South Korea: South Korea gave a grand welcome to US President Donald Trump, presenting him with the nation’s highest decoration, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, and a replica of a gold crown from the ancient Silla kingdom.
Trump arrived in South Korea on the final stop of his Asian tour, following visits to Malaysia and Japan. His trip is expected to focus on trade discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
As Air Force One entered South Korean airspace, it was escorted by South Korean and US fighter jets. On arrival, a military band greeted Trump with a rendition of ‘YMCA, and a gun salute was fired at the airport.
President Donald J. Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung participate in the arrival ceremony at the Gyeongju National Museum in South Korea as the Star-Spangled Banner plays. 🇺🇸🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/BJzRpMq3hQ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 29, 2025
Highest Honour for ‘Peacemaker Efforts ‘
President Lee’s office said Trump received the Grand Order of Mugunghwa in recognition of his efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. The order, named after South Korea’s national flower, the hibiscus, has traditionally been reserved for heads of state and distinguished figures.
“I’d like to wear it right now,” Trump said when presented with the medal, according to officials. He is the first US president to receive the award.
During his presidency, Trump held a series of summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, seeking to reduce tensions and encourage denuclearisation. Those talks later stalled, but on Wednesday, Trump again expressed willingness to meet Kim, though Pyongyang has yet to respond.
President Trump Participates in a High Honor Presentation https://t.co/EP8R7TJHrb
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 29, 2025
Crown Symbolises Peace and Partnership
The meeting took place in Gyeongju, the historic former capital of the Silla dynasty, known for its royal tombs and ancient palaces. President Lee presented Trump with a replica of the golden Cheonmachong crown, discovered in a royal tomb in the city.
Officials said the gift symbolised both the Silla kingdom’s long era of stability and a new chapter of peaceful coexistence and shared growth between South Korea and the United States.
At a working lunch, the menu included Thousand Island salad dressing, described by Lee’s office as a tribute to Trump’s New York background, along with a selection of Korean dishes according to the president’s tastes.
President Lee Jae Myung gifts @POTUS a Cheonmachong gold crown on his visit to South Korea 🇺🇸🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/bxyMibIhGJ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 29, 2025
Ahead of the APEC Summit
Trump’s visit comes just days before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit. Although he is not staying for the main summit, Trump is attending a dinner with the leaders of Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, and Singapore.
Diplomatic sources said some of those leaders adjusted their schedules to meet Trump before the official proceedings. The choice of Gyeongju, rather than Seoul, created logistical challenges for foreign delegations, with limited accommodation and meeting venues.
