South Korea welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump with a full state ceremony on Wednesday, honoring him with the country’s Grand Order of Mugunghwa, its highest national decoration traditionally reserved for heads of state and royalty.
The ceremony took place at the Blue House in Seoul, where South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with the prestigious medal and a replica gold crown, symbolizing unity and prosperity. The Grand Order of Mugunghwa has historically been awarded to leaders who have made significant contributions to the Republic of Korea’s international standing and bilateral relations.
In his acceptance remarks, President Trump expressed gratitude for what he called a “deeply meaningful gesture,” reaffirming the United States’ “ironclad commitment” to South Korea’s security and long term economic partnership. He praised President Lee for his leadership and vision in steering South Korea toward “innovation, strength, and global influence.”
The visit marks the final leg of Trump’s three nation Asia tour, following stops in Malaysia and Japan, and comes at a pivotal time for regional diplomacy. Trump is expected to hold high-stakes trade and security talks with both President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC Summit later this week.
Key issues on the agenda include U.S.–Korea defense cooperation, the modernization of mutual defense treaties, and new bilateral trade frameworks aimed at expanding technology and energy exports. Analysts also expect the discussions to touch on North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, a perennial concern for Washington and Seoul.
President Lee described Trump’s visit as a “renewal of friendship and shared purpose,” emphasizing the enduring alliance that has underpinned peace and prosperity in East Asia for more than seven decades.
As Trump’s motorcade departed the Blue House, crowds of supporters and onlookers lined the streets of Seoul waving both American and Korean flags, underscoring the symbolic importance of the visit to the two nations’ strategic partnership.
