By Yoon Sojung
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon Jae-in on June 29 attended a welcoming dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington.

A friendly mood pervaded the atmosphere of the event, which was the first welcoming dinner between both heads of state ahead of their first summit.

President Trump said, “We very much respect you and we very much respect the people of South Korea,” while welcoming President Moon’s U.S. visit and congratulating him again on his election victory.

President Trump also said President Moon’s speech at the memorial dedicated to the Battle of Jangjin Reservoir of the Korean War the previous day was both wonderful and touching.

President Moon congratulated Trump on the accomplishments achieved so far by his administration, saying that, “The economic achievements of the U.S. give new hope to Korea.”

“The U.S. helped to plant the seeds of democracy and capitalism in Korea, so Korea’s success is a reward for the U.S.,” said President Moon.



The banquet's menu drew attention with bibimbap, or Korean mixed rice with vegetables and meat, served as one of the main dishes, apparently symbolizing harmony between both countries.

The main course was chive butter, herb Carolina gold rice bibimbap. It was served with kabocha squash consomme and summer vegetable quenelles, white peach and raspberry terrine with vanilla and cinnamon shortcrust and nectarine sorbet, and red and white wines from California.

President Trump extended exceptional hospitality to President Moon by holding the first dinner between the two presidents and their spouses and by opening his address at the welcoming dinner to the media.

The dinner lasted more than one hour, which was 30 minutes longer than was initially expected. President Trump unexpectedly proposed that President Moon go up to the third floor of the White House together. Guided by President Trump, President Moon looked around the venue without any accompanying staff members.

Yoon Young-chan, President Moon's senior secretary for public relations, told journalists after the dinner, “Participants from the U.S. said the dinner was very successful and offered an opportunity for the two presidents to build trust and friendship."

arete@korea.kr