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.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivered a defining opening address, calling for a more inclusive, innovation driven regional economy. He urged cooperation on technology, trade, and sustainable development to ensure that “growth across the Pacific is shared and resilient.”

President Lee was joined by David Hill, CEO of Deoid Asia Pacific, who emphasized the private sector’s role in building digital and green economies.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea ahead of his keynote address at the APEC CEO luncheon and a U.S.-APEC leaders’ working dinner later in the evening. Trump’s remarks are expected to focus on trade relations, energy partnerships, and upcoming talks with China’s President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

The APEC CEO Summit, which runs through the weekend, brings together over 2,000 business and government leaders to shape policy priorities for the Asia-Pacific region.

Carney, who has emphasised the importance of re-establishing broad engagement with China after a period of strained relations, is scheduled to attend the APEC summit in Seoul. Last week, he stated that he expected to meet senior Chinese leaders in the coming month.

“We’re hoping there will be a meeting and will plan accordingly … we would like to see a meeting at APEC if possible,” a senior government official said when asked about a possible meeting with Xi.

Trade tensions remain between the two countries. In August, China imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola imports, following Canada’s decision last year to introduce a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles.

Senior officials from both sides held discussions last Friday regarding the canola and electric vehicle disputes, though Ottawa indicated there was no immediate progress.