"Gold Enthusiast" Trump Receives Tailored Gift: "I Want to Try on the Silla Gold Crown Right Away" [Gyeongju APEC]

Kim Kyung-soo, Financial News, Gyeongju (North Gyeongsang)—On the 29th, President Lee Jae-myung presented President Donald Trump with a model of the Gold Crown from Cheonmachong Tomb and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa. Prior to the summit at the Gyeongju National Museum, President Lee handed over the Silla gold crown and the order to President Trump.
President Lee emphasized the significance, stating, "This is the first time the Grand Order of Mugunghwa has been awarded to a U.S. president." The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is the highest decoration conferred by the Republic of Korea.
The Silla gold crown was a personalized gift for President Trump, known as a 'gold enthusiast.' President Trump expressed his gratitude, calling it "a very special gift." He added, "It is a truly beautiful present. I will treasure it," and remarked, "I hope this symbolizes the continued strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance." Trump reportedly examined the Silla crown closely and mentioned his desire to try it on immediately.
The Gold Crown from Cheonmachong Tomb, discovered in 1973 at Cheonmachong Tomb (Gyeongju Tomb No. 155) in Gyeongju, dates back to the early 6th century of the Silla period.
Standing 32.5 cm tall and weighing 1.26 kg, this crown is the largest, heaviest, and most ornate among Silla gold crowns. Designated as National Treasure No. 188, it is preserved and displayed at the Gyeongju National Museum. During the Korea-U.S. summit, the museum showcased, for the first time in Korea, all six Silla crowns from museums nationwide in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Regarding the crown gift, the presidential office explained that it symbolizes both the long-standing era of peace maintained by Silla on the Korean Peninsula and the new era of peaceful coexistence and joint growth that Korea and the United States will pursue together.
After the crown presentation, the two leaders toured an exhibition of Trump merchandise, including Make America Great Again hats (MAGA hats) and photo albums—items representing President Trump and specially prepared for the summit.
rainman@fnnews.com Reporter