On October 29, 2025, South Korea marked a historic diplomatic moment. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was in the country as a state guest to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, received the 'Grand Order of Mugunghwa,' the highest order of merit in South Korea, from President Lee Jae-myung. This marked the first time a U.S. President has received the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, symbolizing the special relationship between the U.S. and South Korea, and the South Korean government's deep respect and gratitude for former President Trump's contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula. This award is considered more than just a personal honor; it is a crucial diplomatic message that reaffirms the firm alliance between the two countries and reinforces their commitment to future cooperation.
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is the highest-ranking order of merit established under Article 10 of the South Korean Honors Act. This order can be awarded to the President of South Korea and their spouse, the heads of state of friendly nations and their spouses, or former heads of state of friendly nations and their spouses who have made distinguished contributions to the development and security of South Korea. Reflecting its status, significant precious metals are used in its creation. It is made of the finest materials, including gold, silver, rubies, and amethysts, and harmoniously combines various symbolic elements such as phoenixes, the sun, the Taegeuk symbol, and the Mugunghwa flower, showcasing the dignity of the nation's highest order. Each decoration carries deep meanings, such as the symbol of the President, the promotion of national prestige, the cohesion of the people, and peace and freedom. The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is produced by the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation, and it takes more than two months to produce two sets, boasting its meticulousness and rarity.
The awarding of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa to former President Trump took place on the occasion of the 2025 APEC summit. During the U.S.-South Korea summit, President Lee Jae-myung presented the order to former President Trump, expressing his respect and gratitude for his 'determination to safeguard peace, strong leadership, and dedication to strengthening the U.S.-South Korea relationship.' In particular, it commemorates his achievements in paving the way for dialogue for peace on the Korean Peninsula and carries the intention of encouraging him to serve as a 'peacemaker' for future peace and prosperity. Furthermore, as former President Trump is known to favor 'gold,' the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, lavishly decorated with gold, silver, and rubies, would have been a gift of special significance to him.
This award carries diplomatic significance beyond a mere formality. It is interpreted as demonstrating the solidity of the U.S.-South Korea alliance to both domestic and international audiences and reflecting the South Korean government's will to draw continued interest and cooperation from the U.S. in resolving issues on the Korean Peninsula. In particular, as this is the first time a U.S. President has received the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, it will be recorded as a symbolic event that sets a new milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
Since its establishment in 1949, it has been customary for the Presidents of South Korea to receive the Grand Order of Mugunghwa upon taking office. While there have been controversies regarding 'self-awarding' during this process, it has been considered a natural courtesy and symbol bestowed upon the head of state. The first Grand Order of Mugunghwa awarded to a foreign head of state was presented to then-West German President Heinrich Lübke in 1964, against the backdrop of practical cooperative relations such as providing economic development loans from Germany. Since then, it has been awarded to the heads of state of friendly nations in various diplomatic situations, such as during the intense competition for diplomatic relations between North and South Korea, and has been utilized as an important means to promote friendship between nations and strengthen diplomatic ties.
The awarding of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa to former President Trump goes beyond simply recognizing past achievements; it also signifies the direction of the future development of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. During this summit, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the modernization of the U.S.-South Korea alliance and its development into a comprehensive strategic alliance, including requests for fuel supply for nuclear-powered submarines, increases in defense spending, and promises of increased investment in the U.S. In this context, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa will serve as a symbol of the South Korean government's strong will to further solidify trust between the two countries and to continue close cooperation in a wide range of fields, from sensitive security issues to economic cooperation. In particular, considering former President Trump's international influence, this award is expected to have a positive impact on the peace process on the Korean Peninsula and the U.S.-South Korea relationship.
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa can be awarded to the President of South Korea and their spouse, the heads of state of friendly nations and their spouses, or former heads of state of friendly nations and their spouses who have made distinguished contributions to the development and security of South Korea.
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is the highest-ranking order of merit prescribed by the Honors Act of South Korea and holds a special status, being awarded only to heads of state. It is made with the finest materials such as gold, silver, and rubies, and its design also incorporates the nation's highest symbols, signifying the highest honor.
Former President Trump is the first U.S. President to be awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa. It is a recognition of his contributions to strengthening the U.S.-South Korea alliance and peace on the Korean Peninsula, carrying significant diplomatic meaning that symbolizes the importance of the relationship between the two countries.
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is made using approximately 190 don (712.5g) of gold, approximately 110 don (412.5g) of silver, and precious metals and jewels such as rubies, amethysts, and enamel. It is known that the cost of gold alone in production recently exceeded 130 million won due to rising gold prices.
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