Gyeongju Hosts APEC: Alley Cinema Opens and Wine & Traditional Liquor Fair to Be Held

A variety of cultural events are taking place in Gyeongju before and after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
First, to commemorate the APEC Summit, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government and Gyeongju-si are presenting the 'Gyeongju Daereungwon Media Art,' which will continue until November 16. This immersive media art content, set against the backdrop of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, offers visitors a glimpse into the glorious moments of the Silla Dynasty.
Additionally, the 'APEC AI·XR Alley Cinema' is drawing attention at key locations in Gyeongju, including Hwangnidan Street, Hwangnam Tombs, and Gyeongju Expo Park. Running until November 2, this alley cinema is an expanded program of the Global AI & Metaverse Film Festival (GAMFF) hosted by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government. It introduces domestic and international visitors to new trends in video art created by AI and XR technology.
There are also spaces and stages that highlight the charm of traditional Korean culture. At the outdoor air dome of the Gyeongju Arts Center, which also serves as the venue for the APEC CEO Summit, the '5 Han Cultural Experience Center' will be open until November 2, offering exhibitions and hands-on activities related to traditional culture, including hanbok, Hangeul, hanji, hanok, and hansik.
During the same period, the outdoor area of the Gyeongju Arts Center will host the 'Cross-Culture Festival,' featuring performances of traditional and fusion Korean music, as well as intangible cultural heritage designated by the nation and Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government. There will also be collaborative stages showcasing the traditional arts of APEC member economies.

Meanwhile, side events organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to coincide with the APEC CEO Summit are also attracting attention. These events expand the summit’s theme, 'A Future Connected by AI,' into the cultural sphere, providing new insights that connect industry, art, technology, and people.
A highlight of the festivities is an art exhibition at Place C Gallery in Gyeongju. Titled 'Fantastic Ordinary,' the exhibition features 34 works—including paintings, sculptures, installations, ceramics, photographs, and media art—by ten leading artists in contemporary Korean art, such as Kimsooja, Kim Chong Hak, and Ha Chong-Hyun.
Lee Ji-yoon, head of SUUM Project and curator of the exhibition, stated, “Within the historic context of APEC being held in Korea for the first time in 20 years, this exhibition demonstrates that culture is the truest form of communication, transcending language and borders.”
Also noteworthy is the wine & traditional liquor fair, held under the concept of 'Taste APEC.' Taking place in the outdoor area of the Gyeongju Arts Center until November 1, the fair presents alcoholic beverages that reflect the history, climate, and culture of 21 member economies, allowing visitors to experience the unique flavors and styles of each country.
jsm64@fnnews.com Jung Soon-min Reporter