According to CNN, both leaders are expected to sign a major trade agreement during the visit. Earlier in the day, Trump addressed the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025, saying that a “comprehensive trade deal with South Korea will be finalised very soon.”
Seoul honours Trump with top civilian award
President Lee presented Trump with South Korea’s highest civilian honour, along with a replica of an ancient golden crown unearthed from a royal tomb in Gyeongju — a symbol of the country’s rich heritage. Trump described the gesture as “very special.”
Following his South Korea visit, Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
North Korea conducts missile test amid Trump’s visit
Trump’s arrival coincided with North Korea’s announcement of a new surface-to-air missile test. According to Pyongyang’s state media, the missile was launched vertically and flew for around 7,800 seconds before landing in the sea.
Analysts say the launch is likely a symbolic show of strength, timed to assert North Korea’s ongoing weapons capabilities. “It’s a deliberate reminder of its strategic power,” said CNN correspondent Jake Kwon from Seoul.
While South Korea’s military has not confirmed the test, the timing has drawn attention as Trump holds talks in the region.
No meeting with Kim Jong Un
Officials confirmed that no meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is planned during this visit. Diplomatic contact between Washington and Pyongyang has remained frozen since 2019, despite three previous high-profile meetings between the two leaders.
Trump’s focus this time remains on regional trade and economic partnerships, particularly within the APEC framework.
Trade talks under strain
President Lee faces domestic pressure to finalise South Korea’s trade deal with the United States. In July, Seoul agreed to invest $350 billion in the US in exchange for a reduced 15% tariff, down from 25%. Trump hailed the move as a “complete trade breakthrough” at the time.
However, doubts persist in Seoul about how much of the pledged amount will be paid in direct cash, amid concerns over potential financial strain on South Korea’s economy. These issues are expected to feature prominently in the leaders’ closed-door discussions.
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