Following the conclusion of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu shared breakfast with the Gyeongju mayor, congratulating the city on its successful hosting of the summit before his departure.
In a social media post on Sunday (Nov 2), the city leader noted that Gyeongju, the former capital and trade center of the Silla Dynasty, is renowned as a "museum without a roof."
He shared that he and his team had visited the Gyeongju National Museum to explore the thousand-year-old city's history through its artifacts.
Concluding the visit, Lee noted they headed to the Gyeongju Jungang Market to experience the local atmosphere, where they subsequently had breakfast with the mayor of Gyeongju Joo Nakyoung.
He highlighted this year's APEC logo—a flying butterfly symbolizing the ancient city's open arms—aligned with his metaphor for Hong Kong's past year: "breaking through the cocoon and transforming into a butterfly," a description he offered in his third anniversary video.
In an era of rapid development driven by artificial intelligence and innovative technology, Lee emphasized the importance of courage in breaking through challenges to transition from the old to the new, from history to the future, and from stability to prosperity.
Looking ahead, he expressed anticipation for next year's APEC meeting hosted by Shenzhen, foreseeing a gathering where economies would converge in a more connected, innovative, and prosperous spirit.
