[Gyeongju APEC] Trump Becomes First U.S. President to Receive Mugunghwa Order of Civil Merit: "I Want to Wear It Right Away"

President Lee Presents Cheonmachong Gold Crown Replica
Gift Chosen with President Trump's Fondness for Gold in Mind
Lee: "Please Open a New Era for the Korean Peninsula"

On October 29, President Lee Jaemyung awarded U.S. President Donald Trump, who visited Korea to attend the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the highest order of merit in Korea, and presented him with a model of the Cheonmachong Gold Crown, a symbol of Gyeongju. President Trump responded, "It is very beautiful. I will cherish it."

President Lee Jae-myung is shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump after awarding him the Grand Order of Mugunghwa at the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongbuk on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News

That afternoon, President Lee welcomed President Trump, who had just delivered a special address at the APEC CEO Summit, at the Cheonnyeonmiso Hall of the Gyeongju National Museum. Wearing a golden tie, President Lee greeted President Trump with a smile, shaking hands and exchanging words as they were led and escorted by a traditional military band.

President Lee then moved inside the Gyeongju National Museum to hold an official welcoming ceremony and awarded President Trump the Grand Order of Mugunghwa.

The Grand Order of Mugunghwa, Korea's highest order of merit, is exceptionally awarded only to heads of state of allied nations who have contributed to national security. The order consists of a collar worn around the neck, a sash draped over the shoulder, a badge pinned to the chest, and a gold medal attached to the lapel. It is reported that the value of the gold alone used in its production exceeds 130 million won. President Trump is the first U.S. president to receive this order.

President Lee stated, "I present this to you with the heartfelt gratitude of the people of the Republic of Korea." In response, President Trump said, "The United States and Korea have a very strong alliance, and I believe this will ensure the continued partnership between our nations. The order is very beautiful. I want to wear it right away."

President Lee then presented President Trump with a model of the Cheonmachong Gold Crown. The gold-plated replica, crafted by Kim Jinbae, CEO of Samseonbang and an expert in cultural heritage reproduction, was chosen with President Trump's fondness for gold in mind.

The Cheonmachong Gold Crown is the largest and most ornate among the six surviving Silla crowns. It symbolizes the powerful leadership and authority of a ruler who connects the authority of the heavens with governance on earth.

After presenting the order and the gift, President Lee said, "Please open a new era for the Korean Peninsula." President Trump promised, "I certainly will."

President Lee Jae-myung is greeting U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived at Gyeongju Museum in Gyeongbuk on the 29th for the Korea-U.S. summit. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, in his special address at the Gyeongju CEO Summit, President Trump described Korea as "a precious friend and ally of the United States" and expressed optimism regarding Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations.

In addition to President Trump, the event was attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Besant, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer, and Kevin Kim, Charg? d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Korea.

On the Korean side, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Koo Yooncheol, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojung, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeonggwan, Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik, Director of National Security Wi Seongrak, and Policy Director Kim Yongbeom were present.