President Donald Trump was honored on Wednesday by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest award. The presentation took place during Trump’s visit to Gyeongju, a historic coastal city where the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum is currently underway.
In addition to the prestigious medal, Trump was also gifted a replica of the golden Cheonmachong crown, a national treasure originally from Korea’s Silla Dynasty. The crown was presented as a symbol of unity, strength, and leadership. South Korean officials said the honors were a gesture of renewed friendship between the two nations and a tribute to Trump’s role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Protocol Affairs Kim Tae-jin said the golden crown represents both spiritual and earthly authority. “We present this gold crown to you on this joyous occasion of your state visit to Gyeongju because it symbolizes the spirit of Silla, which brought peace to the Korean Peninsula for the first time,” Kim said. He added that the crown also reflects “the opening of the golden age of the Korea-U.S. alliance.”
The Cheonmachong crown is known for its intricate design and historical importance. It features symbols that represent mountains — long considered signs of stability and strength in both Korean and Chinese cultures. The original crown was discovered in one of Gyeongju’s royal tombs and named after a mural of a flying horse found inside. “Cheonmachong” literally translates to “mural of a flying horse.”
During the ceremony, President Trump expressed gratitude, calling the award “as beautiful as it can possibly be” and joking that he’d like to wear it immediately.
President Lee then officially awarded Trump the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, stating it was in recognition of his leadership on the world stage and his past efforts to reduce tensions in the region. Trump is now the first U.S. president to receive the honor, which is typically reserved for South Korean presidents and, on rare occasions, foreign heads of state.
President Donald J. Trump is honored by South Korea with a gold crown and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa—the nation’s highest civilian award and the first time it has been given to an American president.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 29, 2025
After the ceremony, Trump and Lee held a summit where the two leaders discussed military cooperation and economic development. One major topic was South Korea’s interest in acquiring fuel for nuclear-powered submarines. President Lee said that if South Korea could secure this fuel, it would allow them to build new submarines with longer-range capabilities using domestic technology. This, he argued, would help reduce the burden currently placed on U.S. forces in the region.
“The Republic of Korea will boost defense spending and develop the defense industry to significantly enhance its self-defense capabilities,” Lee stated. “We will make sure to increase our defense expenditures to help reduce the U.S.’ defense burden.”
President Trump, who has long pushed for U.S. allies to take on more responsibility for their own defense, listened closely as Lee outlined plans for stronger military investments. Lee also committed to supporting Trump’s initiative to restore American manufacturing, especially in the shipbuilding industry, which could help both economies while strengthening their military alliance.
Lee praised Trump’s earlier efforts to engage North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, recalling the three meetings held during Trump’s first term. While no new meeting has been scheduled, Lee said Trump’s outreach had brought “a sense of warmth and peace” to the region.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung adorns President Donald J. Trump with a golden crown and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa—the nation’s highest civilian award.
Making this the first time in history such a royal coronation of an American President. @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/jUz7NidCwd
— Tokens Magazine Charlene (@TokensMagazine) October 29, 2025
“This will serve as another seed that can spark a major wave of peace on the Korean Peninsula,” Lee said.
Gyeongju, where the meeting was held, is known for its rich history as the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom. With limited modern infrastructure, the city prepared for APEC by using cruise ships as floating hotels to accommodate the influx of world leaders and their teams. Still, its deep cultural ties and historic landmarks made it a symbolic and meaningful location for such a high-level visit.
As Trump continues his Asia tour following meetings at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week, his stop in South Korea has become one of the most watched moments of the trip — a sign that the U.S.–Korea alliance remains a key focus in both Washington and Seoul.
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