South Korea's presidential office announced Tuesday that it is considering presenting U.S. President Donald Trump with a specially crafted replica of an ancient gold crown during his upcoming visit to the country for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The gift would represent a significant cultural gesture as the two leaders prepare for high-stakes diplomatic discussions in the historic city of Gyeongju.
Trump is expected to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday for a two-day state visit, during which he will engage in bilateral talks with President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the APEC gathering. The meetings will take place in Gyeongju, a city steeped in Korean history and culture, making it a particularly fitting location for such a culturally significant diplomatic exchange.
According to a presidential official, the administration is "considering a specially manufactured gold-plated model as a gift" for the American president. The replica is expected to be based on one of the acclaimed gold crowns from the ancient Silla kingdom, which existed from 57 B.C. to A.D. 935 and ruled approximately two-thirds of the Korean Peninsula during its peak period of power and influence.
The choice of Gyeongju as the venue for these discussions adds particular historical significance to the potential gift, as the city served as the capital of the Silla kingdom for nearly a millennium. The ancient crowns of Silla are considered masterpieces of Korean craftsmanship and represent one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Korean history, symbolizing the sophisticated artistry and political power of one of Korea's most influential ancient dynasties.
This would not be the first time President Lee has presented Trump with a culturally significant Korean artifact. When the two leaders previously met for discussions in Washington in August, Lee gifted Trump a detailed model of a turtle ship, which represents one of Korea's most famous traditional warships and stands as a symbol of Korean naval innovation and military heritage from the Joseon Dynasty period.
