Gyeongju hotels upgrade to host 20,000 APEC delegates

Hotels in Gyeongju are racing to finalize preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, set to draw about 20,000 participants — including leaders, delegations from 21 member economies and business executives — from Oct. 28 to 31.

Twelve major hotel chains have completed full renovations, adding 35 presidential suites and bringing the total number of standard guest rooms to roughly 13,000, according to industry officials. Guesthouses and resorts in the area have also upgraded services to meet international standards.

Lahan Select Gyeongju, one of two five-star hotels in the Bomun Tourist Complex, has unveiled two presidential suites — the 290-square-meter “East” and 182-square-meter “West” — modeled after Imhaejeon, a royal villa of the Silla dynasty.

The hotel, which is reportedly set to host the Japanese delegations, will also hold the summit’s gala dinner on Tuesday.

“We are preparing every detail to the highest standard so that world leaders can experience truly exceptional service,” said Hyun Young-seok, general manager at Lahan Select. “We will do our utmost until the very end to ensure that the summit helps enhance the value of the region.”

Sono Hospitality Group invested 170 billion won ($119 million) in a yearlong renovation of Sono Calm Gyeongju. The top-floor banquet hall was converted into three presidential suites, with one featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking Bomun Lake.

Sono Calm Gyeongju in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Sono International

“For the APEC summit, we have selected veteran staff members from 20 properties to provide top-tier service,” said Jeong Jong-hun, executive director of eastern Korea at Sono International.

Hilton Gyeongju, the oldest five-star hotel in the city, is reportedly set to host the American delegation, including U.S. President Donald Trump. The hotel has updated its presidential suites and banquet halls and developed menus highlighting Korean cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.

Kolon Hotel Gyeongju, said to be designated for the Chinese delegation, recently added two presidential suites. The hotel is located near Bulguk Temple, about 7.5 kilometers from the summit venue. Chinese President Xi Jinping was initially scheduled to stay at the Shilla Seoul, but the reservation was reportedly canceled.

With lodging in Gyeongju nearing full capacity, business delegates are being diverted to nearby cities including Busan and Ulsan.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry plans to dock two cruise ships at Pohang Yeongilman Port — one 70,000-ton vessel with 850 rooms and a second 26,000-ton vessel with 250 rooms — to serve as temporary accommodations.