VISUALS: Visitors enjoy taste of Korean culture on sidelines of APEC CEO Summit
By Kim Dong-youngPosted : October 29, 2025, 16:30Updated : October 29, 2025, 16:30
Painting of 'Tiger Under the Pine Tree' by Kwon Jung-soon on display at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 K-Wave Playground, Oct. 29, 2025. AJP Kim Dong-young
GYEONGJU, October 29 (AJP) - The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 officially launched on Wednesday, inviting esteemed business leaders not only from Korea but from across the globe to discuss pressing global agendas together.
Traditional women and men hats on display at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 K-Wave Playground, Oct. 29, 2025. AJP Kim Dong-young
Outside the main hall stands a cultural ground dubbed "K-Wave Playground" for foreign delegates to catch a glimpse of Korean culture during the summit event.
A musician plays the gayageum at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 K-Wave Playground, Oct. 29, 2025. AJP Kim Dong-young
Standing right in front of the entrance, a skilled musician played the gayageum, a traditional zither with twelve strings.
Meanwhile, visitors tried on outfits for Joseon court musicians at the musical instruments booth.
Korean traditional masks 'tal' on display at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 K-Wave Playground , Oct. 29, 2025. AJP Kim Dong-young
"We're quite nervous for this event, but we hope the APEC CEO Summit visitors get to see how Joseon court musicians dressed up," said Shin Ye-won, a 23-year-old volunteer from Goyang.
Colorful indigenous Korean paintings decorated walls of the 'K-Art' booth, pictures drawn both by professionals and amateurs alike.
Hanji, Korean traditional paper, on display at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 K-Wave Playground, Oct. 29, 2025. AJP Kim Dong-young
"It's the traditional 'Mi,' or beauty of our culture that we wish to share, our paintings drawn in modern-day times yet preserving the spirit of our ancestors," said Woo Sook-ja, a manager from the Korean Institute for Minhwa Research, as she pointed at the vibrant colors on the drawings.
A full-spin photo and video station had staff helping guests change into hanbok, traditional Korean wear.
Traditional Korean drinks and dishes on display at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 K-Wave Playground, Oct. 29, 2025. AJP Kim Dong-young
"So many enjoyed hanbok, especially the ones we prepared that resemble those of Saja Boys from K-pop Demon Hunters," said Moon Yu-jin, a 25-year-old student participating as a volunteer.
In hemisphere-shaped domes, other aspects of traditional Korean culture including hanji, traditional foods, and liquor were also on display.
Painting of 'Books and Longevity Animals' by Hwang Sook-hee on display at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 K-Wave Playground, Oct. 29. 2025. AJP Kim Dong-young