The authorities have been scrambling to accommodate this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju, which is known for tombs, temples and pagodas.

Cho's country, which is hosting APEC for the first time in two decades, is playing a mediating role to ensure the summit ends with agreement on the Gyeongju Declaration. Analysts say that some disagreements between the U.S. and other member economies over multilateralism in trade are possible.

A high-profile Columbus delegation is in South Korea this week as the city officially entered into a sister city agreement with Jinju. The partnership aims to strengthen cultural, educational and business ties between the two communities.

South Korea is hosting leaders from major Pacific Rim economies, including the U.S., China, and Japan, for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

As the shutdown stalemate continues in the US, President Donald Trump is in South Korea during his Asia diplomacy tour, where he’s set to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Follow for live updates