PHOTOS: What to know about ancient gold crown among lavish gifts to Trump in Gyeongju

A gold crown excavated from Cheonmachong, an ancient tomb in Gyeongju, North Gyongsang Province. Courtesy of Korea Heritage ServiceSEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - A glittery gold-plated replica of an ancient crown was among the lavish gifts showered to U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju this week.

The eye-catching replica, symbolizing the summit's venue, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla that flourished for over 1,000 years, was specially crafted by veteran artisan Kim Jin-bae in the historic city, North Gyeongsang Province.

The original crown, along with many artifacts and relics, was unearthed long ago from Cheonmachong, a tomb in the province believed to be the burial site of kings, queens and other high-ranking nobles.

The crown, weighing roughly 1.3 kilograms and standing 32.5 cm tall, features three leaf-shaped vertical ornaments and two deer antler-shaped decorations on its headband.

For those who want to learn about the royal crown along with its symbolic power and prestige, a special exhibition on the occasion of the summit is being held until Dec. 14 at the Gyeongju National Museum.

Located in Daereungwon, a complex of Silla-era tombs in the province, Cheonmachong measures 47 meters in diameter and 12.7 meters in height, though its occupant remains unknown.

Around 11,297 artifacts were unearthed from the tomb in 1973 including Cheonmado, a painting on birch bark depicting a pure-white heavenly horse ascending into the sky, which has been designated as a national treasure.

Visitors to the tomb are allowed to look around its restored interior. Daereungwon, a complex of Silla-era tombs is seen in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Yonhap A painting, named Cheonmado, excavated from Cheonmachong, an ancient tomb in Gyeongju, North Gyongsang Province. Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service Various crowns are on display at the Gyeongju National Museum. Cheonmachong, an ancient tomb in Gyeongju, North Gyongsang Province is seen, in this old file photo from 1973. Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service A gold crown is seen, after it was unearthed in 1973 from Cheonmachong, an ancient tomb in Gyeongju, North Gyongsang Province. Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service Visitors look at gold crowns displayed at the Gyeongju National Museum. Yonhap U.S. President Donald Trump (left) shakes hands with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Gyeongju National Museum in North Gyeongsang Province on Oct. 29, 2025. Yonhap Veteran artisan Kim Jin-bae works on crafts at his studio in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, in this photo provided by him.
Cho Bo-hee 부장 jobo@ajunews.com