GYEONGJU, South Korea — First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined the spouses of Asia-Pacific leaders on a cultural tour of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on Friday as part of the APEC 2025 Leaders’ Spouses Program hosted by South Korean First Lady Kim Hea Kyung.

The program highlighted Korea’s cultural heritage and was aimed at promoting friendship and understanding among the spouses of the visiting world leaders.

Mrs. Marcos, along with her counterparts from Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, visited the historic Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Silla Kingdom.

South Korea’s First Lady Kim welcomed the group, which included Lin Wen-hsuan, daughter of Taiwan’s senior presidential adviser Lin Hsin-i. At the temple grounds, Kim presented each guest with a bokjumeoni — a traditional Korean fortune pouch symbolizing good luck and harmony.

Holy voyage

The delegation toured the temple complex, including the Cheongungyo and Baegyungyo bridges, regarded as masterpieces of Silla-era architecture.

Monks from Bulguksa guided the group through the temple’s courtyards, explaining the symbolism behind its pagodas and stone structures.

The guests also participated in traditional Korean activities, such as making dasik (tea cookies) and joining a formal tea ceremony — experiences that reflected Korean hospitality and craftsmanship.

Following the temple visit, Mrs. Marcos and the others attended a luncheon featuring Korean cuisine, a hanbok fashion showcase, and an art exhibition dedicated to the late Korean-American artist Paik Nam-june.

South Korea’s presidential office said the program was designed to “connect diverse cultures and values through shared experiences,” underscoring the summit’s broader theme of unity and cooperation among APEC member economies.