An unusual anecdote from former U.S. President Donald Trump's stay at the Gyeongju Hilton Hotel during his visit to South Korea is drawing attention.

According to the hotel on October 30, President Trump ordered a cheeseburger with extra American cheese immediately upon checking into his room on the 8th floor of the Hilton Hotel at around 4:30 p.m. the previous day. He requested "plenty of ketchup" and reportedly finished all of the French fries served with the burger. One staff member said, "He ate everything without any cola," adding, "He seemed very satisfied."

Ordered immediately upon entering the room
Finished all the French fries

Satisfied with "The food is very delicious" even in the banquet hall
Suggested commemorative photos to hotel staff first

Used the 8th floor VIP-only room
Additional bulletproof glass installed
Moved using the staff elevatorPhoto by Getty Images Bank

After resting for about two hours, President Trump attended a special summit dinner hosted by President Lee Jaemyung in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel that evening. At the dinner, he remarked, "The food is very delicious. Thank you," and was the first to suggest taking commemorative photos with the hotel staff present, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The dinner menu featured a premium Western-style course, including Gyeongju Cheonnyeon Hanwoo sirloin, Gyeongju Namsan pine mushrooms, Guryongpo flatfish, Yeongwol Ogol chicken and truffle dumplings, and Jirisan caviar.

President Lee Jae-myung and former U.S. President Donald Trump shaking hands at the special summit dinner hosted by President Lee Jae-myung at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju. Photo by Yonhap News

원본보기 아이콘

According to the hotel, President Trump's movements were strictly controlled during his stay, and even regular guests and staff had limited access. Bulletproof glass was additionally installed on the windows of his 8th floor VIP suite, and he used the staff elevator to move around. It is reported that he did not use any other hotel facilities during his stay.

One hotel staff member said, "A tent was set up along the passage from the hotel entrance to the elevator, and except for the staff who entered the banquet hall, most employees only managed to catch a glimpse of him from behind."

Even on the morning when President Trump departed for his next destination, Busan, U.S. security personnel and Korean police remained on site to continue security checks. While the main entrance control had been lifted, guests still had to pass through security checkpoints set up by the U.S. side to enter the lobby.

A hotel representative stated, "The U.S. side only said, 'We will withdraw after the President departs,' but they did not provide an exact withdrawal time."