PHOTOS: As APEC opens in Gyeongju, Seoul feels the buzz

광화문 광장 앞 APEC 홍보 전광판, AJP Yoo Na-hyun — An APEC promotional video is shown on the electronic billboard in front of Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, Oct. 27, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - As the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit opened on Monday in Gyeongju, national attention has fixed on the gathering of world leaders. Though Gyeongju sits some 230 kilometers southeast of Seoul, the capital is equally swept up in the APEC fervor.

Excitement over the high-profile event has spread across the country, with banners and displays promoting APEC visible throughout Seoul.

At major landmarks such as Seoul Station and the Gwanghwamun area — frequented by foreign visitors — the atmosphere is charged with anticipation for the summit and its potential to elevate South Korea’s role on the global stage.

서울 중구 상공회의소 앞 APEC 개최 안내. AJP Yoo Na-hyun — APEC promotional billboards are installed in front of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Jung-gu, Seoul, Oct. 27, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

서울역 대합실 APEC 홍보 모습 AJP Yoo Na-hyun — APEC promotional posters displayed in the lobby of Seoul Station, Oct. 27, 2025/ AJP Yoo Na-hyun

서울역 대합실 APEC 홍보 영상 AJP Yoo Na-hyun — An APEC promotional video is shown on the electronic billboard at Seoul Station, Oct. 27, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

광화문 광장 앞 APEC 홍보 영상 AJP Yoo Na-hyun — An APEC promotional video is shown on the electronic billboard in front of Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, Oct. 27, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

상단외교부 건물 앞 APEC 홍보 배너 하단서울정부청사 앞 APEC 홍보 배너 AJP Yoo Na-hyun — APEC promotional banners hanging on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building (top photo) and the Seoul Government Complex building, Oct. 27, 2025/ AJP Yoo Na-hyun

Yoo Na-hyun shooting@ajupress.com