Trump receives S.Korea’s highest honor in Gyeongju summit with President Lee
Leaders reaffirm “golden alliance” over fusion dinner featuring U.S. beef ribs and Trump family wine
President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance and pledged to open a new chapter of cooperation during their summit in Gyeongju on October 29. President Trump was presented with Korea’s highest order of merit, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, becoming the first U.S. president ever to receive it. “It’s such a beautiful and precious honor,” Trump said, adding that he wished to “wear it immediately.”
At the official welcoming ceremony held at the National Gyeongju Museum, President Lee greeted Trump wearing a golden tie embossed with Hunminjeongeum (Korean script) patterns. According to the Presidential Office, “The tie was specially crafted to reflect President Trump’s tastes and symbolizes the ‘golden future of the Korea-U.S. alliance.’”
Following the military salute, President Lee personally bestowed the Grand Order of Mugunghwa upon Trump, who expressed deep appreciation and said he hoped for the continued strength of the alliance. Lee also presented Trump with a replica of the Cheonmachong Gold Crown, saying, “Let us open a new era between our nations with the spirit of Silla.” Trump reportedly instructed his staff to display the gift “in the front row of my museum,” calling it “truly special.”
Inside the museum, a display of ‘Trump memorabilia’—including MAGA caps, Korean-translated books authored by the Trumps, a Bible, and photo albums—drew attention. The U.S. president smiled as he instructed his team to take photos of the exhibit.
The luncheon and summit that followed lasted about 87 minutes, featuring a fusion Korean menu made with ingredients from both nations: steamed rice from Gyeongju, Gongju chestnuts, Pyeongchang radish and carrots, Cheonan mushrooms, and braised U.S. short ribs. Dessert included golden tangerines and brownies engraved with the word “PEACE!”
After lunch, the two leaders joined the heads of state from Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, and Singapore for a special leaders’ dinner. Proposing a toast, President Lee said, “To global peace and solidarity among nations.” President Trump responded, “The gold crown was a magnificent work of art. I will never forget this visit.”
The dinner menu featured premium Korean dishes such as Yeongwol black chicken truffle dumplings, Gyeongju hanwoo sirloin, matsutake mushrooms, flatfish, and Jirisan caviar. The main wine was produced by Eric Trump’s winery, adding a personal touch to the evening.
This summit came just 64 days after President Lee’s visit to Washington, marking the shortest interval ever between reciprocal Korea-U.S. summits. Both leaders reaffirmed the “golden Korea-U.S. alliance”, setting the stage for a new chapter in bilateral relations.