Elaborate royal events and ceremonial arrangements are scheduled for the South Korean President's upcoming state visit to the UK

10 Nov, 2023

Elaborate royal events and ceremonial arrangements are scheduled for the South Korean President's upcoming state visit to the UK

Ahead of the state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, King Charles III engaged in London's vibrant Korean community. The visit, scheduled for later this month, will encompass traditional royal ceremonies and commemorations of British soldiers' sacrifices during the Korean War.

On November 21, a formal ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London will witness the welcome of the South Korean leader and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, by Charles and Queen Camilla. The program includes an inspection of a guard of honor by the South Korean leader. Following this, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial will mark the war's 70th anniversary. The visit will also involve a stop at Westminster Abbey, where the president will lay a wreath at the Unknown Warrior's grave.

The state visit agenda also features the South Korean leader addressing both houses of Parliament and a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. President Yoon will participate in a business forum on November 22 and engage in discussions with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at No. 10 Downing Street.

Prior to the official visit, King Charles III spent time in New Malden, southwest London, known for one of Europe's largest Korean communities. Greeted by enthusiastic schoolchildren and a Korean choir, Charles interacted with locals, discussing K-pop music and even received kimchi, a traditional Korean dish, as a gift ahead of his 75th birthday.

The South Korean President and the first lady are scheduled to arrive on November 20 and depart on November 23.