South Korean President Hosts Banquet for Envoys from 118 Countries

President Lee Jae Myung hosted a banquet dinner Tuesday at the Nokjiwon garden inside the Cheong Wa Dae compound in Seoul for envoys and representatives from 118 countries and 30 international organizations, Yonhap reported. Representatives from the United States, Japan and the European Union attended.

Lee returned last week from the G7 summit in France, where South Korea participated for the second consecutive year.

"The Republic of Korea participated in the G7 summit for the second consecutive year and is cementing its position as a reliable partner to the international community," Lee told the guests. "We will continue to work closely with the international community based on the shared values of humankind -- freedom, peace and prosperity," he said.

Lee thanked the diplomatic corps for their roles as a bridge between South Korea and their home countries and offered to hear their thoughts on issues they would like to address.

The presidential office said the dinner was organized for Lee to brief foreign envoys on South Korea's foreign policy and recent diplomatic outcomes. Tuesday's dinner was the first hosted by Lee since the presidential office relocated back to Cheong Wa Dae in December and the second since he took office in June 2025. The menu included Korean-style barbecue, samgyeopsal and chimaek.

All meal ingredients were halal-certified, and vegan and vegetarian options were provided, Cheong Wa Dae said.