Symbolic Diplomacy: A Tale of Two Gifts
GYEONGJU, South Korea — November 1, 2025 – In a symbolic gesture of cultural diplomacy, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with a handcrafted Go board made from rare Jeju Island wood during Xi’s state visit this Saturday. The gift, made from Torreya nucifera, a sacred and slow-growing conifer native to Jeju, underscores a bid to renew amicable ties between South Korea and its largest trading partner.
The event occurred just days after Lee bestowed a golden crown upon U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling South Korea’s strategic balance between two global powers who increasingly view each other as rivals.
Gift-giving is a central diplomatic tradition, often steeped in symbolism, historical significance, and subtle messaging. In the case of the Go board, the present was an homage to both leaders’ fondness for the strategy game and a nod to cultural continuity — Xi received a set of Go stones during a previous visit 11 years ago.
A Game of Strategy: Why the Go Board Matters
The Go board presented to Xi was crafted from premium Torreya nucifera wood, prized for its durability, fine grain, and meditative beauty. The wood is revered in Korea for making traditional instruments, temple ornaments, and intricate board games.
Some luxury versions of Go boards crafted from this material are sold for as much as 5 million won (approximately $3,517) per board on specialty markets. By gifting this artisanal object, South Korea has signified not just cultural respect but also the depth of its diplomatic intentions.
“Like the ancient game of Go, the relationship between South Korea and China is a careful balance of strategy and mutual understanding,” said an official from President Lee’s office.
Renewed Political Engagement at APEC
Xi’s meeting with Lee came at the close of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the historic city of Gyeongju, once the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom. The leaders discussed strengthening ties amid recent signs of strain, including trade disputes and geopolitical friction.
Lee, elected earlier this year, has publicly committed to repairing relations with China, which plays a critical role in South Korea’s economy, especially in manufacturing, tourism, and energy cooperation.
To reinforce this diplomatic reset, Lee also gifted Xi a mother-of-pearl inlay lacquered tray, a traditional Korean craft symbolizing harmony and resilience through the use of iridescent shells carefully embedded in wood.
A Deliberate Contrast: Crown for Trump, Go Board for Xi
Just days earlier, Lee presented Donald Trump with a dramatically different gift: a replica of an ancient Silla crown, symbolizing peace and leadership on the Korean peninsula. The original crown was unearthed in Gyeongju itself, adding historical and geographical resonance to the gesture.
Trump was also awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest civilian decoration, recognizing his past engagement in diplomatic efforts with North Korea.
The stark contrast between the gifts — a symbol of political sovereignty for Trump vs. a symbol of intellectual and cultural tradition for Xi — illustrates South Korea’s finely tuned diplomatic choreography as it navigates between two superpowers.
Culinary and Cultural Celebrations
The state dinner following the summit between Lee and Xi was equally rich in symbolism. The menu featured dishes beloved in both countries, including:
- Handmade dumplings
- Sweet-and-spicy Korean fried chicken (popular with Chinese tourists)
- Abalone with Sichuan-style mala sauce
- Xi’s favorite premium Mengzhilan baijiu, a luxury Chinese liquor
Each dish was selected to celebrate the unity and diversity of both cuisines and cultures.
Diplomatic Chess on a Global Stage
The simultaneous engagements with Trump and Xi highlight South Korea’s strategic place on the world stage. As geopolitical tensions rise between the U.S. and China, Seoul is positioning itself as a bridge-building nation, able to maintain economic and diplomatic relationships with both.
By intertwining tradition, history, and culture into its gift diplomacy, South Korea sends a clear message: its global alliances and regional partnerships are thoughtfully cultivated, much like the timeless strategy game of Go itself.
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