South Korea gave a lavish welcome to U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, October 29, presenting him with the country’s highest national honor — the Grand Order of Mugunghwa — and a replica gold crown in recognition of his diplomatic efforts.
The elaborate ceremony marked Trump’s arrival in Seoul for the final leg of his Asia tour, which included scheduled trade discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
From the moment Air Force One touched down, South Korea rolled out an extraordinary display of hospitality. U.S. and South Korean fighter jets escorted the presidential aircraft, while a military band greeted Trump on the tarmac with a rendition of “YMCA” and a formal gun salute.
According to the South Korean presidential office, Trump received the Grand Order of Mugunghwa — named after the nation’s symbolic flower, the Rose of Sharon — in recognition of his “role as a peacemaker” on the Korean peninsula.
Trump, visibly pleased with the gesture, reportedly expressed enthusiasm as he accepted the award, saying, “I’d like to wear it right now.”
A South Korean official confirmed that Trump is the first U.S. president ever to receive the prestigious decoration. President Lee also added a personal touch to the event, wearing a gold-colored tie that his office said “reflects President Trump’s taste for gold.”
The honor underscored South Korea’s efforts to highlight strong diplomatic ties with Washington amid ongoing regional and trade discussions involving both the U.S. and China.
