined to comment on whether the ambassadors convened such a meeting Embassy in Seoul has denied claims made by Rep Ambassador Philip Goldberg via X (formerly twitter) the Australian Embassy in Seoul informed The Korea Herald that it does not disclose details about its ambassador’s schedule or discussions The embassy confirmed Australian officials attended the APEC Informal Senior Officials' Meeting and reiterated support for South Korea's APEC host year An inter-ministerial emergency preparation review meeting for the upcoming 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Gyeongju is held at the headquarters of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Government in Andong on Dec Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang In-sun delivers an opening speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 Informal Senior Officials' Meeting (ISOM) Symposium held in Seoul on the Dec The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit 2025 hosted by South Korea will place artificial intelligence and demographic shifts at the forefront of the agenda for discussion — topics that have never before taken the spotlight at the regional economic forum chair of the 2025 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting emphasized the urgency and significance of prioritizing cooperation on AI technologies and responding to population changes such as low birthrates and aging societies AI and demographic structure are topics that have never been addressed at the APEC while the previous APEC has covered a wide range of issues such as trade liberalization Yoon made the remarks during a news conference following the first Senior Officials' Meeting held from Feb 24 to March 9 in the city of Gyeongju scheduled to be held in the same city from late October to early November under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow" will mark South Korea's first time hosting the event in 20 years AI is a critically important issue with a massive impact influencing our future across all sectors worldwide The same applies to the issue of demographic structure," Yoon said adding all APEC members will be affected by demographic changes in the long term despite the varying speeds at which they encounter such challenges "I believe that the fact of proactively selecting these globally significant issues which require serious consideration on an international scale and introducing them into the APEC discussion framework already represents a major contribution on our part as host of the APEC summit," Yoon said The first meeting of senior officials marked the official beginning of the APEC-related schedule leading up to the summit and served as the very first opportunity to introduce Gyeongju to the official delegations of APEC members in advance The meeting drew around 2,000 participants including representatives from 21 APEC members as well as the APEC Secretariat according to the Foreign Ministry of South Korea an APEC senior official as well as the deputy director general of international economic affairs at South Korea's Foreign Ministry executive director of the APEC Secretariat brushed off any worries when asked about whether concerns were raised over potential impacts of the political turbulence in South Korea for the summit "APEC meetings have been held under similarly changing political situations but the APEC work has continued throughout the years I think most stakeholders and experts are pretty confident that this work will go ahead," Pedrosa said at the news conference Pedrosa also pointed out that one of the issues brought up during this meeting was the "need to respond to new challenges that emerged from the evolving trade environment" "We are in an evolving trade environment." refrained from providing a direct answer when asked by The Korea Herald whether there were concerns about a shift toward protectionism which contradicts APEC's vision of free and open trade as the United States has imposed blanket tariffs and whether the issue would be addressed at the APEC summit The headquarters building of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Sejong [MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE] The official website for the 2025 APEC Summit [SCREEN CAPTURE] NEWSPAPER SECTION: Life The Korean Cultural Center in Thailand will organise the exhibition "Encounter Gyeongju The Golden City" to introduce Gyeongju in South Korea the host city of this year Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Summit (Apec Summit) This will be South Korea's second time hosting the summit after 2005 This year Apec's theme is "Building A Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect The summit will be hosted at the end of October where leaders from 24 countries including Thailand will gather "2025 APEC High-Level Dialogue On Culture" will be held on Aug 26 and 27 under the theme "The Vision And Roles Of The Cultural And Creative Industries In The Digital Era" according to the Thailand Korean Cultural Center was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for 992 years in the North Gyeongsang province of South Korea the Korean Cultural Center organised the exhibition to promote Gyeongju to the Thai public and it includes various pictures of historic sites and landscapes and MUDS (museum goods) which the National Museum of Korea developed from historic relics and historical sites the centre will also host a workshop for a total of 60 participants (divided into 30 participants running twice) to make a postcard with watercolour drawings of Gyeongju's historical sites The exhibition runs from today until May 30 at the Korean Cultural Center's gallery check the centre's SNS channel such as Facebook (@koreanculturalcenterTH) By subscribing, you accept the terms and conditions in our privacy policy Kim Gi-hyeon from the conservative People Power Party chairs a