Security In Gyeongju Tightened Ahead Of APEC 2025 Summit

Security ahead of the APEC 2025 Summit. (Source: APEC 2025 Korea)

JAKARTA - South Korean authorities have tightened security in Gyeongju, ahead of this weekend's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) Summit, with the deployment of massive troops to protect the leaders and delegations of the country to international organizations.

After last Friday's alert level was raised to "alert", the status was upgraded to "warning" in Gyeongju and surrounding areas, Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, as well as North and South Gyeongsang provinces from Tuesday to Saturday this week.

As leaders from 21 member states prepare to arrive, police in North Gyeongsang Province issued a highest-level security alert on Tuesday, allowing the mobilization of all available personnel.

Up to 19,000 officers will be deployed across Gyeongju every day during APEC meetings to keep the city safe, quoted from The Korea Times October 29.

Di pusat peningkatan keamanan ini adalah Kompleks Wisata Bomun, sekitar 15 menit berk driving dari pusat kota Gyeongju. Di sana terdapat Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), tempat utama Pertemuan Pemimpin Ekonomi APEC, serta beberapa hotel yang menampung para pemimpin yang berkunjungan.

Since Sunday, security in this city has been tightened. Security glasses have been installed around the building and steel barriers lined up along the sidewalks.

The restricted route makes many areas prohibited, forcing pedestrians to take long turns along routes that usually only take a few minutes. Even bus stops have been fenced off, leaving only a narrow gap for passengers to climb and descend.

Airport-style checkpoints were established in front of HICO and the International Media Center, where uniformed officers carry out strict checks. Wireless earphone boxes, snacks and business card wallets do not escape examination.

Security has also been tightened in hotels where world leaders are reportedly staying. Vehicle inspection warnings have been installed, and large screens are installed at the main entrance to hinder public view during arrivals and departures.

At Hilton Gyeongju near HICO, where the US delegation is expected to stay, likely including President Donald Trump after his arrival here on Wednesday, the area was filled with black SUVs and security personnel. The workers lowered what appeared to be a window panel from the truck and put up a protective structure in front of the main entrance.

Starting Tuesday, APEC accreditation badges are not required to enter the hotel lobby, but are expected to be mandatory from Wednesday. Vehicle registration is likely to also be mandatory," an officer at the hotel told The Korea Times.

Sources familiar with the APEC summit told The Korea Times that only one or two officials in the country have access to integrated information from all government ministries, including the latest updates on security measures related to the arrival times of world leaders.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Security Agency (PSS) stated that it had carried out the last field exercises last Saturday and Monday in Gyeongju and Busan.

The main agencies - including the National Intelligence Agency, military and police - joined forces to test coordination and simulate scenarios to ensure the safety of the movement of world leaders.

"We have completed the final examination of all APEC safety and security measures through this training," said PSS Head Hwang In-kwon.

"During the summit, we will ensure the perfect protection to help make the event a success," he said.