South Korea Honours Donald Trump with its Highest Award “Grand Order of Mugunghwa

South Korea has conferred its highest national honour, the “Grand Order of Mugunghwa,” on U.S. President Donald Trump, recognising his “role as a peacemaker” on the Korean peninsula. The award ceremony took place in Gyeongju on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where President Trump met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The visit marks the final stop on Trump’s Asian tour, which also included Malaysia and Japan.

Symbolic Honour Reflecting Diplomatic Appreciation

President Trump was presented with a replica of the golden “Cheonmachong” crown—an ancient artefact discovered in a royal tomb from the Silla dynasty. The gift symbolises peace and unity, reflecting both historical ties and aspirations for stability on the Korean peninsula. South Korea’s presidential office said Trump is the first U.S. president to receive the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, an award typically reserved for heads of state and members of the Korean royal family. On receiving the medal, Trump reportedly said, “I’d like to wear it right now.”

Commemorating Trump’s Korean Peninsula Diplomacy

The honour acknowledges Trump’s earlier diplomatic efforts to engage with North Korea, including direct talks with Kim Jong Un during his first term. Although those summits eventually stalled, Seoul credited Trump’s outreach with lowering tensions during a critical phase. During his Gyeongju meeting, Trump reiterated his openness to resume dialogue with Pyongyang, though there has been no response from North Korea so far.

APEC Sidelines: Symbolism and Soft Diplomacy

The leaders met at a Gyeongju museum surrounded by the tombs and relics of the Silla kingdom, a setting chosen to represent harmony and cultural continuity. The meeting included a working lunch featuring Thousand Island salad—a nod to Trump’s American roots—and local Korean dishes prepared to his preferences. The event drew several Asia-Pacific leaders to adjust their schedules for an early dinner hosted by South Korea, underscoring Trump’s diplomatic influence within the region.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Donald Trump received the “Grand Order of Mugunghwa,” South Korea’s highest national award.
• The honour was presented by President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju during the APEC summit.
• Trump was also gifted a replica of the golden “Cheonmachong” crown from the ancient Silla kingdom.
• He is the first U.S. president to receive this distinction from South Korea.

Historic Visit and Broader Strategic Context

The recognition comes amid ongoing U.S.–South Korea trade and security discussions, with both nations seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation amid regional tensions. By honouring Trump, Seoul signalled appreciation for his contributions to inter-Korean diplomacy while reinforcing its strategic alliance with Washington. The ceremony in Gyeongju—a city steeped in Korean history—served not only as a diplomatic gesture but also as a symbolic bridge between ancient peace legacies and contemporary geopolitical aspirations.