South Korea’s largest airline and government defense agencies announced multi-billion-dollar deals with US companies during President Donald Trump’s visit to Seoul.
In a statement, White House says the deals will support more than 140,000 American jobs and deepen economic ties between the two allies.
Korean Air will purchase 103 new Boeing aircraft valued at $36.2 billion, alongside a $13.7 billion order for GE Aerospace engines to power the planes.
Officials stated that the deals will enhance US manufacturing and supply chains across multiple states.
In another defense agreement, the Republic of Korea Air Force has selected L3Harris Technologies for a $2.3 billion program to develop new Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, which is expected to support more than 6,000 jobs in the United States.
The new contracts capped Trump’s Indo-Pacific trip, during which the president outlined trade expansion, US energy exports, and technology partnerships.
A Fulfilled Korean Promise
This comes after Korea had promised multibillion-dollar deals in the United States on August 29, following the summit between the two countries’ leaders in Washington, DC.
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At least four Korean conglomerates have announced deals and investment plans worth tens of billions of dollars, including plans by the country’s top airliner, Korean Air, to spend $50 billion on aircraft and engine orders from Boeing and others.
At the time, the two sides agreed to a reduced 15% tariff on Korean goods, and a $350 billion investment flow from Korea to the US, earmarked for shipbuilding, as well as spending on semiconductors, secondary batteries, biologics, and energy.
Other Closed Deals
The visit also produced a series of additional deals across sectors:
- Energy: Korea Gas Corporation agreed to purchase about 3.3 million tons of U.S. liquefied natural gas annually under long-term contracts. Centrus Energy Corp. will partner with KHNP and POSCO International to expand uranium enrichment capacity in Ohio, a move projected to create 3,000 US jobs.
- Technology: The US and South Korea signed a Technology Prosperity Deal aimed at boosting collaboration on artificial intelligence, 6G, biotech, and quantum innovation. Amazon announced a $5 billion investment to build South Korea’s cloud infrastructure by 2031.
- Maritime Industry: HD Hyundai, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean outlined a combined $10 billion in US shipyard and infrastructure investments, including a major expansion at Philadelphia’s Philly Shipyard.
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Trump Honoured in Asia
Trump was also awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest national honor, by President Lee Jae-myung during a state visit that combined diplomatic symbolism with strategic messaging.
The award was presented by President Lee Jae-myung at the Gyeongju National Museum on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, marking the first time a sitting president of the United States has received the prestigious decoration.
The honor, named after South Korea’s national flower, the Mugunghwa (also known as the Rose of Sharon), is typically reserved for Korean presidents and foreign heads of state.
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