SK Innovation will provide hydrogen-powered shuttle buses to support the successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ events in Gyeongju, the company announced.
From October 28 to 31, SK Innovation is supplying 20 hydrogen buses to serve participants of the APEC CEO Summit 2025, held at the Gyeongju Arts Center. The APEC CEO Summit, organized as part of the APEC leaders’ meetings, is the region’s largest annual business forum and will draw about 1,000 attendees including global corporate CEOs, academics and government delegations to discuss major economic issues and future strategies.
During the event, SK Innovation will operate hydrogen shuttle services between Gyeongju and nearby cities in the Gyeongsang region — including Busan and Pohang — to facilitate transport to and from the Gyeongju Arts Center.
SK Innovation, which has been expanding domestic hydrogen mobility supply through liquefied hydrogen production and refueling operations, said the shuttle contribution aims to showcase Korea’s hydrogen mobility ecosystem to international participants. Delegates will experience the environmental benefits of hydrogen buses — zero pollutant emissions, quiet operation and smooth ride — while the vehicles will carry APEC CEO Summit wrap advertising to promote the event across Gyeongju and neighboring cities.
Hydrogen buses emit no carbon dioxide or other air pollutants during operation and can help improve local air quality by reducing fine dust. They also charge faster and offer longer range per refueling than many electric buses, making them well suited for long-distance routes. Converting high-frequency, high-fuel-use buses to hydrogen vehicles can yield significant greenhouse gas reductions.
SK Innovation completed its Incheon liquefied-hydrogen plant in May last year and is working with local governments and transport operators to supply hydrogen reliably through nationwide liquefied-hydrogen refueling stations, positioning itself as a leader in building a hydrogen mobility ecosystem.
Additionally, SK Innovation will host an “Asia Pacific Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Connect” session at the APEC CEO Summit on October 31, organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The session will discuss the future of the global LNG industry and bring together executives and experts from SK and 10 companies across six Asia-Pacific countries to explore pathways to sustainability.
An SK Innovation spokesperson said the company hopes its support will help ensure a successful APEC gathering and provide an opportunity to demonstrate the environmental advantages and strengths of South Korea’s hydrogen mobility ecosystem to visiting global leaders.
