列国鉴丨记者观察：庆州，“最能代表韩国的城市”

Core Points - The APEC 32nd Leaders' Informal Meeting will be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 31 to November 1, aiming to enhance diplomatic, economic, and cultural influence [1] - Gyeongju, known as the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, is rich in historical and cultural heritage, making it a representative city of Korea [1][2] Summary by Sections APEC Meeting - The South Korean government aims to use the APEC meeting to promote internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises and encourage balanced regional development [1] - Gyeongju was selected for its historical significance and modern conference facilities, reflecting Korea's cultural identity [5] Historical Significance of Gyeongju - Gyeongju served as the capital of the Silla Dynasty from 57 BC to 935 AD, integrating cultural elements from the Tang Dynasty and fostering a unique cultural identity [2] - The city is recognized as a key site for East Asian cultural exchange, having facilitated interactions with the Tang Dynasty and Japan [2] Cultural Heritage - Gyeongju is referred to as a "rooftop-less museum," housing UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, showcasing the pinnacle of Silla-era Buddhist architecture [3] - The city has successfully blended traditional and modern elements, becoming a popular destination for cultural events and tourism [3] Economic Impact - The APEC meeting is expected to generate approximately 7.4 trillion KRW (about 367 billion RMB) in economic benefits and create around 23,000 jobs [9] - The event will host over 200 activities, attracting around 24,000 political and economic figures to South Korea [9] - Gyeongju aims to leverage the meeting to boost tourism, enhance international business exchanges, and promote advanced industries [9]