Gyeongju mayor vows to build on APEC legacy with tourism push, advanced industries

"We will use last year's APEC summit as a new engine of urban growth, ushering in a post-APEC era and transforming Gyeongju into one of the world's top 10 tourist destinations, a hub for Korea's nuclear energy industry, and a city built around future mobility and AI — a Gyeongju where citizens can be truly happy."

Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-young laid out his vision for his third term in an interview with The Herald Business on Monday, saying his most important goal over the next four years is "to build a city that people come to, stay in, and want to return to."

Ju, who became the first mayor in Gyeongju's history to win a third consecutive term, said he spent the past month reviewing key issues and the local economy while focusing on securing national government funding and communicating with residents. "I will build a city model where tourism and advanced industries coexist, and prepare Gyeongju for the next 100 years," he said.

The following is an edited transcript of the interview.

— What is the top policy priority for Gyeongju under your third term?

▶ Our vision is "a city that holds history and embraces the future," and we are building urban competitiveness on two pillars: tourism and future industries. We are pursuing eight strategic goals — including becoming one of the world's top 10 tourist destinations, capitalizing on post-APEC momentum, establishing a K-nuclear energy innovation cluster, and nurturing the future mobility sector — all aimed at sustained growth, livelihood stability and balanced regional development.

— What are the specific targets for tourism?

▶ Last year, about 51 million tourists visited Gyeongju, including about 1.38 million foreign visitors. The upward trend in foreign tourist arrivals is continuing this year. We need to move beyond simply increasing visitor numbers and transform into a "stay-and-experience tourism city." We will link historical and cultural tourism, marine tourism and the international conference industry so that visitors stay longer and spend more in Gyeongju.

— How will you strengthen Gyeongju's competitiveness in historical and cultural tourism?

▶ We will press ahead with the restoration of core Silla royal capital heritage sites, the reconstruction of the Gyeongju Eupseong fortress walls, and the sanctification project for King Munmu's underwater tomb. We will also expand historical and cultural content, including a memorial hall for scholar Choe Chi-won and the restoration of the birthplace of Donghak leader Choe Si-hyeong. By linking the Gampo marine leisure tourism hub, the East Sea national trail and the fishing village revitalization project, we will develop the East Sea coast into a new tourism growth corridor.

— How do you plan to leverage last year's APEC summit as a driver of Gyeongju's future growth?

▶ APEC was a historic turning point that raised Gyeongju's international profile. What matters now is not just that we hosted a successful event, but that we translate that into lasting urban competitiveness. Anchored on the three themes of cultural APEC, economic APEC and peace APEC, we will build an APEC memorial hall and commemorative forest and regularize the World Gyeongju Forum. Through a major renovation of the Bomun Tourism Complex, the construction of an APEC international conference center, and the establishment of a Korean Peninsula Unification Future Center in the southern region, we will create a global platform where international conferences, culture, tourism and the economy reinforce one another.

— Is nuclear power the centerpiece of Gyeongju's future industry strategy?

▶ It is. Gyeongju has the foundation to connect nuclear industry research and development, workforce training and corporate attraction all in one place. We will continue pursuing the siting of an innovative small modular reactor (i-SMR) and build a K-nuclear innovation cluster by linking the second phase of the Munmu the Great Science Research Institute, an SMR national industrial complex and a global nuclear joint campus. We will also advance the heavy-water reactor decommissioning technology institute and a performance expansion project for the proton accelerator research center, creating an industrial ecosystem that spans nuclear plant operation, decommissioning and research and development.

— What are your plans for nurturing the future mobility and AI industries?

▶ The goal is to transition the existing auto-parts industry toward future mobility. We will create a future mobility industrial belt by linking the Angang RE100 e-mobility dedicated industrial complex, the Oedon future vehicle materials, parts and equipment specialized complex, and the Geoncheon free economic zone. We will attract AI data centers and establish a one-stop corporate support service, and create a contract-based future mobility department in partnership with local universities to train the talent companies need right here in the region. By increasing corporate investment and quality jobs, we will build an industrial base that gives young people a reason to stay.

— Alongside industrial development, retaining young people is also a key challenge.

▶ A city where young people do not stay cannot build a sustainable future. We will expand youth housing support and startup and employment assistance, and work to invigorate youth culture. Creating an environment where young people can study, work and live stably in Gyeongju is essential. In rural and fishing communities, we will expand smart agriculture, improve living conditions and increase support for foreign seasonal workers. In urban areas, we will build out cultural and sports facilities and everyday infrastructure. We will also reorganize regional transportation networks and urban spaces to promote balanced development across all areas.

— What kind of Gyeongju do you want to build for residents through your third term?

▶ Tourism alone cannot guarantee sustainable growth. Advanced industries and quality jobs must grow together before young people return and companies invest. Gyeongju has an unrivaled asset in its millennium of history and culture, and at the same time has the foundation to nurture advanced industries such as nuclear energy and future mobility. We will create a new urban development model where historical culture and advanced industry are in harmony, and lead balanced national development. We will also actively leverage the elevated international standing that APEC brought us. We will open an era of 60 million tourists and rise to become one of the world's top 10 tourist destinations, while growing future industries and youth employment to deliver the livelihood stability that residents can feel.

— Is there a final message you would like to share with residents?

▶ I believe citizens chose a third-term mayor because they want Gyeongju to take another leap forward. I will not lose sight of my original commitment, find answers on the ground and prepare the next 100 years of Gyeongju together with residents. The third elected term is an important starting point for opening a new future for Gyeongju. It is something I can never achieve alone. The participation and trust of our citizens is the greatest strength I have. I will keep my original commitment, focus solely on the people and run hard. I will always be out in the community alongside residents, and I will make a greater, happier Gyeongju — without fail.