meeting for a special parliamentary committee for the 2025 APEC summit at the National Assembly in western Seoul on April 1 Life&Culture Long Chuseok holiday perfect for exploring hometown attractions Whether you are heading home to reunite with family or plan on traveling domestically with the holiday break running Monday through Wednesday -- is a great time to explore different cities and counties in South Korea when millions of South Koreans travel back to cities For those who will be staying in the southwestern part of South Korea Suncheonman National Garden is a go-to travel spot Suncheonman National Garden and the nearby Suncheonman Wetland were the country's most visited tourist attractions last year These nature-friendly travel spots welcome visitors of all ages as they put on special programs for the holiday While children can enjoy popular traditional Chuseok games like “jegichagi” -- a game where the players take turns kicking a Korean-style shuttlecock known as a “jegi” -- other games Those who are older can take in music from popera and “gugak” -- Korean traditional music -- performances Families and friends can enjoy a special insect-themed exhibition and a role-play performance at the children’s zoo and 4D studio Secret Adventure Those who are interested in the Gyeongsang region can get a glimpse of the country’s heritage and culture at Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village in Gyeongju The "Silla Ogi," a play that interprets five kinds of arts from the Silla era (57 BC – 935 AD) is one of the iconic performances that visitors can enjoy in Gyeongju The performance is inspired by a book written by Silla scholar The "Silla Ogi" is performed only at Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village The shows that take place during the Chuseok holiday period will mark their last performances this year according to Gyeongju Foundation for Arts and Culture If you wish to explore more about Korean traditional music wait for the gugak-themed concert at 6 p.m. featuring Gyeongju-based musicians and traditional Korean dance troupes you don't have to wait around until too late to witness stunning sunsets If you are headed to the Chungcheong regions you might want to choose a seaside getaway in Taeanhaean National Park a sum of 27 beaches stretching along the 230-kilometer coastline in Taean which comes into its own at the golden hour of sunset when the sky turns a brilliant tangerine hue The place made a name for itself with the pair of rocks that are likened to a devoted couple As family members and friends pose for photos to capture the moment train the camera lens on the rocks just off the coast when the sun dips between them Other sites like Sambong Beach and Unyeo Beach are other places that present brilliant seaside views bathed in an explosion of colors There is no reason for Gangwon-based vacationers to disappoint either Gangneung on the east coast will entertain visitors with a lantern festival that kicks off Saturday and runs through Sept After an opening parade arriving at Gyeongpo Lake Park at 6 p.m a total of 9,000 lanterns will light up Gangneung The Gyeongpo Lantern Festival will entertain visitors with various hands-on activities Visitors and locals can take part in a “ganggangsullae,” or Korea’s traditional circle dance performed on Chuseok Netflix's 'The Devil’s Plan' returns with star-packed season 2 Seoul to host inaugural 'MyK Festa' in June Yoo Seung-ho returns to stage as Brutus in reimagining of 'Julius Caesar' A view on Feb 24 of the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center Gyeongsang Province sits in Korea’s southeastern region and features a variety of beautiful destinations with cultural and historical significance Here you can enjoy the breathtaking South Sea from Busan Busan stands out as the hands-down top summer vacation spot Neighboring Tongyeong City offers a comparatively relaxing travel experience while featuring numerous recreational activities Gyeongju City is where history meets leisure as it preserves remnants of the Silla Kingdom and Joseon Dynasty while serving up a diverse food and fun scene While traveling Korea’s southeastern region you’re not going to want to miss visiting these three great cities is home to the Hallyeo Haesang National Marine Park which boasts breathtaking sceneries of the southern coast Tongyeong holds a special place for Koreans as it is home to many historical attractions including some dedicated to the achievements of a key figure in Korean history Hansando Island is only accessible by ferry and its Maritime National Park is a top spot for some great ocean views The island was the scene of the Battle of Hansando Island a major conflict during the Imjin War (1592-1598) It was during this battle that Admiral Yi Sun-sin commanded Korean naval force turtle ships to the victory over Japanese warships in 1592 to immerse themselves into the war’s intense history and to pay respects to the hero More information about the ferry schedule is below The park commemorates Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s major victory here and features a bronze statue of the admiral facing Hansando Island The park is known for its beautiful walking trails along the clear blue South Sea there are four turtle ship replicas where visitors can explore and observe these warships up close Visitors also get a chance to try on the Joseon navy uniform Tickets: Adults 1,500 won / Teens 1,100 won / Children 500 won the Battle of Hansando Island is commemorated with a lively festival and fireworks while learning about the area’s history Address: Around Admiral Yi Sun-sin park and Hansando Island Hop on the Tongyeong Cable Car at the foot of Mt Mireuksan for a quick nine-minute ride to the top for a panoramic view of the Hallyeo Haesang National Marine Park observatory and photo zones for some great pics Tickets: