Gyeongju:Seoul South Korea is set to host the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju in 2025. The summit aims to bring together leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to explore strategies for enhancing resilience and stimulating growth amidst ongoing global trade uncertainties.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the event is part of a series of significant occurrences in Korean history. For instance, on October 31, 1883, Korea's first modern newspaper, the Hanseong Sunbo, began publication. Additionally, landmark events such as the visit of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson to South Korea in 1966, and the development of the world's first 1-gigabit DRAM chip by Samsung Electronics in 1996, highlight the country's historical milestones.
In recent years, South Korea has been actively involved in international cooperation and development. Notably, in 2013, the country was reelected as a member of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council. Furthermore, South Korea played a pivotal role in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games, receiving the Olympic flame in a ceremony held in Athens in 2017.
Meanwhile, North Korea's military activities continue to draw international attention. In 2024, North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on a lofted trajectory toward the East Sea, as reported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). This development underscores the ongoing tension and security concerns in the region.
As South Korea prepares to host the APEC summit, the focus will be on fostering collaboration and addressing economic challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing the country's commitment to global economic stability and growth.