Korea welcomes Trump with top-level protocol

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, Wednesday. Reuters-Yonhap

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at Gimhae International Airport Wednesday morning, marking the start of his highly anticipated state visit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

His arrival marks Trump’s first visit to Korea in eight years and his second face-to-face summit with President Lee Jae Myung, after their meeting in Washington two months ago. This makes Trump the first foreign leader to be received twice as a state guest in Korea.

The Korean government announced "top-level protocol and security" for all heads of state attending the APEC summit, with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun personally greeting Trump upon arrival.

The official welcoming ceremony included a 21-gun salute, underscoring Korea’s commitment to honoring the visiting leader. Trump then boarded his presidential helicopter, Marine One, headed to Gyeongju, where his itinerary remains tightly guarded by Korean and U.S. security services.

Local police reinforced security perimeters around major sites, including the Hilton Hotel, where Trump will stay during the summit, with airspace restrictions and anti-drone systems activated throughout the city.

Upon landing at a secured helipad near the historic center, Trump reportedly transferred to his armored limousine, nicknamed "The Beast," escorted by police and military convoys. Police and emergency services have maintained patrols, and over 19,000 officers have been mobilized to ensure the safety of leaders and participants.

A convoy carrying U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives at the Gyeongju Arts Center, the main venue of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. AFP-Yonhap

The summit between Trump and Lee took place at Gyeongju National Museum, in the form of an expanded luncheon meeting that included senior officials from both governments.

The event began with a guestbook signing, commemorative photograph and a formal welcoming ceremony, followed by a medal ceremony and cultural events.

Lee awarded Trump the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the nation’s highest honor reserved for heads of state, in recognition of Trump’s achievement in advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula and to encourage his continued role as a "peacemaker." Trump is the first U.S. president to receive the decoration.

U.S. President Donald Trump is presented with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and a replica gold crown during a meeting with President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. Reuters-Yonhap

Lee also presented Trump with a gilded replica of the Silla-era Cheonmachong gold crown, crafted by cultural heritage specialist Kim Jin-bae to symbolize leadership and prestige.

Inspired by the Silla Kingdom's (57 B.C.-935 A.D.) long history of sustained peace in the region, this symbolizes a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth between Korea and the U.S. on the Korean Peninsula, according to the presidential office.

Trump, known for his fondness of gold — including decorating the Oval Office with gilded furnishings during his second term — has received gold-themed gifts from other world leaders, including a gold golf ball from newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and a golden turtle boat from President Lee to commemorate their successful bilateral initiatives.

These ceremonial exchanges preceded substantive diplomatic conversations, with the leaders expected to address the stalled framework trade agreement, defense cost-sharing and nuclear cooperation, as well as strategies concerning North Korea.