The hosting of the 2025 APEC Summit has become a historic turning point for Gyeongju. The economic ripple effect is estimated at approximately KRW 7.4 trillion, and Gyeongju City has set goals to transform into an 'international trade hub city' and achieve the '60 million tourists era' through this opportunity.
The impact on the real estate market is direct. APEC infrastructure investments have significantly improved roads, hotels, and convention facilities, driving up the value of commercial and hospitality real estate. Enhanced international convention hosting capabilities have created a foundation for the MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) industry.
Industrial real estate is also significantly affected indirectly. Rising international recognition is activating foreign investment in Gyeongju, and the formation of international business networks is opening new market access opportunities for export-based manufacturers.
The tourism-industrial convergence model is particularly noteworthy. Gyeongju is a tourist city visited by tens of millions annually, while simultaneously serving as a manufacturing hub for nuclear power, automotive, and machinery industries. After APEC, a unique Gyeongju economic model combining 'culture + industry + tourism' is taking shape.
The implications for investors are clear. First, the profitability of Gyeongju commercial real estate (hotels, retail, F&B) is improving. Second, as demand for tourism-related manufacturing (souvenirs, food processing, experience products) increases, demand for related factory sites is also rising. Third, new markets for MICE industry support facilities (logistics, catering, event equipment) are opening up.
Gyeongju's transformation into an international city has just begun. Now, before real estate prices fully reflect this transformation, may be the optimal investment timing. However, it's essential to verify Gyeongju's unique regulations, such as cultural heritage protection zones, in advance.
Expert Review
This article was reviewed by Sangyun Lee, Chairman of Yeongnam Startup Consulting.
Every real estate insight published on this site is reviewed before publication by Sangyun Lee, who has worked in real estate permitting in Gyeongju and Gyeongsangbuk-do for more than 20 years. Last reviewed on April 20, 2026.
Education
- Seoul National University Advanced Industrial Strategy Program (45th)
- Uiduk University Ph.D. in Business Administration
- Dongguk University M.A. in Public Administration (Local Autonomy)
- Konkuk University Graduate School of Real Estate
Public Appointments
- Advisory Member, National Unification Advisory Council · Office of the President, Republic of Korea
- Member, Gyeongsangbuk-do Regulatory Reform Council · Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
- Investment Attraction Advisor · Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
- Steering Committee Member, Gyeongbuk Policy Research Institute · Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
- Member, Ministry of Justice Beopsarang Committee · Ministry of Justice
- Member, Crime Prevention Committee · Ministry of Justice
- Member, Gyeongju Election Commission · Gyeongju City
Industry & Academic Roles
- Chairman, Gyeongju Gangdong Industrial Complex · Gyeongju City
- Chairman, Gyeongju Regional Development Council · Gyeongju City
- Adjunct Professor · Dongguk University
- President, SNU AIP 45th Alumni Association · Seoul National University
- President, Korea University Sports Federation · National
- President, Gyeongju Middle & High School Alumni Association · Gyeongju City
https://isanggroup.com/en/chairman
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