Gyeongju Smart Media Center (Director Kim Jang-ju) said roughly 300 people joined the two legs of its experiential smart tourism program, "The City Where Kings Live: 2026 Gyeongju Run Trip," which wrapped up to great acclaim.
The Gyeongju Smart Media Center (Foundation), led by Director Kim Jang-ju, reported that about 300 participants took part across the first and second events, and that the program concluded successfully.
The event was split into two routes: the second course, held on the 12th, focused on downtown Gyeongju and areas adjacent to cultural-heritage sites, while the first course, held on the 28th of last month, covered the Bomun district. The itinerary was designed so participants could enjoy Gyeongju’s spring scenery while experiencing its historical and cultural assets alongside smart tourism content.
Organizers divided the experience into two routes: the second, on the 12th, covered the city center and stretches near cultural sites, and the first, on the 28th of last month, explored the Bomun area. Both routes let participants soak in spring landscapes, historic landmarks, and hands-on smart-tourism features.
The event drew diverse groups—individuals, families, coworkers, and running clubs—adding lively energy to the atmosphere. On-site programming also included XR mobility-bus demonstrations, cultural-heritage quizzes, and local food-tasting sessions.
From solo travelers to families and running groups, attendees helped create a vibrant vibe. Organizers offered XR mobility-bus experiences, heritage quizzes, and chances to sample regional specialties.
Notably, the event was part of the POST APEC program, which transformed the global attention Gyeongju received from hosting the APEC summit into interactive tourism content. The initiative showcased the city as a modern smart-tourism destination that encourages longer stays and active participation.
The program leveraged Gyeongju’s heightened international profile after the APEC summit to develop participatory tourism content under the POST APEC banner, reflecting the city’s evolution as a contemporary stay-and-engage smart-tourism hub.
Kim Jang-ju, director of the Gyeongju Smart Media Center, said the two Run Trip events allowed participants to vividly experience Gyeongju’s history, tourism offerings, and the meaning of POST APEC in a hands-on way.
He added that the center will continue expanding experiential content that combines cultural heritage, information and communications technology (ICT), and citizen participation.
