Trump receives South Korea’s highest state honor
U.S. President Donald Trump was awarded South Korea’s highest state decoration, the “Grand Order of Mugunghwa,” by President Lee Jae Myung during the Seoul leg of his Asia tour.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea, the third stop of his Asia tour, after completing his diplomatic meetings in Japan. His plane landed at Gimhae International Airport in Busan around 11:30 a.m. local time, where he was welcomed with full military honors by South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Ambassador Kang Kyung-hwa. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, the highest level of protocol reserved for visiting heads of state.
Honored with South Korea’s top decoration
Trump then traveled by Marine One helicopter to the city of Gyeongju, where he was received by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. At the Gyeongju National Museum, Trump signed the guest book before being presented with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest national honor.
President Lee praised Trump’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, saying, “This award symbolizes the friendship and gratitude of the Korean people.”
Presented with replica of historic golden crown
In addition to the state order, Trump received a replica of the Cheonmachong Golden Crown, a historical artifact symbolizing Korea’s royal heritage. Expressing his appreciation, Trump emphasized that the U.S.–South Korea alliance was “stronger than ever” and “headed toward a bright and secure future.”
Bilateral talks follow the ceremony
Following the ceremony, Trump and Lee Jae Myung began a bilateral meeting expected to cover a wide range of issues, including economic and defense cooperation, regional security amid North Korea’s missile activities, and the expansion of the U.S.–South Korea trade agreement.
