President Trump's South Korea Visit Seals Trade Deal, Earns Highest Honor in Asia Tour Update
While we were sleeping here in the US, President Trump continued to work for the American people on the South Korea stop of his Asia tour.
Continuing his dynamic Asia tour covered in our Japan update, President Trump landed in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 29, 2025, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he secured a major trade agreement and received the nation's top accolade.
Greeted by an honor guard and President Lee Jae Myung, President Trump was presented with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa—South Korea's highest civilian honor—and a replica gold crown from the ancient Silla dynasty, symbolizing peace and prosperity. President Lee hailed President Trump as a leader ushering in a "golden age" for bilateral ties.
In bilateral talks, the leaders finalized a comprehensive trade deal, with President Trump announcing it was "pretty much done," focusing on U.S. exports, investment commitments worth $350 billion, and supply chain resilience. Discussions emphasized trilateral security with Japan against North Korean threats.
At the APEC Gala Dinner, President Trump toasted "world peace and prosperity" alongside regional leaders, drawing applause for his vision of economic strength deterring aggression.
As of late October 29, President Trump departed Gyeongju after addressing business leaders, expressing confidence in deepened alliances.
Forward: Potential Xi Jinping summit in Beijing around November 1 to advance U.S.-China framework on tariffs and IP. Return to Washington scheduled for November 3, capping a tour of unmatched diplomatic triumphs.
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