As South Korea prepares to host the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Friday to Saturday, the host city of Gyeongju is putting its best foot forward, melding its rich cultural heritage with warm hospitality to welcome dignitaries from across the region.
As an ancient capital, Gyeongju has long stood at the crossroads of history, culture, and diplomacy. Now, as the host of one of this year's most significant multilateral gatherings, it is showcasing its unique ability to blend tradition with modern engagement.
Across the city, final preparations are underway. Volunteers have been mobilized, streets adorned with APEC signs, and historic sites spotlighted as symbols of South Korea's enduring cultural legacy.
"During the APEC summit, many visitors from overseas will be coming, and I hope they get to experience Gyeongju's beautiful cultural heritage and the unique charm of South Korea," said Jung Hye-eun, a volunteer.
The excitement is palpable not only in official circles, but also in everyday life. At the Seongdong Market, one of Gyeongju's most beloved traditional markets, vendors reported a surge in foot traffic.
"A lot of people have been visiting lately, and the traditional market here has been doing really well. We're seeing more customers, and it's great to welcome so many visitors from abroad," said Kim Ki-nam, a vendor at the market.
Residents share a deep sense of pride as their city steps onto the global stage once again.
"This is a tourist city, so people from all over the world come here. There's so much to see, and the night scenery these days is especially beautiful," said Lee Dong-soo, a local resident.
From ancient temples to bustling markets, Gyeongju offers not only a venue for high-level talks, but also a living portrait of South Korea's identity, community life, and cultural heritage.
South Korea's Gyeongju gears up for upcoming APEC leaders' summit
China's securities regulator has pledged to prioritize market stability and resolutely prevent sharp fluctuations as a core objective for 2026, aiming to consolidate sound development of the capital market.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) made the commitment at its annual work conference on Thursday, where the regulator reviewed the past year's performance and outlined key tasks for 2026.
In 2025, listed companies distributed a combined total of 2.68 trillion yuan (about 380 billion U.S. dollars) in cash dividends and share buybacks throughout the year, further consolidating the momentum for high-quality development.
Initial public offerings (IPOs) and follow-on offerings reached a combined 1.26 trillion yuan, while the exchange bond market issued various bonds totaling 16.3 trillion yuan.
Eighteen futures and options products were smoothly listed, demonstrating the robust functioning of the multi-tiered capital market.
The meeting emphasized that while the capital market currently shows stable and sound performance, it still faces complex and severe challenges posed by intertwined domestic and external risks as well as the overlapping of persisting and emerging issues.
Efforts will be made to effectively enhance the intrinsic stability of the market, the CSRC said, adding that it will rigorously investigate and punish excessive speculation, market manipulation, and other illegal activities to prevent sharp market fluctuations.
It will work to foster a market ecosystem where "long-term capital engages in long-term investment," the regulator said, pledging efforts to broaden the channels for medium and long-term capital inflows, introduce various products and risk management tools suited to long-term investment, and actively guide long-term, rational and value-based investment.
It also vowed to enhance the inclusiveness and adaptability of the multi-tiered equity market, crack down on illegal activities such as financial fraud, price manipulation and insider trading, and enhance corporate governance among listed firms.
The CSRC will advance the two-way opening up of the capital market in 2026.
Efforts will be made to expedite the implementation of the optimized Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor scheme, expand the scope of futures products accessible to foreign investors, and enhance the facilitation of cross-border investment and financing, the regulator said.
China's securities regulator stresses market stability in 2026 work plan
China's securities regulator stresses market stability in 2026 work plan
