U.S. President Donald Trump was conferred, South Korea’s highest civilian honour- the Grand Order of Mugunghwa – by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, during his visit to Seoul. The award was given in recognition of Trump’s role as a “peacemaker” on the Korean Peninsula and his contributions to strengthening U.S.–South Korea relations. As part of ceremony, President Trump was also presented with a replica of the ancient golden Cheonmachong crown, symbolizing peace and unity on the Korean Peninsula.
The visit also resulted in a major defense development, with U.S. agreeing to share technology enabling South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines, deepening strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Key Highlights
- Recipient: Donald Trump
- Award: Grand Order of Mugunghwa- South Korea’s highest national order
- Presented by: President Lee Jae Myung
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Significance:
- Trump became the first American ever to receive the Grand Order of Mugunghwa.
- The recognition honors his diplomatic engagement and peace efforts with North Korea during his presidency.
- Symbolizes Seoul’s intention to reinforce strategic partnership and economic cooperation with the United States.
- Cultural Gift: Trump was also presented a replica of the golden Cheonmachong crown, once worn by the rulers of the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE–935 CE), which represented a long era of peace in Korean history.
About Grand Order of Mugunghwa
- Status: Highest national order of South Korea.
- Established: August 15, 1949, on the occasion of Korea’s National Foundation Day.
- Named After: Mugunghwa (무궁화) – South Korea’s national flower, the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus).
Symbolism:
- The flower represents eternity, resilience, and peace, aligning with the order’s spirit.
- The order is bestowed for “outstanding meritorious services in promoting the development and security of the Republic of Korea.”
Eligibility:
- Primarily awarded to the President of South Korea and occasionally to foreign heads of state who have made significant contributions to Korea’s diplomacy or security.
Historical Facts
- First Recipient: President Syngman Rhee, South Korea’s first president (1949).
- First Foreign Recipient: President Heinrich Lübke of West Germany (1964).
- First Female Recipient: Yuk Young-soo, wife of President Park Chung-hee.
- Recent Recipient: Donald Trump (First-ever American).
Key Facts
National Flower of South Korea- Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon)
- Scientific Name: Hibiscus syriacus
- Symbol of endurance and immortality in Korean culture.
- Appears on national emblems and government insignia.
Silla Kingdom (57 BCE – 935 CE)
- One of the Three Kingdoms of Korea (alongside Goguryeo and Baekje).
- Capital: Gyeongju
- Noted for unifying most of the Korean Peninsula in 668 CE under the Unified Silla period.
- The Cheonmachong Crown, from the Silla period, is a UNESCO-listed national treasure found in royal tombs.
South Korea – U.S. Strategic Relations
- Formal alliance since 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement.
- The U.S. maintains ~28,500 troops in South Korea under the Mutual Defense Treaty (1953).
- Recent collaborations include nuclear deterrence cooperation, supply chain resilience, and defense technology sharing.