For APEC 2025, Gyeongju transforms into a city of light — ancient tombs, palaces, and observatories reborn with digital brilliance, media art, and fireworks that blend millennia of history with a celebration of the future.
As South Korea welcomes global leaders for the APEC 2025 Summit, the ancient city of Gyeongju, once the capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.–935 A.D.), is illuminating its storied past in a spectacular fusion of history and high technology.
For two weeks, this open-air museum has transformed into a living lightscape — blending media art, hanbok fashion, drone performances, and projection mapping that reimagine the glories of ancient Silla for a 21st-century audience. The city has turned its UNESCO-listed landmarks into luminous canvases, transforming quiet heritage zones into vibrant night-time attractions.
Ancient Landmarks Reimagined
Four of Gyeongju’s best-known heritage zones — Woljeong Bridge, Cheomseongdae, Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex, and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond — now glow under a new nightscape initiative curated for APEC week.
At the heart of the spectacle is Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. A mesmerizing projection-mapping show now bathes the stone tower in cosmic imagery inspired by ancient Silla astronomy. The nightly display runs through November 1, offering visitors a poetic intersection of science, mythology, and technology.
Nearby, the Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex glows under soft contour lighting and artistic projections, highlighting the gentle lines of the royal mounds. Visitors can stroll along softly lit pathways where history literally glows beneath their feet. These installations continue nightly until November 16, offering a tranquil contrast to the summit’s excitement.
At Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, the evening illumination enhances the reflection of palace pavilions in still waters, amplifying the site’s legendary serenity. Nearby, the reconstructed Woljeong Bridge, linking the palace district to the southern quarter, shines with ambient light that accentuates its grand wooden architecture.
Fireworks and Drones Over Bomun Lake
The Bomun Tourist Complex, east of central Gyeongju, has become the epicenter of APEC 2025 festivities. The area gleams with new installations — including a 15-meter sculpture inspired by Silla’s founding myth, symbolizing the birth of King Hyeokgeose from a luminous egg.
On October 31 at 8 p.m., Gyeongju’s night sky will erupt in a grand fireworks and drone spectacle by Hanwha Group, featuring 50,000 fireworks and over 2,000 synchronized drones above Bomun Lake Tourist Complex.
The performance celebrates APEC’s theme of harmony and innovation — with lights choreographed to music, forming patterns symbolizing unity across the Pacific.
Prime viewing spots include Hoban Square, the lakeside promenade, and the west and south shores of Bomun Lake, though visitors are advised to arrive early due to crowd and traffic restrictions.
Light trails, new photo zones, and media installations along the lake will remain open until November 2, ensuring visitors can enjoy the experience even after the main show.
Getting There & Getting Around Gyeongju During APEC 2025
With heightened security and large visitor numbers expected, public transport is the most reliable way to reach the Bomun area.
- Bus 700 connects Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal with Bomun Tourist Complex in about 25 minutes.
- Local routes 10, 11, 60, 61, 603–607 also link major attractions like Cheomseongdae and Donggung Palace.
- Taxis are available but may face delays due to road closures.
Visitors can use Korea’s universal transport cards such as T-money or Cashbee for buses and taxis.
For real-time traffic updates, use T Map Mobility, which will display APEC-specific detours and closures.
Travel Tips
- Arrive before sunset to secure good viewing spots and avoid restricted areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes — most illuminated zones are pedestrian-only.
- Bring warm clothing — autumn evenings in Gyeongju can be cool.
- Use public transportation or park outside the restricted zone and walk in.
- Check local schedules for last-bus times if returning after 9 p.m.
- Entry to most light installations, including Cheomseongdae projection mapping, is free.
A City Bridging Eras
Gyeongju’s APEC preparations highlight a broader shift in Korean tourism — showcasing history not just as something to see, but as something to feel through light, art, and technology.
With over 15 billion won invested in infrastructure and creative lighting, the city aims to position itself as a cultural tourism hub long after the summit ends.
Whether you’re a history lover, photographer, or night-scape enthusiast, Gyeongju this autumn offers a breathtaking glimpse of how ancient heritage can shine brighter than ever.
Key Dates:
- APEC 2025 Leaders’ Meeting: Oct 31 – Nov 1
- Cheomseongdae Media Art: through Nov 1
- Woljeong Bridge Fashion & Drone Show: Oct 29 at 6:30 p.m.
- Bomun “Festival of Light” Media Art: through Nov 16
- Hanwha Fireworks & Drone Show: Oct 31, 8–9 p.m.
- Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex Light Installations: through Nov 16
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