Adults 17,000 won / Children 13,000 won (Round trip) Enjoy a thrilling adventure in a luge cart visitors can explore four different courses covering 3.8 kms (2.3 miles) the luge is often considered as one destination along with the Tongyeong Cable Car a lift which will shuttle you to the luge departure point Only individuals taller than 110 centimeters can ride the cart alone and children between 85-110 centimeters can ride with a guardian who is over 150 centimeters tall Tickets: 35,000 won for 4 trips / 37,000 won for 5 trips (Discount is available through Naver or with a cable car ticket) This 15-meter-tall tower offers adventure sports experiences There are a total of 96 courses divided into beginner and advanced levels which guarantee fun times for visitors Suit up with safety equipment and explore the tower Do note that the facility has weight restrictions and does not allow visitors below 25 kilos and above 100 kilos on the attractions Tickets: Adults 19,000 won / Teens 17,000 won / Children 12,000 won The ferry tour allows you to explore the battlefields of the Imjin War you can choose a tour course for Jangsado Island Maritime Park renowned for camellia flowers that blossom between January and February You can book a ticket on-site if there is an available seat Booking through Naver offers a discount and don’t forget to bring your ID card Hansando Island: The ferry leaves every hour from 10 a.m Tickets: Adults 14,000-22,000 won / Children 8,000-15,000 won Don’t miss the chance to discover why Tongyeong is called the “Naples of Korea.” The artistic beauty of Tongyeong Bridge and the rainbow-colored coastal night views never fail to impress visitors during the night ferry tour visitors can enjoy fireworks on the cruise as well Passengers must arrive 20 minutes in advance with their ID card Address: The same place as Tongyeong Ferry Tour but the ticket booth is located on the 1st floor Tickets: 25,500 - 30,000 won (Booking through Naver offers 10-20 percent discount) (Note: Schedules may vary based on weather so it is recommended to check the website before visiting) EXPLORING BUSAN’S COASTAL GEMS: GWANGALLI BEACH VS it is a favorite vacation spot thanks to its abundant charm The city boasts two cherished landmark beaches drawing crowds year-round to their shores of soft white sand and pristine blue waters the beaches each have their own distinct appeal but here are all the fun activities you can do at each one Known as a true hotspot beloved by young people Gwangalli Beach has many trendy activities you’ll enjoy Take a stroll on the streets near the beach and stop in at the many trendy cafĂ©s and restaurants These are a haven for visitors seeking the perfect blend of Busan’s ocean views photogenic interiors and delightful treats and cuisine Here are three ocean view spots to check out this is one of the hottest spots among locals for its unique interiors trendy cafes restaurants and fun pop-up stores desserts and a variety of beverages at this stunning cafĂ© This cafĂ© is well-known for its delicious cakes illuminated by the spectacular lights of Gwangan Bridge a 10-minute drone light show adds even more excitement to the stunning view Gwangalli Beach is a year-round marine activity destination water playgrounds and even bubble parties during the summer Surfing and paddle boarding continue until early fall with some places operating yachts even during the winter months Haeundae Beach caters to visitors of all ages the beach remains beloved by all who visit Busan Surrounded by high-rise buildings of Marine City this multi-cultural complex showcases a splendid night view unique to Busan Capturing magical night view photos while enjoying beer and fish & chips at The Bay 101 is a must in Haeundae Take a one-hour yacht tour for panoramic views of Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches like the one you can take from The Bay 101 have yacht tickets that include free water hot packs and fireworks for the night tour Course: The Bay 101➟Dongbackseom Island ➟ Haundae Beach ➟ Gwangan Bridge ➟ Gwangalli Beach ➟ Subyeon Park ➟ Marine City ➟ The Bay 101 Tickets: Day tour 15,000 won / Sunset & Night tour 25,000 won Haeundae Beach hosts a number of popular festivals annually including the Busan International Film Festival Here is the website for more information about festivals in Haeundae enjoy beautiful illuminations alongside the winter sea one of the greatest sand festivals takes place in Haeundae featuring fascinating sand artworks from artists worldwide Dates: May (The specific dates vary every year) THREE COOL ACTIVITIES YOU MUST TRY IN GYEONGJU Tasilla (타싀띌) is a public bicycle service operated by Gyeongju City so you will need to inquire by phone with the staff using Tasilla requires a Korean phone number Gyeongju ​​Scooter Bicycle Rental Shop (êČœìŁŒêł ì†ìŠ€ìż í„° 자전거 ëŒ€ì—Źì ) Check out this bicycle rental shop if you want a quick and simple rental service Various types of bicycles and scooters are available Offering delightful desserts such as tiramisu and a fantastic breakfast including fan cake and French toast at a beautiful traditional house Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a meeting held on the sidelines of the Asian Winter Games opening ceremony at the Taiyangdao Hotel in Harbin Try South KoreaGyeongju combines marvelous blooms with historic tombs and palaces I went to South Korea in search of cherry blossoms which was wearing a thick coat of white and pink to celebrate this most glorious of seasons Japan is well known internationally for its sakura (cherry blossom) season which attracts eager tourists from all over the world as well as locals who dress up for hanami -- the Japanese tradition of getting together to admire these ephemeral blooms and celebrate the change of season Travelers travel to Taean in South Chungcheong by bus with their dogs in June 2023