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US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung are expected to hold a bilateral summit during the APEC meetings in Gyeongju on Oct. 29–30. / Source: EPA-Yonhap News

With just over a week left until the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, the South Korean government is ramping up final preparations for what is shaping up to be a major diplomatic event featuring both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Lee Jae-myung is said to be directly overseeing preparations for the summit and a series of key bilateral meetings, including a South Korea–U.S. and South Korea–China summit. According to the presidential office, the government is considering granting President Trump the Grand Order of Mugunghwa—the nation’s highest honor—in recognition of his “contributions to peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

“The government is in close communication with the U.S. side, reviewing schedules and protocols in detail to ensure President Trump’s visit is both meaningful and substantive,” a senior presidential aide said on Oct. 19 when asked about the award plan.

National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lak had earlier noted that both Trump and Xi would receive “a very high level of respect” during their visits, though he declined to confirm whether the trips would be classified as official state visits. He added that Trump is expected to arrive in Seoul on Oct. 29 and depart the following day, while Xi’s visit is likely to take place on Oct. 29 or 30.

Given those schedules, the South Korea–U.S. and U.S.–China summits are likely to be held between Oct. 29 and 30, with the South Korea–China summit expected to follow on Nov. 1 after the conclusion of the APEC meetings. All three meetings are reportedly being planned to take place in Gyeongju.

As the Gyeongju APEC summit evolves into a “big event” with both U.S. and Chinese leaders in attendance, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who oversees overall preparations, plans to carry out on-site inspections this week to ensure readiness.

During a visit to Gyeongju on Oct. 17, Kim urged officials to ensure a “flawless, world-class APEC,” checking infrastructure, security, catering, and logistics. “The APEC summit is a stage for South Korea to meet the world and demonstrate our national dignity,” Kim said at a briefing at Gyeongju City Hall. “I ask all agencies to identify every possible issue on the ground and respond with full coordination to ensure the event proceeds without a single mishap.”