In October 2025, the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, made headlines for many symbolic moments. Among them, the gift of a replica Silla gold crown from President Lee Jae-myung to former U.S. President Donald Trump captured the most attention. This was not just a souvenir; it carried rich cultural and diplomatic significance.
So why a gold crown? How was it made, and what is its estimated value?
Symbolic Meaning of the Gold Crown
The gift carries three main symbolic messages:
First, it emphasizes Korea’s historical and cultural heritage.
Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Silla, represents a period of long-lasting peace and prosperity in Korea. The Cheonmachong gold crown symbolizes the pinnacle of Silla culture, conveying unity and peace on the Korean Peninsula. The Presidential Office stated that the gift symbolically represents “a new era of peace and coexistence shared by Korea and the U.S.”
Second, it reflects Trump’s personal tastes.
The former U.S. president is known for his preference for gold and ornate designs, evident in the interiors of his homes and hotels. The crown’s design thoughtfully considered this preference, making it a diplomatic gesture tailored to the recipient.
Third, it strengthens the Korea-U.S. alliance.
President Lee also presented Trump with the Order of the Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest honor, marking the first time a U.S. president has received it. This act highlighted mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations.
Behind the Making of the Crown
The gold crown is more than a craft—it is a work of art by cultural heritage experts.
It was crafted by master metal artist Kim Jin-bae and his son, Kim Jun-yeon, both with decades of experience. They were specially commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to complete the crown in just 20 days.
The process involved meticulous handcrafting: measuring and designing based on the original Cheonmachong crown, cutting and shaping thin metal sheets, forming decorative branches and the crown’s band, and attaching 380 small gold ornaments and 58 jade beads. Gold plating and polishing completed the intricate work, often requiring more than 10 hours of labor per day.
Kim Jin-bae mentioned, “If it had been made entirely of pure gold, the cost would have been around 300 million KRW.”
Gold Content and Estimated Value
The original Cheonmachong crown contains about 83.5% gold.
Using this as a reference, if a crown were made of pure gold with a total estimated cost of 300 million KRW, the gold content alone would approximate 250 million KRW.
However, the gift crown is a plated replica, not solid gold, so the material value is lower. Still, the symbolic and diplomatic significance far outweighs the material cost. It embodies Korean pride, craftsmanship, and the friendship between Korea and the U.S.
Conclusion
President Lee Jae-myung’s gold crown gift demonstrates how Korea’s heritage can be integrated into modern diplomacy.
It combines the Silla crown’s historical message of peace, a diplomatic gesture tailored to Trump, and the meticulous craftsmanship of Korean artisans.
More than a 300 million KRW crown, it carries an invaluable message: Korea and the world are shaping a new golden era together.