[Gyeongju] Gyeongju Bomun Tourist Complex, South Korea’s first designated tourist district, is transforming into a symbolic landmark for Asia-Pacific tourism cooperation. On the 12th, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO) held an unveiling ceremony for the "PATA Commemorative Small Garden" at Mullebang-a (Waterwheel) Square, solidifying its status as a hub for international tourism networks.
A Symbolic Space Bridging History and the Future
The ceremony was organized to commemorate the hosting of the 75th PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Annual Summit in Gyeongju. The event was attended by approximately 10 key domestic and international dignitaries, including GCTO President Kim Nam-il and the newly elected PATA Chair Oh Chang-hee, who made history as the first Korean to hold the position.
With this unveiling, the former Waterwheel Square has been officially renamed "PATA Small Garden." Beyond serving as a rest area, the garden is slated to function as a multifunctional space providing PATA-related information and integrated tourism content.
From the Ties of 1979 to the Leap of 2026
A commemorative plaque installed within the garden details the deep historical connection between the Bomun Tourist Complex and PATA. It highlights that the complex originally opened following a PATA workshop in 1979. Now, by hosting the 2026 PATA Summit nearly half a century later, it underscores Gyeongju's continued role as the heart of Asia-Pacific tourism exchange.
The landscaping of the garden was also thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of cooperation. By harmoniously planting diverse species such as Blue Angel, Dwarf Sacred Bamboo, and Golden Euonymus—each possessing distinct colors and characteristics—the garden visually represents PATA’s core values of "harmony" and "mutual prosperity."
Vision as a Global Tourism Hub
In his congratulatory speech, President Kim Nam-il stated, "The PATA Small Garden will serve as a milestone indicating that the Bomun Complex is a hub for the international MICE industry. We will continue to develop the Bomun Tourist Complex into a world-class tourism destination through close collaboration with global networks."
The new PATA Chair, Oh Chang-hee, responded by saying, "Gyeongju’s rich historical and cultural resources combined with the infrastructure of the Bomun Complex hold immense potential as an international tourism city. I hope this garden becomes a living symbol of tourism exchange in the Asia-Pacific region."
Meanwhile, the 2026 PATA Annual Summit, which opened on the 11th under the theme "Navigating Towards a Resilient Future," will continue until the 13th. Approximately 500 global tourism leaders from 35 countries are gathered to discuss the present and future of the Asia-Pacific tourism industry.
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