Poet Kang Wonseok Visits Gyeongbuk, Dedicates New Poem for APEC Success: "The Spirit of Gyeongbuk Must Open the Path to World Peace"

by Gu Daeseon

Published 07 Sep.2025 09:18(KST)

On September 5, Gyeongbuk Province announced that Kang Wonseok, a renowned lyric poet representing South Korea, visited the provincial office and dedicated his new poem, "In the Heart of Humanity," wishing for the success of the 2025 APEC Summit.

This visit was intended to promote the globally anticipated 2025 APEC Summit from a cultural perspective and to express hopes for peace and prosperity not only on the Korean Peninsula but also across the Asia-Pacific region.

Poet Kang Wonseok (right) visited the Gyeongbuk Provincial Office and dedicated a new poem wishing for the success of APEC, taking a commemorative photo with Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk.

Kang Wonseok is a leading lyric poet who has published numerous bestselling poetry collections. He currently serves as a promotional ambassador for the Korean Red Cross and previously held positions as a promotional ambassador for Gyeongju and as an administrator in the Presidential Office. He has been at the forefront of introducing the cultural value of Gyeongju and Gyeongbuk to the world.

During his meeting with Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk, Kang stated, "The 2025 APEC Summit is not merely a diplomatic event but a historic opportunity to elevate Gyeongbuk and Korea onto the global stage. I completed this work with the hope that the culture of Gyeongju and the spirit of Gyeongbuk will communicate with the world and open a path to peace and hope."

The dedication poem, "In the Heart of Humanity," begins with the line, "The sweat of five thousand years has become a river that flows endlessly," lyrically depicting Korea's long history. The phrase "Stand tall in the world, Republic of Korea" expresses the aspiration for international solidarity and the elevation of Korea's status, which the APEC Summit seeks to achieve.

Meanwhile, Kang also wrote the lyrics for "A Thousand-Year Love," the new song by gugak singer Kim Dahyun. Inspired by the legend of Asadal and Asanyeo, this song serves as a promotional piece for Gyeongju and carries the message of wishing for the successful hosting of APEC.

Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk, stated, "Kang Wonseok's dedication poem and participation in writing lyrics add cultural value to the preparations for APEC and play an important role in developing the summit into an international event involving all residents. Through this event, which merges culture and the arts, we will further elevate the dignity of Gyeongbuk and make it a valuable opportunity to showcase Korea's cultural excellence to the world."

Meanwhile, Gyeongbuk Province is preparing for the 2025 APEC Summit under the theme "A Sustainable Tomorrow We Create Together" and is planning and implementing a variety of cultural programs to effectively convey the sentiments and traditional beauty of Korea to the leaders and delegations of participating countries.